6 Smart Moves for Successful HR Outsourcing

Earlier this week, I was asked to share my top tips for successful People/HR service outsourcing for an upcoming magazine article.

After 18+ years leading transformation such as this, here’s what I recommend.

Outsourcing HR services isn’t just about choosing a vendor - it’s a strategic decision that can make or break your service.

1️⃣ Set your strategy early - be clear on your goals: cost, experience, governance, fixing a broken service, or a combination.

2️⃣ Benchmark top organisations - select your vendor based on your priorities, and don’t underestimate cultural fit alongside capability.

3️⃣ Invest in strong change leadership - to guide both the business and supplier through the transition. Communicate, communicate, communicate.

4️⃣ Integrate systems - think single sign-on if you can. Make the shift as smooth as possible by reducing friction between old and new processes.

5️⃣ Give it time - meaningful transitions don’t happen overnight. If timing is tight think 'lift and shift' 

6️⃣ Build flexibility into your contracts - your needs will evolve, and your contracts should too.

What’s one thing you wish you’d done differently in your HR outsourcing journey?

If you’re about to embark and need expert leadership to guide your outsourcing or transformation journey, let’s connect.

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I’m Joanne – expert in People, Culture, Change & Transformation, and founder of WHR People.

I step in as a trusted interim or fractional HR leader for Business owners juggling it all or HR teams needing a powerhouse during change. I coach leaders to navigate change with confidence and clarity.