Reading time: 3 minutes
The success of IT projects depends on multiple factors, but one of the most critical elements is having a professional and experienced team. Skilled IT specialists play a crucial role in developing, maintaining, and continuously improving systems, applications, and platforms. However, acquiring the right talent for IT departments presents a significant challenge for many businesses and institutions.
The Challenge of IT Recruitment
Finding qualified IT engineers can be a complex process for both large corporations with an established market presence and small to medium-sized businesses striving to stay competitive. As a result, many companies are turning to outsourcing as a strategic solution. By partnering with specialized recruitment firms, businesses can access a pool of highly skilled IT professionals without the burden of conducting lengthy and costly hiring processes in-house.
The Advantages of IT Outsourcing
IT outsourcing emerged as a response to a growing industry need. Not all companies have the necessary resources, such as time, financial means, or expert recruiters, to attract top IT talent. Outsourcing firms have stepped in to fill this gap, providing businesses with access to experienced professionals who can drive their projects forward.
One of the biggest advantages of IT outsourcing is cost efficiency. Hiring external specialists helps companies optimize expenses by classifying them as investment costs rather than long-term employment expenditures. This model also provides flexibility, allowing businesses to scale their workforce according to project needs. Since IT engineers are often hired for specific assignments, companies can avoid the overhead costs of maintaining a large in-house IT department.
Additionally, outsourcing grants businesses access to the latest technologies and expertise. Companies benefit from quick and efficient recruitment processes conducted by experienced professionals with extensive databases of IT specialists. This ensures seamless project execution and allows internal teams to focus on core business objectives.
Expanding Beyond Local Markets
In recent years, IT outsourcing has evolved beyond local recruitment. Companies now hire specialists from around the world, taking advantage of remote work to access talent through nearshoring (hiring from neighboring countries) and offshoring (sourcing talent from more distant regions). Since English is the global language of the IT industry, international cooperation is often as effective as local hiring. This approach not only reduces costs but also broadens access to top-tier IT professionals.
One of the leading outsourcing firms in Poland, ITDS, has been experiencing rapid growth since its establishment in 2016. The company has been recognized by the Financial Times as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023). ITDS specializes in building IT teams, integrating software and IT systems, and supporting product development. The company serves over 30 well-known clients across the finance, fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors, including Fortune 500 companies. With more than 400 IT engineers onboard, ITDS continues to expand its workforce and global reach.
“Over the past few years, our ability to attract top IT talent, key partners, and clients has fueled our dynamic growth. We are highly ambitious and always looking for opportunities to expand, which led us to open a new office in Portugal. This move has strengthened our business relationships and provided our employees with more international career opportunities,” says Charles-Alexandre Gamba, CEO of ITDS.
The Future of IT Outsourcing
The IT sector is becoming increasingly demanding. The European Commission estimates that the EU market could absorb up to 600,000 additional programmers, while Poland alone faces a shortage of 50,000 IT professionals. With businesses undergoing rapid digital transformation, the demand for skilled IT specialists continues to rise. Moreover, foreign companies, including those from outside Europe, are looking at Poland as an attractive hub for IT development, intensifying competition for top talent.
“Industry experts predict that the Polish IT market will reach a value of PLN 65 billion by 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The acceleration of digital transformation and the emergence of new IT specializations are fragmenting the market further. To stay competitive, businesses must leverage professional expertise and years of experience – qualities that companies like ITDS Poland provide. The high demand for our services is evident in the volume of inquiries we receive and the number of projects our specialists are engaged in,” says Anna Szczerbak, Executive Director at ITDS Poland.
IT outsourcing is far from reaching its peak. Given the ongoing shortage of IT talent, businesses will increasingly rely on external support for recruitment. Offshoring is expected to become a standard practice, with companies hiring IT professionals from around the world. However, outsourcing firms also face challenges, as IT specialists demand higher salaries and better working conditions. For businesses, partnering with an experienced and well-established outsourcing provider is essential to navigating these challenges. Firms like ITDS, which continuously expand their reach and expertise, can quickly and effectively build project teams, ensuring businesses stay ahead in an evolving IT landscape.