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Staff Augmentation vs Consulting

Apr 12, 2023 | News

Staff augmentation and consulting are popular options for companies looking to add expertise or resources to their organization. However, they differ in terms of the level of involvement and commitment.

Staff augmentation brings in outside talent to supplement a company’s existing staff. Typically, this involves hiring contractors or temporary workers to fill specific roles or skill sets currently lacking in the organization. Staff augmentation is often used for short-term projects or to fill gaps in the workforce caused by high turnover or unexpected absences.

Conversely, Consulting involves hiring an outside expert or firm to advise and guide a specific issue or problem. This may include strategic planning, process improvement, or the implementation of new technologies. Consulting is often used for long-term projects or to address complex issues that require specialized expertise.

In terms of cost, staff augmentation is often more expensive in a short time, as companies must cover the salary and benefits for the additional staff member. However, consulting services can also be costly, especially if the project requires a long-term commitment or the services of a well-established firm.
According to a recent Deloitte survey, 60% of companies use staff augmentation to fill the skills gap within their organization. While consulting services are used by 72% of companies to address specific business challenges or opportunities.

Both staff augmentation and consulting can be valuable options for companies looking to add expertise or resources to their organization. The key is to understand the specific needs of your business and choose the option that best fits those needs. Staff augmentation can be a quick and cost-effective solution for short-term projects or filling workforce gaps. At the same time, consulting can provide specialized expertise for long-term projects or complex issues.