Last month’s article by Thom, “The Cost of Convenience: How Offshore and Remote Design are Undermining the Future of the Truss Industry,” generated a fair amount of feedback, and that feedback was generally fair. But, let’s unpack some additional dynamics.
The central concern of Thom’s article is that “…companies have embraced remote designers and offshore design firms…[which is] slowly eroding the pipeline of in-house talent on which the industry depends.” Certainly, this is a valid concern, and companies should be cognizant of their long-term capacity and knowledge base. But, this will not affect everyone equally, and much will be influenced by what you think employment is: livelihood or commodity.
From the Employer’s Perspective
The component industry has been blessed with countless family-owned businesses that have created “work families” of their own, some for many decades. This heart and caring is a legacy of which we can all be proud. For such tightly knit groups, developing in-house talent is essential. Moreover, in a general sense, these employers care about their employees and do not see them as merely cogs in the machine.
In comparison are companies in which employees are commodities, not existing in an idealized state of community. Can these companies be successful with remote designers and offshore design firms? Absolutely! Contract design services are a valuable resource – and companies can do very well taking advantage of them.
From the Employee’s Perspective
Many of us probably thought at some point that we would land a job that carried us through our lives, only to realize later this was an increasingly rare occurrence. Even so, some have achieved this goal and work for companies where their jobs are recognized as their livelihood.
But, just as all companies are not the same, neither are all employees. Many highly skilled individuals are “merely” contract workers, and they (we) are no less talented, motivated, or proficient.
Modern Resources and Opportunities
If you have hired contract workers whose performance is not to your liking, then you may need to try the services provided by one of our advertisers, such as 4Ward Solutions Group or All Points Technical! Many plate suppliers offer design service options too.
Like life, this is never going to be a black-and-white issue, and there is plenty of benefit in the gray areas, for both employers and employees.