Business process and knowledge process outsourcing has been helping businesses to scale up without putting additional burdens on resources. Delegating an entire function to a group of outside experts is much more beneficial than hiring a whole team to do the same in-house. However, several concerns are raised regarding data and information security and cyber threats while operating in such a business environment. Implementing compliance and a cyber code of conduct also becomes challenging while using an outsourcing arrangement. Secondly, things can become more complicated if the BPO/KPO has remote work arrangements.
What Is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)?
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is delegating IT-intensive processes and procedures to an external company. The external company can operate with many variations. Some are responsible for administration, and some may handle the entire process from one end to another. Outsourcing companies use particular, measurable parameters. A business process outsourcing company works for clients for several functions, like BPO call centers. Specifically, IT sector companies do need such services.
Tips to Enhance Work Efficiency in BPO/KPO industry workforce.
• Frame Clear Compliance Guidelines
Any business venturing into the outsourcing arrangement should frame exact and comprehensive data and information security guidelines. The guidelines can be implemented in the form of an employment agreement that binds the employees working remotely to be extra vigilant about their actions while working with sensitive data of their client companies. Any lapse here can cause catastrophic consequences financially or reputationally.
• Implement Robust Cyber Security Infrastructure
No organization can operate with a vulnerable cyber security framework. Numerous hackers are constantly trying their luck by attempting to penetrate company systems unethically. A single loophole can land the company into a great mess. Mainly when the company is relying on an outsourcing firm or dealing with client data. Both parties must pull up their socks to run a long race against such malicious elements in the cyber world. Advanced firewalls and antivirus applications are advisable to defend the company’s infrastructure against cyber threats.
• Reinforce Safe Cyber Security Practises
Education is the key to achieving awareness. Similarly, companies must keep educating their employees about the dos and don’ts of working in remote or hybrid work arrangements. Literature must be freely available and frequently shared to elaborate the privacy and cyber security guidelines. Greater emphasis on the security of client data should be there, and clear communication regarding the repercussions of any mishap must happen. The staff receives training using real-life examples and case studies. Events, seminars, and training are helpful tools for educating employees.
• Organize Team Bonding Events
An essential aspect of running any company with hybrid work arrangements is that the employees should feel included. Employee engagement is crucial to bring a sense of ownership in employees, which helps develop ethical working practices. At every given opportunity, teams should meet physically, and some informal gathering should take place to enhance the chemistry between the teammates. Such casual events and gatherings are great tools to bring a sense of unity to the workplace. People can relate more to the company vision and contribute to working towards a common goal.
• Make Them Feel Included
Even though BPO industry employees work for their client companies, inclusiveness is critical. Client and outsourcing companies can address the employees collaboratively and express their gratitude towards the work the employees are putting in. Hence, a tiny expression of appreciation can go a long way. Multiple well-thought-after staff welfare programs can come in handy to enhance employee engagement. Such small gestures of care effectively convey that the company cares about them, and employees automatically know what level of involvement they must reciprocate.
• Use Employee Monitoring Software
Employee monitoring or management software like RemoteDesk is landing a much-needed hand to manage the outsourcing industry. Employees are freely allowed to work remotely from the place of their choice because companies now have advanced tools like these. Management is much more confident handling employees’ productivity and compliance-related matters with an employee management solution. Therefore, these solutions help achieve several purposes, and employee productivity, compliance, and identity verification become easy to manage.
Summing up: Employee Management and Outsourcing
Definitely, business process outsourcing is an excellent proposition for businesses to expand without scaling up in-house resources. At the same time, ensuring productivity, compliance, and cyber security is critical to implement and run a sustainable business model. Hence, employees in BPO providers should get support to work in hybrid arrangements, and indeed, these firms can hire from a larger pool of candidates and attract more skilled resources. A simple solution can make this arrangement possible, i.e., using employee monitoring software like RemoteDesk. This software can work as a bridge that fills the gap between management and remotely working employees.
