Hugo, other BPOs lead Outsourcing Impact Review 2025
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Global outsourcing firm Hugo has been named the 2025 Outsourcing Impact Champion by Outsource Accelerator, in recognition of its groundbreaking “Hugo Academy” initiative—a program transforming education and employment pathways for African youth—alongside other business process outsourcing (BPO) companies recognized for their social impact and corporate responsibility efforts.
The awards, recently announced during the launch of the Outsourcing Impact Review (OIR) 2025, highlight the expanding role of the outsourcing industry in driving social progress through education, inclusion, and global workforce development.
The OIR Report, released alongside the awards, also underscored outsourcing companies’ strong commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Empowering Africa’s emerging workforce
Hugo’s ‘Hugo Academy’ was clearly distinguished by an impact-driven model that aimed to address the education-to-employment gap in neglected areas such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal.
More than 2083 youths have benefited from the program, with 66% of the placements being women, thus demonstrating that global outsourcing can be a source of opportunities for marginalized communities.
According to the OIR 2025 Report, 94.5% of Hugo Academy’s 1,320 graduates completed their training programs, with 668 securing positions with international clients through Hugo. These new roles offered a 170% increase in pay compared to local rates, creating “life-changing” impacts for 89% of graduates.
“The 2025 OIR Awards and Report serve as a testament to the growing role of the outsourcing industry in global sustainability efforts,” said Derek Gallimore, chief executive officer (CEO) of Outsource Accelerator. “Companies are not only redefining the outsourcing model but are also transforming how businesses across industries can contribute to positive social change.”
Industry-wide recognition for impact: OIR Awards 2025 winners
This year’s OIR Awards also celebrated dozens of firms leading initiatives in community building, education, diversity, and wellness across the globe.
Education (Small)
- Gold: “Innodata LEARN (Learning, Education, Access, Resilience, and Nurturing)” by Innodata Knowledge Services, Inc.
- Silver: “VH Ministries” by VH BPO SERVICES
Education (Medium)
- Gold: “Solar Powered Clean Water Project” by Probe Group
- Silver: “Digitized Library in Rural Thailand by TDCX Foundation” by TDCX
- Bronze: “The DDC Group’s Commitment to Future Leaders” by The DDC Group
Community Building (Small)
- Gold: “Rooted in Community” by Booth
- Silver: “Integrated OS with Upskills Foundation” by Integrated OS
- Silver: “Innodata CARE (Community Advancement through Resilience & Education)” by Innodata Knowledge Services, Inc.
- Bronze: “THE SVC LEGACY: Bata, Bayani, Bukas” by Select VoiceCom
- Bronze: “Rocket Station Cares” by Rocket Station
- Catalyst for Change: “Happy Feet Fun Run in partnership with Tebow Cure Children’s Hospital” by snapscale
- Catalyst for Change: “Accelerate360” by Shore360 Inc.
- Catalyst for Change: “CBE Cares” by CBE Customer Solutions
- Catalyst for Change: “Corporate Training and Development Program” by Peak Support
Community Building (Medium)
- Gold: “Solar Powered Clean Water Project” by Probe Group
- Silver: “Hearts That Serve, Hands That Build” by Acquire Intelligence
- Bronze: “#BeKinder” by TDCX
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Small)
- Gold: “Innodata DEIB Program” by Innodata Knowledge Services, Inc.
- Silver: “DEI Training Program and Broader Efforts to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” by SupportYourApp
- Bronze: “Filta Forward: Advancing Inclusive Culture Through Development” by Filta
- Catalyst for Change: “Providing Opportunities for Women in India” by Kimon Services
- Catalyst for Change: “Diverse Workforce” by Sales Focus Inc.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Medium)
- Gold: “Building a Stage: How OP360 Champions Gender Equality in BPO” by OfficePartners360
- Silver: “Impact Sourcing – NAPS/NATS” by Fusion CX
Health and Wellness (Small)
- Gold: “Health & Wellness Program with a Charity Match” by Arcanys
- Silver: “Wellness 360 by Innodata” by Innodata Knowledge Services, Inc.
- Bronze: “Thrive” by Hugo
Health and Wellness (Medium)
- Gold: “From Hire to Retire: Building a Resilient Employee Journey” by Gear Inc.
- Silver: “Be The Reason of Someone’s Heartbeat” by SixEleven Global Services and Solutions, Inc.
- Bronze: “Solar Powered Clean Water Project” by Probe Group
Outsourcing’s broader role in social transformation
The OIR 2025 report emphasizes how the outsourcing sector has evolved into a global force for sustainable development. This year, participating firms donated over $100 million in resources and contributed 6,555 volunteer hours, directly benefiting more than 377,000 individuals worldwide.
Gallimore noted that “outsourcing companies are aligning their activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” underscoring commitments to quality education, climate action, and decent work.
As the 2025 Outsourcing Impact Champion, Hugo exemplifies how business process outsourcing can go beyond economic efficiency to become a catalyst for inclusive growth and global opportunity creation. Its success reinforces a new era in outsourcing, one where profitability and purpose converge.
With initiatives like Hugo Academy leading the way, the OIR 2025 findings make one message clear: outsourcing is no longer just about cost savings—it’s about creating impact.
