WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO OUTSOURCE? FIRST-HAND OBSERVATIONS FROM MY STAFFING CLIENTS

For many companies, hiring isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about timing it right. Many owners struggle to pinpoint the ideal moment to hire. As I approach four years as the CFO of RS Global Staffing, I’ve gained valuable insights into when business owners have successfully timed their hires versus those who haven’t. This article is intended to guide and inform business owners on crucial aspects to analyze when deciding on staffing needs and recruitment strategies.

EARLY SIGNS OF DEMAND

Identifying early signs of growing demand is essential in determining the right time to hire. An owner should understand where demand is headed and plan to hire 3-6 months before the forecasted increase. Here’s why it’s beneficial to hire ahead of demand:

1. Seamless Operations: Hiring before the increase in demand ensures you have the necessary staff to handle the added workload without compromising service quality or client satisfaction—both for new and existing clients. This approach helps prevent overburdening your current team and maintains smooth operations.

2. Effective Training Period: Training new staff before the demand surge allows for a more effective integration process. This minimizes the learning curve and ensures that new hires are prepared and confident when demand increases, leading to a smoother transition.

3. Competitive Advantage: Maintaining extra capacity gives you an edge to handle both anticipated and unforeseen demand growth. Competitors scrambling to hire after a sudden increase in demand may struggle or opt not to take on new clients, providing you with a distinct advantage.

CAPACITY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES

At RS Global Staffing, a leading outsourcing company specializing in staffing and HR solutions, we partner with a diverse range of clients. This provides us with valuable insights into various business operations. Based on this experience and my knowledge of operations management, consider these aspects:

1. Workload Analysis: Assess your current workload and compare it to your team’s capacity. Are staff members working overtime? Has performance or quality declined? At RS Global Staffing, we gather and share this vital information with our clients to help with strategic staffing decisions.

2. Identifying Bottlenecks: Spot any operational bottlenecks that could be alleviated with additional personnel. Streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency can better manage increased demand and improve overall productivity.

EMPOWER YOUR CURRENT STAFF

This aspect may be hard to find in textbooks or literature, but I’ve seen it work time after time. When you identify an employee who has truly bought into the company, it's essential to consider promotions and backfilling their positions. Here is why:

1. Promote and Backfill: Recognize employees deeply committed to the company’s brand and goals. It’s crucial because commitment takes time, and most employees never reach that level. These individuals are motivated by more than just financial benefits. Promoting these dedicated employees into leadership positions and backfilling their previous roles often leads to significant success. They mentor others, are passionate about driving the company’s vision, and help enhance overall team performance.

2. Trickle-Down Effect on Retention Rates: Leadership that genuinely cares about the company positively impacts other employees. It demonstrates that the company values loyalty and hard work and is committed to promoting from within. This approach boosts employee morale and retention, creating a more engaged workforce.

   
   

Schedule your free consultation now

1. outsource staff