The staff augmentation model has become popular for businesses in recent years as it offers a practical and cost-efficient way to address their staffing needs without needing more office space. Companies can supplement their in-house development team with remote, technically sound professionals to meet short or long-term goals with a suitable development solution.
When using the staff augmentation model, it is essential to follow staff augmentation best practices to achieve the desired results. If best practices are followed, the project could be completed on time.
This article will explore the benefits and best practices of acquiring a staff augmentation service.
What Are the Benefits of the Staff Augmentation Model?
The staff augmentation model is constantly evolving and provides many benefits to businesses and their complex software development projects, including:
Cost savings through staff augmentation
- Reduced overhead and operational costs
- No need for expensive recruitment processes
- Lower training and development expenses
- Savings from variable pay structures and contracts
Improved efficiency and productivity
- Access to a diverse pool of skilled professionals
- Faster onboarding process compared to traditional hiring
- Increased capacity for handling projects
- Enhanced flexibility in managing workload and deadlines
Workforce scalability and flexibility
- The ability to scale up or down with ease
- Adapting to market changes and fluctuating demand
- The option to bring in specialized skills as needed
- Short-term and project-based hiring options
Risk mitigation
- Reduced risk of project delays or cancellations
- Access to a pool of experts for specialized projects
- Improved ability to meet deadlines and client expectations
- Better control over intellectual property and confidential information
Enhanced focus on core business functions
- Delegation of non-core tasks to skilled professionals
- Increased capacity to focus on strategic business objectives
- Streamlined management of resources
- Improved overall performance and profitability
11 Best Practices for Successful Staff Augmentation
A number of best practices must be followed to ensure success when using the staff augmentation model to achieve your business goals.
These practices include:
- First, identify your company’s needs
The first step is to determine the talent gaps that need to be filled within the software development team. This can be done by reviewing the current team structure and capabilities, looking at the project requirements, and understanding the goals and objectives of the project.
It is also essential to consider the size and complexity of the project and the timeline for its completion. Once the need for technical expertise is identified, choosing a suitable staff augmentation model and hiring the right talent is possible.
- Choose the right staff augmentation model
There are two main models to choose from: full-time and part-time. Hiring full-time employees through staff augmentation is typically used when there is a need for long-term help with high-complexity projects. Part-time staff augmentation is more suitable for short-term or lower-complexity projects.
Consider if the augmentation should take place on-site or remotely. On-site staff augmentation offers the advantage of working in the same space as the in-house team, but this is only sometimes feasible. Remote staff augmentation can be beneficial for cost savings and flexibility.
- Hire the right talent
The best way to hire the right talent is to assess the skills and experience required for the project and create a job description that reflects these criteria. Once the job description is made, it should be posted to job boards, social media, and other sites to attract the right talent.
It is also important to vet candidates properly, using background checks and interviews to ensure they are the right fit. Experienced staff augmentation providers like WillDom, unlike an average outsourcing agency, provide access to a qualified talent pool and offer assistance in the recruitment process.
- Onboard them properly
Ensure the new staff member can ask questions about the custom software development project and learn the ropes. Provide training on systems and processes and an orientation to the team and organization. Create a welcome package that includes the basics, such as company policies, procedures, and key contacts.
Here at WillDom, we consider it is also important to pair your new staff with a mentor or team leader who can answer their questions and help them get up to speed quickly. Do regular check-ins and feedback to ensure the augmentation personnel are integrated with the full-time employees and understand their responsibilities.
- Set clear roles and responsibilities
Define the project objectives, tasks, milestones, team structure, and reporting lines. Also, ensure that any project and team structure changes are communicated in advance.
If the augmentation personnel are expected to take on a leadership role, ensure they are given the authority and autonomy to do so. Then provide regular feedback and guidance to ensure they are on track and meeting expectations.
- Make sure you manage them effectively
A great project manager should treat their external personnel with respect, fairness, and protection from discrimination. Their working conditions should be such that they receive proper training, supervision, and the assurance that their rights are respected.
It is also essential that external personnel are compensated adequately for their work, including timely payment of salary and access to practical benefits in the workplace.
- Plan for transition
Create a knowledge transfer and documentation process to ensure that project information is captured and passed on to the augmentation personnel. It should include communicating with the team and clients about the transition and creating a handover report.
Also, plan an exit strategy in case the augmentation personnel need to be replaced or the project is completed, with tasks such as removing access to systems and securing confidential information.
- Constantly evaluate and improve
Conduct regular assessments to ensure the augmentation personnel are meeting expectations. Ask for feedback from the augmentation personnel and the existing team to identify any areas for improvement. Then, improve the strategy based on feedback to ensure successful implementation.
The assessment data can also be used to optimize the recruitment process and ensure that the right talent is hired in the future. Try to continually improve the process to ensure the staff augmentation model works as efficiently as possible.
- Ensure conflict resolution
The best way to deal with conflicts is to ensure that the staff augmentation personnel are given equal opportunity and a voice in decision-making. Also, create a clear policy for conflict resolution, such as involving the team lead or manager, and ensure that all team members know it. If there are any issues, the team should discuss them openly and try to resolve them as soon as possible.
If it escalates, then consider involving an independent third party to mediate. The policy should include a third party so that all team members know who to contact in case of a massive conflict. The goal should be to find a fair resolution for all parties and ensure the project objectives are still met.
- Support work-life balance
Create a working environment that allows augmentation personnel to balance their work and personal lives. Provide flexible work hours, allow remote work, and open opportunities for team building and social activities.
Remember to prioritize their and their family’s health and allow them to take off for the day in case of an emergency. Mental health should also be something to focus on, so encourage the augmentation personnel to take time off when needed. This will help ensure they remain productive and motivated to complete the project.
- Use technology effectively
Select the right project management tools and systems to ensure that augmentation personnel can work efficiently. Provide access to critical systems and applications, and set up communication systems for collaboration.
Also, provide regular training and support to ensure everyone is updated with technological advancements and is able to work on complex projects. The IT industry is constantly changing, and it is essential to ensure that all team members have the latest skills and knowledge to stay competitive.
How WillDom Can Help
WillDom is a leading staff augmentation provider for businesses worldwide. Our team of experienced professionals can help you find exceptional talent for your web or app development project, onboard them quickly, and ensure that they are adequately managed. We also provide ongoing support to ensure that your project is completed successfully.
Contact WillDom today and let our advanced and effective methods help you with your staff augmentation needs.