Are the Working From Home and Hybrid Models Still Effective? Boost Efficiency with Offshoring and Outsourcing

According to Statista, prior to 2020, working from home was a luxury enjoyed by few Australians. However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything: As of 2022, there was an overwhelming preference for a hybrid working model, allowing employees the flexibility of working between the office and home. Approximately 44% of Australians are currently engaged in hybrid work.

We’re going to look at the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of utilising offshore and outsourced teams, how remote work models can be integrated, and what the future holds for hybrid and remote work practices. 

The Benefits of Offshore and Outsourced Teams

• By focusing on their core competencies and specialist areas, offshore and outsourced teams can improve remote work efficiency.
• Offshore teams can be productive 24/7 based on the client needs.
• Outsourcing allows companies to scale their workforce according to demand.
• Going offshore to countries with lower labour costs can significantly reduce expenses.
• Outsourcing eliminates the need for companies to invest in infrastructure, office space, and equipment. Offshore and outsourced teams offer many benefits. However, organisations must be careful to evaluate their specific needs, choose reliable partners, and establish effective communication channels.

Combining a WFH and Hybrid Set Up with Offshoring and Outsourcing

Here are some ideas for integrating hybrid and remote work arrangements with offshore and outsourced teams that can lead to enhanced efficiency and productivity:

• Establish robust communication channels between onshore and offshore teams, such as  video conferences, chat platforms, and project management tools.
• Align the goals of remote and offshore teams with the overarching organisational objectives.
• Develop standard processes for tasks that involve both the remote and offshore teams by documenting workflows, best practices, and guidelines.
• Cross-train team members across locations and encourage the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

Remote Work Trends

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and many companies have embraced a remote and hybrid work policy as a long-term strategy, as there are plenty of WFH advantages for employers.

Managing remote work efficiency has certainly brought fresh challenges: addressing employee isolation, burnout, and mental health; managers needing new skills for leading remote teams; adapting to remote hiring by providing virtual orientation and training; protecting sensitive data in a broader work environment; and ensuring secure devices and networks, to name but a few. 

The Future of Remote Work and Hybrid Models and Their Impact on Offshoring and Outsourcing

• Organisations will increasingly adopt hybrid and remote work models.
• Flexibility will prevail.
• Virtual and augmented reality will change the face of remote collaboration. Read more Why Remote Work Culture Matters
• Enhancements in video conferencing, real-time chat, and collaborative platforms will bring seamless interactions across borders.
• Companies will tap into talent pools worldwide, seeking the best fit regardless of physical location and making use of a globally distributed workforce (see The Global Collaboration in Outsourcing and Offshoring) to bring diverse viewpoints, enrich creativity, and help problem-solving.
• Organisations will strengthen cybersecurity measures for remote workers, with secure VPNs, encrypted communication, and robust authentication protocols.
• Companies will prioritise employee mental health.
• Businesses will focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging work hours.
• Decision-making will be distributed, empowering offshore or remote teams.
• Agile teams will collaborate seamlessly across functions and locations.
• Offshoring won’t be limited to cost savings. Companies will seek partners aligned with their vision and values. See Tips on How to Distinguish the Best Offshoring and Outsourcing Company.
• Offshore models will extend beyond routine tasks, with specialised skills to the fore.
• Organisations will invest in training to bridge cultural gaps.
• Remote workers from different backgrounds will feel valued and included.

This dynamic landscape will suit businesses who embrace change, prioritise employee well-being, and leverage technology.

The Effectiveness of Remote Work Across the Board

• Remote work allows employees to tailor their work environment to their preferences, potentially enhancing focus and efficiency.
• Hybrid models promise greater access to talent and increased productivity.
• Employees adhering to flexible work options report higher job satisfaction and less stress.
• Remote work allows better integration of personal and professional lives.
• Increased well-being contributes to overall satisfaction.
• Hybrid models offer a balance between remote and office work, catering to individual preferences.
• Hybrid models can reduce overheads associated with office space.
• Greater flexibility attracts diverse talent pools.
• A hybrid approach fosters innovation by combining different work styles. See Navigating Cultural Differences in Offshoring and Outsourcing Business Relationships
• Satisfied employees are more likely to stay with the company.
• Effective planning and a cohesive culture promote a better performance.

Organisations must carefully consider their unique context, employee needs, and long-term goals to optimize productivity, satisfaction, and overall success.

Remote Work Trends

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and many companies have embraced a remote and hybrid work policy as a long-term strategy, as there are plenty of WFH advantages for employers.

Managing remote work efficiency has certainly brought fresh challenges: addressing employee isolation, burnout, and mental health; managers needing new skills for leading remote teams; adapting to remote hiring by providing virtual orientation and training; protecting sensitive data in a broader work environment; and ensuring secure devices and networks, to name but a few. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can businesses measure success and performance in offshoring and outsourcing with WFH and hybrid setups?

Here are Intogreat Solution’s suggestions of some key metrics and methods:

• Measure how many sales each remote agent has closed.
• Calculate your annual sales divided by the number of sales agents, thus providing insights into the overall efficiency of your remote sales team.
• Count the leads entering your sales funnel against confirmed transactions. This KPI indicates how efficiently your sales team closes deals.
• Analyse the effectiveness of marketing campaigns in driving conversions.
• Calculate the cost of acquiring a customer through marketing efforts.
• Assess the return generated from marketing investments.
• Measure how quickly customer support responds to inquiries.
• Track the time taken to resolve customer issues.
• Collect feedback from customers.
• Assess employee engagement levels through surveys. (See latest Intogreat Staff Engagement Survey).
• Monitor how well your remote workforce is retained.
• Use the insights to refine policies, address pain points, and enhance employee experiences.
• Evaluate the quality of work delivered by remote teams.
  

What technology and tools are available to support WFH and hybrid setups within offshoring and outsourcing?

These might include:

• Microsoft Teams: An integrated collaboration hub that combines chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management.
• Skype: A communication platform that connects millions worldwide, offering free voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing among Skype users.
• Zoom: Widely used for virtual meetings, webinars, and video conferences.
  

Cloud storage and file sharing:

• Microsoft OneDrive: Microsoft’s cloud service enables seamless file access, storage, and sharing across all your devices. Designed for both personal and professional use, it safeguards your files and allows easy sharing with others.
• Google Drive: Enables secure storage, sharing, and collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Dropbox: A reliable cloud storage solution for sharing files and collaborating with team members.
  

Who is Intogreat Solutions Philippines?

Intogreat’s mission is to be the most highly regarded company in the premium consulting, outsourcing and offshore resourcing field. Our goal is to make offshoring easy, rewarding, and successful for our global clients and an exceptional place for our staff to be their best.

How can you arrange a FREE consultation with us?

Discover what we can do for you by booking an outsourcing and offshoring consultation right here.