We hear it more often than we’d like, “Isn’t Staffing and Staff Augmentation the same thing?” Staffing and Staff Augmentation are two terms that are almost always used interchangeably. However, they are NOT the same thing. Here’s what every IT Leader and contingent workforce manager needs to know and some clarification on how Contender’s ServiceNow Staff Augmentation practice can be a game changer in the way you drive efficiency, growth and adoption in the platform this year.
Staff Augmentation is a strategy used to staff a project and respond to business objectives with the use of specialized contingent labor. Contender’s Staff Augmentation practice is applied to situations where a project or other business objective requires more ServiceNow specific technical and/or consulting expertise than an organization might typically maintain in-house. Staff augmentation engagements usually involve an evaluation of existing headcount and skills, examination of the excess workload and a determination regarding how many and what kinds of contingent labor to engage to fill gaps.
Beyond the obvious benefits of increasing operational capacity and sourcing of vetted and certified ServiceNow talent, staff augmentation can also be leveraged as part of a strategic initiative that provides a flexible labor force that drives competitive advantage. Staff Augmentation is also useful as an immediate means of generating a bridge to OUR Elite ServiceNow partner expertise in-order-to create lift while assessing what the real long-term needs of the business might be looking forward together. (Also see Contender FLEX engagements)
Staffing on the other hand, is the practice of providing temporary workers to a client company to supplement the current workforce during peak periods or during planned and unplanned worker absences. In general, what the industry refers to as “temp” labor falls under the heading of most staffing. Staffing is a much less strategic, less specialized and often more transient type of work arrangement.
We will continue to provide clarity and guidance to ensure ServiceNow customers make the most effective and correct selections and decisions as relates to their contingent workforce strategies and expansion of the Now platform. If you have questions about Staff Augmentation or are looking for ideas on how you can increase your own ServiceNow ROI, our trained experts are always available to help clarify, educate and advise.
