Why Your Outsourcers Need IT Support (Even If They're Part-Time).

As your business grows, your team is likely to include a mix of full-timers, part-timers and outsourcers.

As the business owner, it's tempting to look at your outsourcers and think, "They're not full-time. Skipping their IT support is an easy way to cut costs."

We understand the temptation to view outsourcers as a cost-saving opportunity when it comes to IT support. However, this belief could pose serious risks to your business. To safeguard your company, it's crucial to comprehend the potential hazards associated with this mindset.

"But... Sally's only here on Wednesdays"

It's reasonable to ask, "Why do I need to pay for support for Sally? She's an outsourcer who only accesses our data once a week."

Let's play that out. Support isn't just about fixing problems; it's about improving productivity. Sally comes in on Wednesday and, because she has access to our team, she can ask for guidance on how to get a task done faster. Kimbley IT can share productivity tips and tricks that help her work more efficiently. You're still paying her the same amount, but she's delivering more value because she's getting more done.

Now, let's look at the flip side. What happens if she doesn't have support and hits an IT problem? Who is going to help her?

You're left in a tricky spot. Sally can either sit there and not work (while you're paying for her time) or try to fix the IT issue herself. She might get lucky, but there's a good chance she could worsen the problem. Either way, you're taking a risk that hits your bottom line.

Hackers don't care if Sally is working today.

Here's the part that really worries us. Support for Sally's account is needed even when she's not actively using it.

Even when Sally isn't in, hackers are constantly scanning for vulnerabilities, 24/7. In our experience, outsourcers are often the weak link. Their main focus is often on accessing your data, getting the job done, and moving on, so security gets overlooked.

When something goes wrong, they don't have the same 'all-in' feeling as your permanent team. Your permanent team is fully committed to the success and security of the business. They have other companies to work for; your team relies on you. A single ransomware attack can, and does, sink businesses. Without proper IT support covering all your team members, the risk of a severe attack increases significantly.

Proper support for everyone is just good practice.

Everyone on your team should have the same access to IT support, regardless of their job status. When everyone has that safety net, they can do their best work.

When a team member—any team member—encounters an IT problem, it throws a wrench in their day. Having support on standby means they can return to work quickly, keeping your operation running smoothly.

It also means everyone feels valued and supported. But honestly, this isn't just about fairness but protecting your business.

The simple truth is that treating all team members with the same level of security and support is not only the right thing to do; it's also the smart thing to do.

Get IT support for your whole team.

If you're onboarding a new outsourcers, it's crucial to ensure they are set up securely from the very beginning. This proactive approach demonstrates your responsibility and sets the tone for a secure working environment. Use the form below to book a video call with us to discuss this in more detail.