Outsourcing has been the go-to strategy of many businesses in the past two decades. As the business landscape continues to evolve, new challenges arise in outsourcing. 

One of the enduring questions that leaders have to address is how to keep their team members engaged and happy at work. 

We've all heard before how outsourced teams can be a cost-effective solution for staffing. 

But for businesses to reap the benefits of outsourcing, leaders will still have to exert effort and invest in the people they hire – both their in-house and outsourced teams.

How does an organization strike the right balance? In this article, we'll delve into the importance of employee engagement and provide effective strategies to make your in-house and outsourced teams feel valued.

But first, why is employee engagement important?

Employee engagement is a cornerstone for any successful organization. Engaged employees are typically more productive, dedicated, and are likely to contribute innovative ideas, which ultimately drives business growth. 

Moreover, highly engaged employees often lead to higher customer satisfaction levels, given their commitment to delivering excellence.

When it comes to outsourcing, keeping employees engaged becomes even more crucial. They need reassurance that their roles are secure and valued. 

Effective engagement prevents feelings of neglect or alienation, paving the way for a seamless transition to the new business structure.

How to make your in-house team feel valued

With a portion of tasks shifted to external teams, companies need to reassure their in-house staff about their roles, growth opportunities, and the organization's commitment to their well-being. 

To navigate this transformation well, it's important to stay focused on transparency, growth, recognition, collaboration, and work-life balance.

Here are some tips on how you can ensure that your in-house team continues to feel valued throughout your outsourcing engagement:

Keep communication lines open. 

Regular updates about your organization's outsourcing strategy, how it can affect current roles, and the overall direction your team plans to take. Being transparent evokes confidence and trust, so communicating your vision can provide much-needed clarity and reassurance to your employees.

Create opportunities for personal and professional development.

Offer relevant training programs and encourage your employees to upskill. Reassess your employees' career paths, and if possible, find ways to help your current in-house employees grow within the company. Through training and coaching, you can prepare your employees to better respond and adapt to changes. 

Don't forget rewards and recognition.

Rewards and recognition programs can boost employee morale. Make sure you have a system in place to recognize employees who have performed exceedingly well or received kudos from their clients.

Encourage cross-functional collaboration.

Promote teamwork through cross-functional projects. Such an effort can underscore the importance of your team members role and make them feel like an integral part of the company's future.

Promote work-life balance.

If your industry permits it, introduce programs that promote your employees' well-being. Provide flexible work arrangements, wellness initiatives, and self-development programs that can help your employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Build consistent workflows and processes.

Your outsourcing partner may be working in a different time zone, with their own processes and workflows. Make sure that their processes are seamlessly integrated into your staff's current workflow, so that there won't be any confusion.

Engagement ideas for your outsourced team

To make your engagement a long-term success, consider these tips that can help you keep your outsourced team engaged and feeling valued.

Communicate regularly.

Establish weekly check-ins or stand-ups with your outsourced team to discuss work. Use this scheduled meetings to discuss any obstacles they may be facing or provide feedback on their performance.

Involve them in the big picture.

Share your company's vision and long-term goals with your outsourced team. This can help make them feel a part of the organization's journey. In addition to that, celebrate your team's accomplishments and breakthroughs, ensuring that each team member is duly recognized for their great work.

Plan events and activities your teams can do together.

You can organize and hold employee engagement activities that can help your two teams understand each other better, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. Make sure to use your company branding in these events to make your outsourced staff feel like a part of your team.

Set appropriate KPIs.

Your outsourced team's KPIs should not be too different from your in-house team's. They are equally talented and professional as your in-house employees, albeit based overseas. 

Keeping both your in-house and outsourced teams engaged requires a consistent effort from the top-down. By following the tips above, organizations can foster a positive environment that keeps their employees engaged and satisfied.

Remember, successful employee engagement isn't a one-time initiative. It requires consistent effort and a genuine commitment to your employees' well-being. 

Considering outsourcing to the Philippines? We can help you. At Remotely Philippines, we offer solutions tailored for every business – because we know every business has unique needs. 

Contact us and start your outsourcing journey today.