Why Major Companies Outsource Key Functions

In 2025, more and more companies are rethinking their HR strategies. Economic instability, the rapid advancement of technology—especially AI—and the need for more flexible and manageable business models are pushing brands to downsize in-house teams, streamline office infrastructure, and outsource part of their operations. Global business is shifting to a hybrid model: strategy remains in-house, while execution is handled by agencies or AI partners.

This trend is evident both in Ukraine and internationally. For example, in May 2025, Nova Poshta announced plans to lay off nearly 2,900 employees—around 10% of its workforce. The restructuring affects not only frontline staff but also office departments, including marketing, advertising, and reputation management—the company even let go of its head of reputation. Nova Poshta is optimizing its structure, reducing management layers, and outsourcing or automating various tasks.

Similar developments are occurring in global business. Intel announced it would outsource its entire marketing department to the consulting firm Accenture, while also cutting one-fifth of its staff. Back in 2021, Mercedes-Benz partnered with communications giant Omnicom Group to launch a centralized agency, Team X, to manage global marketing and media, keeping strategic oversight in-house. Mondelēz International actively leverages AI and external partners like Accenture and Publicis Groupe to handle marketing tasks. In late 2024, Endeavour Group shut down its in-house production department and outsourced content creation to the AI agency Plus Also Studio. Meanwhile, banking giant Citi launched a large-scale internal AI program for 150,000 employees in collaboration with Google Cloud to automate routine tasks, content creation, analytics, and documentation workflows.

These examples highlight a common trend: companies are streamlining structures, focusing on strategic goals, and outsourcing operational functions to external partners or AI solutions. This boosts flexibility, reduces team workload, accelerates project delivery, and enables innovation without increasing headcount.

That’s why outsourcing today is more than just a crisis-response tool—it’s a strategic development instrument. It helps reduce costs and access top-tier talent without building large internal teams.

Outsourcing by the Numbers:

• 30–40%: average operational cost savings for companies that outsource business functions (Deloitte)

• 80% of organizations view outsourcing as a way to improve productivity and focus on core objectives (Forbes)

• 25% faster process execution through collaboration with specialized external teams (Gartner)

• 20% faster time-to-market for companies using external resources (McKinsey)

• 22%+ increase in customer satisfaction for businesses that outsource customer support (HubSpot)

• 80% of top executives agree outsourcing allows greater focus on strategic priorities (PwC)

• 65% of companies with long-term outsourcing partnerships report improved service quality (IAOP)

In short, outsourcing is not only a way to save resources but also an effective path to faster growth, greater flexibility, innovation, and competitive advantage.

Outsourcing in Action

Smart Solutions offers business solutions aligned with these global trends. Their personnel outsourcing service is an effective tool for businesses that want to focus on their core operations while delegating administrative, service, and support functions to a reliable partner.

For over 15 years, the brand has provided full support for international and local companies in Ukraine—from outsourcing to full office setup. One such example was the launch of an R&D office in Ukraine for an international IT company. Considering the team’s specific needs, Smart Solutions arranged office rental through a trusted contractor, conducted major renovations, set up green zones and air humidification systems, and fulfilled additional client requests, including branded signage and even a beer tower.

Additionally, the company handled the complete procurement of office equipment and supplies, organized employee insurance, training programs, corporate events, and administrative support. This allowed the client to receive comprehensive operational support—from office setup to timely payroll and reporting.

Advantages of Outsourcing with Smart Solutions:

• Full accounting and administrative support

• Office rental and everything needed for a productive work environment

• Insurance contributions and guaranteed social benefits for employees

• Team-building, training, and support to maintain high team efficiency

• You define the goals—we handle the routine

• Transparent financial reporting with detailed expense breakdowns

• Single point of contact: one dedicated project manager for all your needs

Thus, outsourcing with Smart Solutions helps companies reduce costs, optimize resources, and stay focused on their core missions—without unnecessary administrative burden.

The world is changing—and so is business. Outsourcing is no longer just a cost-cutting measure; it’s a strategic model for resource management that enables companies to scale. Those that integrate external partners into their operations in time gain real competitive advantages: flexibility, market responsiveness, and access to niche expertise without extra HR pressure. Outsourcing is becoming an essential part of modern business—a solution that gives companies the freedom to grow in an ever-changing environment.