Experts reveal key strategies for successful offshore outsourcing
PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES — Outsourcing experts Derek Gallimore and Richard Croaker recently shared their insights on the complexities of offshoring during a panel discussion.
Their advice covered strategic recruitment, performance management, and cultural considerations essential for effectively managing a global workforce.
How to recruit top offshore talent
Derek Gallimore, CEO of Outsource Accelerator, emphasized the importance of a robust recruitment strategy when seeking offshore talent.
He advised against relying on “benches” of pre-selected candidates, stating, “Typically, if you go to an outsourcing firm and they have a bench of people and they are trying to connect you to their bench of people, that’s kind of a bit of a red light for me.”
Instead, Gallimore recommended a comprehensive market search, similar to traditional employment processes, to find the best candidates. He also acknowledged that recruitment involves a degree of luck and persistence, encouraging firms to continue their search even if the first attempt does not yield the ideal candidate.
Best practices for managing offshore performance
Managing performance across borders requires clear communication and structured feedback. Richard Croaker, CEO of Profitmaster Global Outsourcing, highlighted the necessity of setting explicit goals and standards from the outset, particularly in remote environments.
“It’s very important to have what you expect from the get-go upfront, and then how the metrics to be able to measure that,” he noted.
Croaker emphasized the need for regular performance reviews and feedback to maintain high standards and ensure alignment between offshore and onshore teams.
He also mentioned the importance of considering both the performance metrics of the staff member and the outsourcing company, fostering a partnership and collaboration model.
Understanding cultural differences in offshoring
Understanding cultural differences is vital when working with offshore teams. Gallimore and Croaker stressed the importance of recognizing and adapting to the cultural nuances of the Philippines, a popular outsourcing destination.
Filipinos, they noted, value structured work environments and clear communication. Gallimore added, “Filipinos tend to bond very strongly with their co-workers and the work environment.”
The panel also discussed the significance of fostering a positive work culture and providing regular acknowledgment and rewards to maintain employee loyalty. Croaker highlighted the importance of understanding the mindset and cultural nuances of both Filipino and Australian teams to ensure effective collaboration.
The future of offshoring and outsourcing
As businesses face increasing pressure to manage costs and access skilled talent, offshoring and outsourcing present viable solutions. Gallimore encouraged businesses to explore these options, highlighting the potential to break free from the constraints of local hiring and tap into a global talent pool.
He remarked, “Outsourcing can transform your business. And with the way that salaries are going,…salaries are at all-time highs and not abating.”
The panel highlighted that with the right strategies, offshoring and outsourcing can significantly enhance business efficiency and access to global talent.
By focusing on strategic recruitment, effective performance management, and cultural understanding, companies can successfully navigate the complexities of building and managing a global workforce.
