Knowing when and how to bring on extra help can be challenging when growing a business. Do you need staff augmentation, or should you hire a consultant? What even is staff augmentation? Our blog post, “What is staff augmentation and how does it benefit your business?” can give you a good understanding of this service.
But what about consulting? Knowing the differences and benefits between staff augmentation vs. consulting can help you decide which is right for your business.
Before we start comparing these two services, it’s essential to have a good understanding of staff augmentation and consulting. First, staff augmentation can supplement an existing team for ongoing projects, whereas consulting is often used to provide expert advice or guidance on a project from start to finish.
Staff augmentation is a business strategy where a company brings in additional staff to help with specific projects or tasks. The company may hire new employees or contract with third parties to provide staffing services.
An organization may use staff augmentation to accomplish several tasks. For example, if a company is tackling a large project and needs additional staffing, then staff augmentation can help. A company may also use staff augmentation during times of high demand, such as during the holiday season.
On the other hand, staff consulting is a type of professional consulting that focuses on providing advice and assistance to employees within an organization for a project. The primary purpose of staff consulting is to provide expert knowledge to see a project through.
They sound similar, don’t they? The critical difference is that staff augmentation supplements ongoing projects while consultancy agencies take over a project from start to finish and utilize their expert knowledge on the project.
One of the crucial disadvantages of consulting services is that they can be expensive. This is because you are the consultant for their expertise and time, which can add up to a high cost.
Another potential disadvantage of consulting services is that they can be inflexible. This is because you may only have access to the consultant for a set period, so if your needs change, you may need to find a new consultant.
Communication issues may be one obstacle when working with a consultancy agency. You aren’t their only client, so there may be instances where you are waiting for their response or insight on the project.
Checklist to determine your needs:
Assess your team
The best way to determine the resource type you need, staff augmentation vs. consulting, is to examine your current team within the company. It’s crucial to identify your strengths and weakness, time management, and the current projects you are currently working on. Assessing your team’s flexibility and response to consultant strategies is also essential.
Do your research
Once you’ve decided whether you need staff augmentation or consultancy services, it’s time to do your research. When weighing your options with different agencies, consider their experience and specialty. Finding agencies specializing in your industry, such as tech or hospitality, can be helpful.
Consider the cost
Cost is a significant factor when choosing between a staffing or consultancy agency. Check your project funds to see if you have the opportunity to hire new people. Consultancy agencies can be costly but worth it. Their skills can maximize the potential of your in-house team.
So which one is right for your business? It all depends on your company’s unique situation. You may find your answer for staff augmentation vs. consulting through trial and error.
If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend talking to one of our GrowMore Recruitment Specialists. We can help you assess your needs and find the best solution for your business with a free consultation.
