94% of leaders see outsourcing as key to AI-era workforce: report
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Outsourcing is rapidly evolving from a cost-saving strategy into a strategic engine for workforce transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a growing role, according to a new report by Everest Group supported by Emapta.
As cited by Emapta, the study reveals that 94% of business leaders believe outsourcing is critical to reshaping their workforce, while more than half feel competitors are gaining an edge by leveraging outsourced and offshore talent.
The report will be released on December 10, titled “2026 Outlook: New Research on the Future of Outsourcing and the Rise of the AI-Ready.”
Outsourcing expands across business functions
The study indicates that companies are changing the way they think about outsourcing. Sixty percent of respondents reported using outsourced talent across three or more business functions, and eight in ten executives expect their outsourcing footprint to expand or at least remain stable over the next 12–18 months.
The study also emphasizes AI’s growing influence: 67 percent of leaders now consider AI readiness a key factor when selecting outsourcing partners, and 44 percent of enterprises are expanding outsourcing to access AI tools, data capabilities, and specialized expertise.
“Outsourcing is taking on new strategic importance as talent shortages drive demand for expertise at scale,” said Christina Snyder, Global Chief Growth Officer and United States President for Emapta.
“With dedicated staffing, companies can access AI-ready, highly skilled talent, ensure consistent quality, and directly manage offshore teams without time zone challenges. This enables organizations to scale globally while maintaining alignment and operational excellence,” Synder added.
Dedicated staffing models tackle outsourcing challenges
Despite outsourcing’s strategic benefits, the study notes persistent frustrations with traditional models.
Half of respondents cited inconsistent talent quality as a major challenge, while 43 percent struggled to manage multiple providers, and 39 percent reported difficulties coordinating across time zones. Over one-third also struggled to align processes across functions and geographies.
To address these issues, enterprises are increasingly adopting dedicated staffing models.
Currently, 49 percent of companies utilize this model, with an additional 35 percent planning to implement it within the next year and a half.
Leading functions leveraging dedicated staffing include IT, engineering, finance and accounting, marketing, and data analytics, with AI-centric roles also gaining traction.
“Organizations are increasingly leveraging outsourcing strategically to accelerate reskilling, scale digital talent, and embed technology into the operational fabric,” said Chhandak Biswas, Vice President, Everest Group.
Looking ahead, outsourcing appears poised to cement its role as a core component of global workforce strategy. As companies navigate talent shortages and AI integration, dedicated staffing models are likely to redefine operational efficiency and competitiveness, signaling a new era where outsourcing drives both innovation and strategic growth across industries.
