What comes to mind when you consider outsourcing? Payroll, customer service, or IT support? Rethink your assumptions! In 2024, companies are outsourcing far more than they used to, venturing into surprising fields to remain flexible and competitive.
Here are the most unusual jobs companies are currently outsourcing, along with the reasons why it’s becoming the new standard.
Machine Learning Models and AI Training
The future lies in AI, and it requires specialised training. Companies are outsourcing the enormous burden of training AI and machine learning models to tackle everything from speech recognition to complex pattern analysis. Rather than employing in-house AI specialists, businesses are delegating these tasks to external experts who can manage vast amounts of data more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Management of Content Creators and Influencers
The days of internal social media management are long gone. Companies now contract out entire influencer campaigns to specialised firms that manage the complete process, from content creation to influencer selection and deal negotiations. This approach allows brands to maintain their visibility without the complexity of overseeing hundreds of Instagram posts and TikTok trends internally.
Online Event Organisation
Remember when events were all about securing venues and arranging catering? Today’s companies host significant virtual events that require equally meticulous preparation. Outsourced teams create engaging online experiences by managing everything from technical production to virtual space design, enabling businesses to connect with global audiences seamlessly.
Metaverse Development
As businesses seek to establish their presence in the metaverse, they’re outsourcing the development of digital avatars, virtual storefronts, and immersive environments. Specialised development teams are creating these experiences, enabling organisations to interact with consumers in revolutionary ways that bridge the physical and digital worlds.
Voice and Face Data Collection
With the rise of AI-powered voice assistants and facial recognition technology, businesses are outsourcing the collection of diverse voice and facial data. These outsourcing teams carefully manage this sensitive task, ensuring AI systems can effectively understand and respond to people from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
“Red Team” Cybersecurity Attacks
Consider hiring someone to hack your business—for your benefit. That’s exactly what Red Team cybersecurity experts do. Companies engage these ethical hackers to simulate attacks and expose vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach helps organisations maintain robust security measures.
Digital Twin Creation
Imagine having a digital replica of your office space, factory, or product that you can test and modify before implementing changes in the real world. Companies are outsourcing the creation of these digital twins to specialists who can accurately simulate real-world scenarios, saving significant time and resources during the design and development process.
Sustainability Audits
Going green isn’t just a trend—it’s a business imperative. Companies are engaging external experts to conduct comprehensive sustainability audits that assess their environmental impact. These specialists analyse carbon footprints, supply chains, and ethical sourcing practices, helping organisations achieve their sustainability goals and meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.
Online Community Moderation
Maintaining safe and positive online communities has become a complex, full-time endeavour. Companies are now outsourcing content moderation to specialised teams who monitor everything from discussion forums to social media platforms. These teams ensure the removal of inappropriate or harmful content, creating secure online environments for all users.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Outsourcing
Outsourcing has evolved far beyond its traditional cost-saving roots. Today, it’s about accessing specialised capabilities and expertise that organisations may lack internally. Whether it’s establishing a metaverse presence, training AI systems, or managing virtual events, outsourcing enables businesses to be more agile, efficient, and innovative.
This transformation from back-office support to front-line strategy demonstrates how outsourcing has matured in 2024. Forward-thinking companies are leveraging these opportunities to stay competitive, scale operations, and innovate without overextending their internal resources.
What unexpected task would your organisation consider outsourcing?
