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Going global with your external workforce program

11/20/2024 By

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In many cases, external workforce programs begin as a localized or regional effort, often driven by Human Resources or Procurement departments looking to improve talent or costs for their areas of management. The establishment of these localized programs will usually see more control, more visibility and better costs with how their company engages with the external workforce. As the localized external workforce programs mature over time, the compliance and cost structures, process flows and digital solutions are typically better adapted to support bringing these advantages to other regions within a company. Plus, the program gains can be very attractive to other regions looking to see these same benefits for their areas. Thus, the desire to go global with an external workforce program sets in.

Once a company decides to go global with an external workforce program, it can be a daunting experience to determine where and how to start. Most companies know that the potential for great benefits are present, but how do they determine what region to look at first? How can a company plan to bring a program global when the effort to uncover the workforce data to make informed decisions on where and how to start is so complicated to put together? How can companies create a unified and agile external workforce program when regional regulations, languages, software solutions and billing structures are so vastly different?

Companies that successfully set up a unified global external workforce management program that is managed through a supporting digital tool, such as a vendor management solution (VMS) or contractor management solution (CMS), can reap major benefits that allow them to be more agile, strategic and cost effective in the market. By expanding your external labor force globally, you are not only broadening your access to labor skills but also ensuring compliance with local regulations and payroll needs while bringing your company’s unique vision and brand into diverse markets.

With this great vision in mind, it is important to also consider that going global with an external workforce program is a major undertaking, no matter what preparations are made prior to the project launch. In an era where adaptability is key to keep your company safe and thriving, going global with your external workforce through the use of a supporting digital solution can be the catalyst for sustained growth and success — making the major undertaking well worth the effort.

With this in mind, we are sharing the top 5 insights and considerations from experienced practitioners on how to take your external workforce program global (while mitigating the major challenges that come with the effort).

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