How Can Tech Firms Handle Staffing Issues?

The recent pandemic sent ripples through every industry. As the economy struggled, many companies were forced to start evaluating downsizing and layoff strategies. This, combined with the great resignation, brewed a perfect storm. Before long, tech firms across the country realized they had staffing issues on their hands, turning to outsourcing during COVID to stay afloat. Here’s why.

1. Why Are Tech Companies Dealing With Staffing Issues?

There are several other reasons why tech companies are dealing with staffing issues, including:

Difficulty Finding Qualified Candidates

During the pandemic, virtually every enterprise – large or small – went remote. Unsurprisingly, the demand for IT and tech support specialists skyrocketed, and the supply of qualified technicians couldn’t keep up. Simply put, the tech industry is constantly evolving. The skills that are in high demand today could be irrelevant a few months from now. This change happens quickly, which makes it difficult for some companies to keep up.

Additionally, the computer science and technology sector can be challenging to break into, especially for new employees without much experience. As a result, while tech companies still receive applications, they’re coming from a limited candidate pool, making it challenging to find the workers they actually need.

Trouble Managing Employee Retention

Let’s face it; the tech industry is synonymous with a fast-paced and demanding work environment. This, in addition to high levels of competition, caused many workers to re-evaluate their career path. At the same time, companies began the shift to remote work, which some workers found to be isolating.

Whether they struggled to connect with fellow employees or found the lines between work-life balance blending, many workers in the tech sector saw this as the perfect time to walk away. For those who initially stayed, the economic uncertainty caused them to look elsewhere for newer, higher-paying opportunities.

The labor scarcity brought challenges for both Fortune 500 companies and local businesses alike. If you’re having trouble managing employee retention, here’s what you need to know.

How Can My Business Retain More Employees?

Strategies for Solving Staffing Issues

Did your company fall victim to the great recession? Tired of sifting through piles of unqualified, inexperienced applications? Don’t worry, there’s a few strategies to help combat your staffing issues, starting with:

Place a Focus on Employee Retention

Arguably, the best way to maintain employees is with a people-first approach. Workers want to feel valued, and if you want to transform your retention efforts, consider the following:

  • Offer Competitive Salaries and Benefits: Need a proven way to keep employees? It’s simple: pay more. Take a look at your salary structure, bonuses, and benefits to see where you can make improvements.
  • Cultivate a Good Company Culture: There’s not a cookie-cutter way to create a positive culture. Every company is different, and your approach needs to be tailored to your company values. However, when company leaders carry out their values and lead by example, it’s easier for employees to buy into what you’re creating.

Outsource To Fill Your Vacant Positions

Staffing issues with tech roles are more than just an inconvenience, as they can delay enterprise-wide initiatives and throw project timelines off-track. Thankfully, there’s some silver lining: companies across the globe are coming to realize the value of outsourcing.

There’s nothing wrong with getting supplemental help to fill your vacant roles. In fact, it’s arguably more popular than ever, as the outsourcing industry grew by 13% over the pandemic. When companies went virtual, it helped reinforce the benefits of remote assistance, like:

  • Access to a wider pool of qualified candidates
  • The ability to tap into new markets and diverse talent pools
  • The potential to reduce labor costs
  • Focus on your core competencies

In other words, outsourcing to fill your staffing issues frees up time and resources so you can focus on your core business objectives. Whether employees are leaving or you can’t find talent, rest assured knowing there’s an effective solution to keep your business continuity unimpaired.

Helpful Tips for Selecting the Right Outsourcing Partner

Looking for a partner to fill your vacant positions? When outsourcing tech roles, there are several critical factors to consider, such as:

  • Experience and Expertise: First and foremost, look for an outsourcing partner with experience in the specific area you need help with. For example, if you’re looking to outsource software development, look for a partner with a proven track record of delivering quality, time-sensitive dev projects.
  • Cultural Compatibility: Finding an outsourcing partner that shares a cultural affinity with your company is imperative, as it makes collaborating between goals and objectives a seamless process.
  • Clear Communication: Consistent communication is key in any successful outsourcing partnership. During the vetting stage, pay close attention to how responsive they are to your needs and concerns.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: The tech industry is always changing. And over time, so will your business’ needs. That’s why it’s important to look for a partner who’s flexible and able to scale solutions as your business evolves.
  • Reputation and References: Do some research to learn more about your potential partner’s reputation and track record. Look for past reviews, case studies, and testimonials. This gives you a good idea of what an outsourced provider offers and, more importantly, how well they do it. Ask for references from other companies they have worked with, and be sure to follow up to learn more about their experience.

GGA Solutions: Your Source for On-Demand, Experienced Tech Professionals

Looking for a cost-effective way to fill your vacant roles with experienced, qualified technicians? Don’t worry—GGA’s tech outsourcing solutions can help— here’s how we do it.