When the COVID-19 global pandemic accelerated the need to adapt to alternative work setups, innovative business leaders saw it as an opportunity to tap into global talent and optimize their operations. Years after, remote work remains a standard practice within many organizations to this day.
In the US, only 7% of workers had remote work access. During the height of the 2020 lockdowns, this number reached 70%. Starting as a safety measure amid global economic uncertainty, remote work has become a competitive advantage, enabling better business continuity and operational performance.
The outsourcing industry is catching on to this shift as well. According to Deloitte, 87% of companies now see workforce flexibility as a key advantage in the outsourcing market. Today’s successful outsourcing partnerships aren’t just rooted in driving cost efficiency, but also reinventing the way outsourced teams work.
This article examines how remote work impacts the outsourcing industry and its operational implications for outsourced teams.
Remote Work Trends Shaping Outsourcing Operations Today
Remote work has transformed BPO operations so significantly that it has become a strategic capability for outsourced teams. Business leaders must be able to navigate this shift effectively to ensure long-term outsourcing success.
Let’s look into several remote work trends reinventing the way outsourced teams work today:
Virtual Staffing
Flexible, cost-efficient solutions have become more in demand as more businesses embrace digital transformation while prioritizing cost savings.Outsourcing has evolved beyond basic administrative functions to offer more specialized solutions for clients. Businesses can now tap into a diverse, global talent pool of virtual assistants, remote project managers, and other specialized remote professionals.
ClearSource has stayed on top of this global staffing trend, having recently launched our very own staff augmentation service. With Small Teams, we build high-performing specialized teams that help small and medium-sized enterprises scale smarter without the burden of overwhelming cost. Learn more about ClearSource Small Teams here
Technological Transformation
AI technology and automation tools have also reinvented the way outsourced teams operate. These technologies have enabled businesses to streamline workflows, reduce operational costs, and fast-track service delivery. Outsourced staff no longer have to handle tedious, repetitive tasks. The integration of these technologies shifts their focus toward higher-value tasks.
Our experience shows that success doesn’t simply stop at the onboarding process. ClearSource has shifted its hiring process towards measuring traits essential for long-term, innovation-driven performance. We heavily consider traits such as an individual’s talent, their motivation, as well as their potential to perform. Steering our focus to behavioral profiling and contextual screening allows us to build teams adapting to highly dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Employee Wellness and Engagement
More outsourcing companies are now investing in creating a positive remote work environment and initiatives to boost employee engagement and ensure long-term professional development. More than just a trend, this helps companies maintain their team’s cohesion, retain high-performing talent, and improve service quality.
Our people-centric culture is one aspect that separates ClearSource in the industry today. We understand the value our people bring to the success of our partners. Our individualized approach to onboarding and support focuses on empowering our people. Regardless of their location, we support our agents with real-time support, guidance, and resolution.
Operational Implications of Remote Work
What do these trends mean for operations? Here are some of the operational implications of remote work:
Enhanced Productivity and Quality
Studies show 31% of leaders and 52% of hybrid setup employees cite better productivity as the top advantage of a remote work setup. Yet, operational barriers that could compromise communication and collaboration still exist. These issues challenge outsourcing companies to invest in rigorous quality control, performance monitoring, and communication processes.
Access to Global Talent
With the shift to remote work, companies will have greater access to specialized skills outside geographical barriers. Businesses will have more liberty and speed when scaling with changing project requirements. However, it also means having to navigate diverse labor regulations.
Your Partner for High-Performing Global Teams
At ClearSource, we believe success still boils down to intentional hiring practices. Our observations show that remote staff often outperform on-site teams, but only when profiled correctly. We created our hiring framework based on the capabilities needed in a remote work environment.
Through this framework, we hire top talent with the right qualities for exceptional remote work. What’s more, our operations in the USA, Costa Rica, South Africa, India, and the Philippines enable our partners to leverage the diverse talent pool of each region, building globally competitive teams that bring lasting success.
Ready to set up your remote outsourced team? Download our comprehensive setup checklist to ensure you follow all the critical steps.
Learn more about ClearSource and how we can help you stay on top of outsourcing shifts. Set up a call with our team today!
