How managed service providers support your operations and your employees

Leveraging external expertise, or a managed service provider (MSP), is an important aspect of business. Whether that be through a trusted mentor, a contractor or freelance employee, or an agency that services your business, adding that layer of diverse perspectives is ultimately a good thing. Whatever stage your business is at, there is a way to seek that expertise to glean value and help support your personal or business development. Today, we’re diving into the benefits of hiring a third party not only for your operations, but also to positively contribute to your employees’ experience. 

Optimizing resources through managed service providers

Financial flexibility and cost management are increasingly important today. Partnering with an external resource allows companies to convert fixed costs into variable costs, releasing capital for investment elsewhere within the business. This also allows you to allocate resources more strategically, ensuring funds are directed towards growth initiatives rather than routine operations. 

Gaining expertise and technological advantages 

Having access to the latest technology and specialized skills can provide a significant competitive advantage. Vendors bring a wealth of expertise and advanced tools that businesses might not otherwise afford or prioritize. Retail Insider highlights that MSPs offer state-of-the-art technology and a team of experts well-versed in the latest industry trends and best practices, which is what we deliver at Symend. Our team of data science, behavioral science and technical experts understand consumer behavior through our over 100MM outcomes delivered for our clients and ongoing research and experimentation. Having this level of access ensures that you and your business stay ahead of the technological advancements without the burden of continuous in-house training and development. 

Scalability and flexibility 

Outsourcing provides businesses with the flexibility to scale operations up or down based on demand. This agility is particularly beneficial for companies experiencing fluctuating workloads or seasonal demands. Hubstaff notes that outsourcing allows businesses to quickly adapt to changes without the constraints of long-term employment contracts. This scalability ensures that businesses can respond to market dynamics swiftly, maintaining operational efficiency. 

For us, our vendor partnerships with organizations like Microsoft and Snowflake allow us to easily scale leveraging the resources and technology that they have teams and expertise building faster than we could with our team size. In the case of Microsoft, we’re able to scale a new instance (ie. Onboarding a new client) in a completely new region in under two weeks. This has a profound impact on our ability to continuously deliver value to our clients. 

Risk mitigation 

With ever-evolving regulatory landscapes and potential for operational risks, having a robust risk management strategy is crucial. Outsourcing to specialized agencies or MSPs helps mitigate these risks. Vendors come equipped with compliance and risk management frameworks, like SOCII and GDPR that protect businesses from potential pitfalls. By leveraging their expertise, businesses can feel comfort knowing that they will be in adherence to industry standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties. 

Employee benefits of a managed service provider

Contrary to the belief that outsourcing might negatively impact employees, researchers have indicated that it can enhance their work experience. By offloading routine tasks, employees can engage in more meaningful and rewarding work. Bain & Company’s insights reveal that outsourcing customer service can lead to better workload distribution, allowing in-house employees to focus on strategic initiatives. This shift not only boosts employee morale but also promotes professional growth and job satisfaction—both important to the employee experience, but ultimately impacts the experience they provide to your customers. 

Additionally, it can allow you to operate continuously across different time zones, ensuring that customer service and critical functions are maintained 24/7. This uninterrupted service capability enhances customer satisfaction and provides a competitive edge in the global market. It also allows you or your employees to create working schedules that align to your employees’ needs and preferences, decreasing the likelihood of dissatisfaction and burnout, and increasing retention. 

Conclusion 

From cost savings and access to advanced technology to improved focus on core activities and enhanced employee satisfaction, managed service providers offer many benefits. We believe that outsourcing is another strategic tool in your arsenal that not only fosters growth and efficiency but also empowers employees to achieve greater satisfaction and productivity.