Outsourcing is defined as the relinquishing of certain duties and tasks to an outside company or individual. Outsourcing is becoming a common business practice in today’s society. Outsourcing enables many business owners to continue their operations, but at reduced costs. With that in mind, it is important to know that outsourcing is not right for all businesses. Before making the decision to outsource your office management tasks, it is advised that you examine the pros and cons of doing so.
As for the pros or plus sides to outsourcing your office management duties and tasks, you will find that there are a number of them. Perhaps, the biggest pro to outsourcing your office management is the money you are able to save money. Outsourcing a number of your needed tasks can actually save you a considerable amount of money, especially overtime. Business owners who make the decision to outsource to other countries, such as India, are able to save the most money, due to lower living wages. With that in mind, even if you use outsourced workers from the United States, the cost should be lower than hiring an in-house employee. This is because you can hire all workers as contract workers, instead of in-house workers. This should save you money on healthcare and other benefits.
Another pro or plus side to outsourcing your office management duties is one that is best for small to medium sized business owners. This is because outsourced work is often done offsite; either in a call center or at the home of a home based worker. This can work out to your advantage if you are interested in closing down your office. For example, if you run a dental office, but you are interested in taking a vacation or simply just leaving work early a few days a month, outsourcing enables you to do so without any complications. Having an offsite office manager enables you to leave your office without having to worry about who is left behind or if your office will be properly locked up. This comfort and peace of mind is nice for many.
Although there are a number of pros or plus sides to outsourcing your office management duties, it is also important to focus on the cons or downsides as well. One of those cons or downsides is what outsourcing can do to your local economy. Although one outsourced worker may not make a huge difference on your local economy and local residents searching for a job, it is important to remember that outsourcing is becoming a common practice for many business owners. This often leaves fewer jobs for local residents. These are the same local residents that likely support your business and bring you income. With that in mind, it is also important to examine your role as a business owner; your goal is to make money. Still, you may want to focus on this important fact, especially if you would layoff a full-time worker of yours to outsource their duties.
It is also important to remember that not all office management duties can be outsourced. As you likely already know, office managers perform a wide range of tasks. These tasks may include supervising other office personnel. This supervision may not be possible with an outsourced office manager. If your office manager would be responsible for overseeing other office staff members, it may be best for you to hire an in-house office manager, as opposed to outsourcing. If cost is a concern of yours, you may want to offer one of your secretaries or other staff members the chance to supervise, for a small increase in pay.
The pros and cons outlined above are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when determining if your office management tasks can be or should be outsourced. As a reminder, outsourcing can save many business owners money, but it may not be in your best interest or the best interest of your company.
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