Thanks for taking the time to open and read my points of view, I’m extremely passionate about all the topics I blog about and even if you take one thing from this let me know.
Managing an extended workforce, which includes contingent workers, contractors, and freelancers to name a few, is becoming increasingly important for organizations in today flexible approach to managing business needs. Implementing a solution to effectively manage this workforce can bring numerous benefits, such as improved productivity, cost savings, and increased flexibility.
Throughout my career, I have been involved in over one hundred projects to either implement or enhance a buyer’s solution to manage their extended workforce. Some of those projects have been simple and others extremely complex in relation to the technical solution to underpin services. The solutions available to the buyer community today are advancing at a great pace, however one constant challenge I still see today is more focussed on the impact of resources overseeing activities.
Stakeholder alignment can have significant impacts from both a positive and negative perspective. It is an area I have focussed a lot on in the past five years to guide and support buyers to truly see the impact stakeholder management can have on the successful implementation of extended workforce solutions.
It can be a sensitive area to combat as stakeholders, in the context of managing an extended workforce, may include HR departments, procurement teams, hiring managers, IT departments, and the extended workforce themselves. Each stakeholder group has its own unique needs, requirements, and expectations when it comes to managing the extended workforce. Failure to align these stakeholders can lead to a range of negative consequences.
So, what does not poor alignment as a stakeholder group mean?
Lack of clarity and understanding of the objectives and benefits of implementing a solution to manage the extended workforce will happen. Without a shared understanding of the goals and potential benefits, stakeholders may not fully support or commit to the implementation process. This can result in resistance, lack of cooperation, and ultimately, a failure to achieve the desired outcomes.
Another impact of poor stakeholder alignment is limited coordination and collaboration among different departments and teams involved in managing the extended workforce. For example, if the HR department is not aligned with the procurement team, there may be confusion and inefficiencies in the hiring and onboarding processes. This can lead to delays, increased costs, and a negative experience for both the organization and the extended workforce.
Moreover, poor stakeholder alignment can also result in poor integration with existing systems and processes. For instance, if the IT department is not involved or does not have a clear understanding of the requirements of the solution, there may be difficulties in integrating the new system with existing HR or procurement systems. This can lead to data inconsistencies, duplication of efforts, and a fragmented approach to managing the extended workforce.
Additionally, poor stakeholder alignment can impact the overall user experience of the extended workforce. If the needs and expectations of the extended workforce are not considered and incorporated into the solution, it may result in a lack of user-friendly interfaces, complicated processes, and limited access to necessary information and resources. This can lead to frustration, decreased productivity, and a higher turnover rate among the extended workforces.
So, what should be done?
Yes it is that simple, but never always easy to manage!
To mitigate the impacts of poor stakeholder alignment, organizations should prioritize stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the implementation process. This includes involving all relevant stakeholders from the early stages of planning, conducting regular meetings and updates, and addressing any concerns or feedback.
Additionally, organizations should invest in training and support for all stakeholders to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use the solution.
In my conclusion, poor stakeholder alignment can have significant impacts on the successful implementation of a solution to manage your extended workforce. It can lead to a lack of clarity, coordination, integration, and user experience, ultimately hindering the achievement of desired outcomes. By prioritizing stakeholder engagement and communication, organizations can mitigate these impacts and increase the chances of successful implementation and management of their extended.
EW Scope can help you be consistent throughout the management of your extended workforce projects, I specialise in ensuring your business and providers are well connected at stakeholder level and understand what’s required. That’s where success starts and continues, get in touch for more details.
Copyright 2024 EW Scope Ltd. All rights reserved.
A private limited company incorporated in Scotland under SC764134
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking accept, you agree to the use of all cookies.