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Outsourcing as we know it today comes in many different forms—from hiring skilled, independent contractors to performing tasks that might otherwise not be done as efficiently as your existing workforce to contracting with outsourcing firms that specialize in a broad range of services.
The use of virtual assistants and other remote contractors to handle jobs that do not necessarily require the services of full-time employees is also another popular model of outsourcing services that companies are employing. In fact, there are even companies that outsource their C-level positions for a significant period, which is usually during the startup stage of the business.
There are a variety of tasks that a company may assign to a third-party outsourcing firm such as accounting, bookkeeping, human resources management, customer service and technical support, and even web development and design. You could even partner with an agency for your digital or social media marketing.
There’s really no limit on the types of functions to outsource, as most companies use outsourcing services to help them streamline their business processes while aiming to save on operational and management costs.
As of late, though, outsourcing has found itself being confronted with certain challenges, especially now that automation in the workplace is becoming more common and is threatening to take jobs away from humans.
Still, if you’ve been observing closely, you might notice that technological trends in artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning are also paving the way for an increased demand in a new breed of workers whose skill sets match the complexity of the modern, technology-powered business environment of today.
The accompanying infographic gives valuable discussion and insights about the outsourcing sector – with statistics and data culled from recent global research studies that show the industry’s present state and future directions to guide you to success.
Infographic by Microsourcing.com
A great resource on outsourcing. Totally agree on the new trends like AI will create even greater opportunity for outsourcing. Though many people understand the benefits of outsourcing, the adoption rate of IT outsourcing is still pretty amateur in Asia countries. Data security is always the top concerns for small and medium business.