Nearshoring IT

Acquiring the right IT specialists within the same country may be problematic for many companies due to staff shortages on the market or due to high rates exceeding the company’s budget allocated to a given project. In such situations employers opt for nearshoring, i.e., outsourcing IT engineers from countries with geographic proximity, for example neighbouring states.

The impact of remote work on the market has been significant. Home office has significantly helped popularise the idea of multinational teams. As everyday attendance at the office is less frequently a requirement, companies are increasingly willing to turn for support to employees from other countries. Maintaining internal IT structures, for example a dedicated department, often generates huge costs. That makes this form of IT outsourcing more profitable for companies. It is a good solution as most IT specialists, regardless of their country of origin, can communicate in English, and knowledge on specific tools and programmes is universal. In the case of Nearshoring – outsourcing from countries located on the same continent, the common time zone and relatively minor cultural differences facilitate a smooth cooperation, which translates into successful projects. Employers have access to the biggest IT talents, whose skills and experience can be of key importance.

Nearshoring of IT sector

The IT industry is facing a significant challenge: a shortage of qualified IT professionals. According to the Polish Economic Institute, there is a shortage of 147,000 IT experts in the country. As a result, companies that want to remain competitive are looking for new ways to solve this problem. IT nearshoring has emerged as a popular solution for tech startups and corporations seeking access to top talent.

Poland as an IT Outsourcing Hub

With over 295,000 Polish programmers currently employed in the IT sector, nearshoring, which involves outsourcing specialists from Poland, is becoming increasingly popular. Poland has strengthened its position in the global IT market since the pandemic. What is the reason for this? We have some of the most competitive rates in the European Union when it comes to hiring IT specialists.

More importantly, despite the competitive costs of maintaining Polish experts, their qualifications are very high. Foreign companies using nearshoring services in Poland gain access to a wide pool of qualified specialists with both niche skills and expertise in more popular technologies.

Poland is a crucial outsourcing partner for many European countries due to its geographical proximity and similar time zones. Each year, 10% of all newly qualified specialists graduate with an engineering degree.

Benefits of Nearshoring IT Specialists from Poland

Significant Cost Reduction: The average annual salary for a Polish programmer is $22,200. This allows companies to achieve annual savings of up to 40% compared to hiring employees from Western Europe. Poland is therefore one of the European countries that can be an ideal nearshoring partner for CEE countries.
Access to Highly Qualified Specialists: Polish programmers offer top-notch services. The Polish market places a strong emphasis on developing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and many research institutions and technical universities offer high-quality study programs. The University of Warsaw ranks 230th among the best universities in terms of technical study programs.
English Proficiency: Poland currently ranks 13th in the world in terms of English proficiency, which is practically essential for work in the IT sector.
Growing Outsourcing Market: The global outsourcing market is expected to grow by $40.16 billion by 2025, highlighting the increasing demand for outsourcing strategies such as nearshoring.

How to Choose the Right IT Specialist for Nearshoring?

When your company considers IT nearshoring to improve operational efficiency and leverage top talent, selecting the right partner is crucial. Here are the factors to consider to ensure the best collaboration outcomes:

Relevant Expertise and Experience

Your nearshore partner should have solid experience in your industry and understand your specific goals and challenges. Look for a partner with a proven track record and a portfolio of successful projects similar to those you want to outsource. Verify that they have the necessary technical infrastructure and expertise to handle your projects.

Language and Communication

Communication is key to nearshoring success. On the one hand, ensure that your potential partner is fluent in your language or at least English to facilitate smooth communication and project management. On the other hand, check if there are clear and effective communication channels. Regular updates, meetings, and reports should be part of your collaboration, especially when working remotely on a project.

Cultural Compatibility

Choose a partner who aligns with your company’s organizational culture. Similar ethical principles and business practices strengthen collaboration and can lead to better project outcomes.

Post-Project Support

Post-project support is crucial. Consider whether your partner can provide comprehensive services to address any issues after project completion. Ongoing maintenance is essential for the long-term stability of projects.