So, your team’s facing a skills gap? The first thing you might think of is hiring someone new or maybe going the classic outsourcing route. But there’s another path: talent augmentation. This means bringing in expert help for just the time you need it. The experts will fit snugly into your team to tackle specific challenges. In this guide, we will break down everything about this practice.

What Is Staff Augmentation?

Let’s say you’re leading a tech project and suddenly need a specialist in a new software tool that your team isn’t familiar with. Instead of hiring a new full-time employee or outsourcing the task, you opt for the staff augmentation model.

This means you bring in an expert in that software tool to work with your team for the duration of the project (or until the task is completed). This expert integrates into your team, works on your project, and then moves on once their part is done. In this manner, team augmentation services allow you to get what you need and spend minimum resources.

Benefits of Staff Augmentation

Now that you know the answer to "what is a staff augmentation approach?", let’s find the answer to "what benefits does it bring?"

Quickly Fills Skill Gaps

When you identify a gap, you can quickly bring in an expert to fill it. This way, your project keeps moving without delay.

Cost-Effective

It’s financially savvy because you pay for the specific skills you need only for the duration you need them. No long-term employment costs or commitments.

Flexibility

It allows your workforce to expand or contract based on project demands. This gives you the agility to respond to changes and opportunities quickly.

Seamless Integration

Augmented staff work within your existing team structures and culture. So you have a unique blend of internal and external expertise.

Maintain Control

You keep project control and oversight. This increases the chances that the outcomes will align with your business objectives.

Steps of Staff Augmentation Process

As we move on, let’s define the staff augmentation process. It will normally consist of eight core steps.

Step 1: Identify the Skill Gaps

You can find out what’s lacking by checking out how your team's doing on current projects. Just ask them, “What do we need to get the job done that we don’t have right now?” Once you nail down the missing pieces, start looking for someone who can fill that hole.

Step 2: Define the Requirements

Now, get specific:

• How skilled does this person need to be?
• How long do we need them?
• What do you want this person to achieve while they're with you?

These details make sure you and the augmentation firm are on the same page about what kind of talent you're after.

Step 3: Choose the Right Staff Augmentation Partner

You want a partner who knows the ropes, has a good reputation, and can get you the type of skilled people you’re looking for. So check out their past work and see what other clients say about them.

Step 4: Interview and Select Candidates

Augmentation doesn’t mean you skip the interview. You must meet the candidates to see if they gel with your team and can handle the job. Their skills on paper are one thing, but you need to chat with them and see their soft skills (and if they fit your team’s style).

Step 5: Onboard and Integrate

Got the right person? Great! Now let’s get them settled in. They need to know how your team works, what tools you use, the project details, and the company culture. A smooth onboarding helps them start contributing faster.

Step 6: Manage and Collaborate

Now that they’re part of the crew, manage them like they’ve always been there. Include them in your regular check-ins, project updates, and even the after-work hangouts. Good communication helps the augmented staff become part of the team.

Step 7: Review and Feedback

Keep an eye on how things are going. Is the augmented staff meeting the project’s needs? Are they fitting in okay? Regular feedback ensures the project stays on track and everyone’s happy with how it’s going.

Step 8: Offboard

All good things come to an end, and when it’s time for the augmented staff to move on, make sure it’s smooth and positive. Wrap up their projects, have them pass on their knowledge to your permanent team, and do a proper goodbye.

What are the Different Types of Staff Augmentation Services?

If you decide to use the workforce augmentation approach, here are three types of services you’d normally consider.

Onshore

This means hiring experts from within your country. This option is often preferred when you want a close alignment with your team's working hours, culture, and language.

Onshore augmentation can be more costly due to higher labor rates in your home country. Yet, the ease of integration and coordination can make it worth the investment.

This type is best for projects requiring

• close collaboration,
• immediate availability for in-person meetings,
• and a deep understanding of local markets and practices.

Offshore

The offshore staff augmentation process involves hiring professionals from countries with significant time zone differences. This model can offer access to a global talent pool, often at a lower cost. However, working across time zones can pose challenges for collaboration. So use communication tools and project management software to manage them.

It’s ideal for projects where

• work can be done independently without the need for constant real-time communication,
• and cost savings are a priority.

Nearshore

This strikes a balance between onshore and offshore, involving talent from countries in similar time zones or with minor differences. It minimizes the challenges related to time zone differences and cultural discrepancies.

Nearshore augmentation is suitable for projects that require

• frequent collaboration,
• access to a wider talent pool than the onshore approach can offer,
• minimal time zone and cultural differences.