As procurement professionals, we sometimes have to find ways to buy things that support our organization without putting it at risk. Many times we need specialized talent on an adhoc basis, and often on short notice. When we attempt to issue requests to firms who employ these specialized folks, often we also encounter firms who are ‘body shopping’ – finding resources through ‘job postings’ vs having the staff ‘on board’

Body shopping does have its place and it apparently originated during the Y2K era and has since become a common solution for filling temporary IT positions. How can organizations leverage its benefits while mitigating potential risks?

Body shopping refers to the practice of IT firms providing temporary workers to fill vacancies in client organizations. These firms recruit, hire, and manage resources, while the client provides the necessary equipment for specialized IT services. It’s a quick way to access talent for projects with fluctuating workloads, typically ranging from 20% to 80% of full-time hours.

However, this staffing model comes with its own set of challenges. High turnover rates, lack of control over the workforce, and data security concerns are just a few of the potential pitfalls. As one client discovered, these issues can significantly impact project timelines and quality:

“We had a vendor who kept losing resources, and it would take 4-5 weeks to replace them. We later found out they were severely underpaying their staff, leading to constant turnover.”

To protect your organization when seeking adhoc consulting and/or IT resources, consider the following strategies:

1. Thoroughly vet your providers by evaluating their recruitment processes, training programs, and track records.
2. Clearly define project requirements, including specific skills, experience, and scope.
3. Implement strong data security measures and confidentiality agreements.
4. Establish clear communication channels and processes for managing remote or contract workers.
5. Stay up-to-date on relevant laws, regulations, and policies affecting temporary staffing.

One effective approach is to set up supply arrangements with specialized firms. This partnership model allows for a more stable pool of resources and better alignment with your organization’s needs and compliance requirements.

Remember, body shopping isn’t limited to the IT sector. These principles can be applied to various industries requiring temporary, specialized talent.

Want to dive deeper and learn more? Watch the full video.