NOTE: Looking for an up to date list? Check out our top countries of outsourcing BPO in 2021 list by clicking here.
Fun fact: “location attractiveness” isn’t just a term in the tourism niche.No, when it comes to Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), location attractiveness refers to a metric you can use to determine where to take your outsourcing and staffing needs. This takes into account a range of factors: from the overall skill of the population, to how easy it is to communicate and conduct business, to how the state of the country itself could affect your new team.
The “best” countries for outsourcing find themselves in an evolving competition. At the tail end of the last year, disruptors to the industry – such as automation and the growing concern over cyber security – are expected to throw the rankings in for a loop.
But, for now, specific offshore and nearshore locales stand as the top 5 countries for BPO services.
1. India
With 14 “super cities” ranking high in the list for services globalization, you can expect that India is a veteran in the field and its apparent industry leader. The trust for the skill of Indian labor, despite its cheaper cost, is evident when you consider almost half of the Global 500 operate within the country.
2. China
India and China boast the highest populations. Though English speakers make up about 1% of the people, China has started to pivot more actively towards the digital scene, with new contact centers that promise to innovate and utilize new technology
3. Malaysia and the Philippines
In general, the entire region of Southeast Asia is an emergent force in outsourcing services, and most could yield exceptional work. These two are consistently at the top with their own specialties.
Where Malaysia is the more stable and attractive option for investors looking to build business centers in the region, the Philippines is a BPO expert, with neutral-sounding English and 24/7 service to boot.
4. Brazil
With IBM and HP as recurring clients for outsourced work, Brazil is a popular pick for Latin and North American businesses. The outsourcing laws and promises to train citizens in IT issues make Brazil a bustling competitor for the usual offshore sources.
5. Mexico
Mexico and Brazil have the distinct advantage of being within the same time zones as North American accounts. Their bilingual familiarity with the English language and their work in the IT and HR services place them firmly above the cut.
Your choice ultimately depends on your needs. Determine the work you need to outsource and the importance of availability to your business. Then, be assured of the fact that you’re in good hands with any of these countries.