What Makes an MSP a Great Partner?

There’s no doubt about it-modern workforces look different today. Increasingly, companies are relying on non-employees to maintain flexibility and competitiveness, while ensuring tasks are completed to boost productivity.

However, here’s the challenge: managing an extended workforce is a complex task that requires careful coordination, in-depth market knowledge, and effective strategies to ensure compliance, cost control, and access to top talent. As HR, TA, and procurement leaders explore partnering with an MSP, it’s essential to know what to look for in a partner that can truly deliver value.

So, what makes an MSP a good partner? Here are four key traits that distinguish the best providers:

1. Proven Industry Expertise

An MSP should understand the unique dynamics of your industry, from compliance requirements to the specialized skills your organization needs.

So, why does this matter?

• It helps your organization stay ahead of regulatory changes and labor laws, reducing compliance risks.
• It ensures your program can quickly source the right talent, especially for hard-to-fill roles.
• It helps keep rates competitive and budgets optimized by knowing the true market value of roles.

When an MSP deeply understands your world, they deliver solutions that are both practical and cost-effective.

2. Workforce Tech That Drives Visibility and Insights

Managing a non-employee workforce is complex, and without clear visibility, it’s nearly impossible to make smart decisions. That’s why your MSP’s technology matters.

Ask yourself this:

• Does the MSP give you real-time visibility into spend, supplier performance, and hiring metrics?
• Can they forecast future workforce needs and market trends using data analytics?
• Will their tools integrate seamlessly with your HR and procurement systems?

When the right technology is in place, you gain the insights you need to act quickly and strategically, instead of playing catch-up.

3. Strong Supplier Relationship Management

Your workforce strategy is only as good as the suppliers who deliver your talent. A high-performing MSP acts as a bridge between your organization and those suppliers, keeping them accountable and aligned with your goals.

Here’s why it matters:

• It improves talent quality by tracking and coaching supplier performance.
• It supports diversity goals by connecting you to specialized, diverse supplier networks.
• It helps control costs by encouraging competitive bids and using consistent performance metrics.

With the right MSP managing these relationships, you can build a supplier network that’s efficient, diverse, and dependable.

4. Continuous Improvement and Overall Agility

An MSP should be a true partner who evolves with your organization. When considering one, ask yourself:

• Do they bring new ideas and strategies to help you stay ahead of workforce trends?
• Are they agile enough to shift when your business needs or the labor market changes?

The most valuable MSPs anticipate challenges and help you navigate change, positioning your organization to seize opportunities rather than react to problems.

The Takeaway

Selecting the right MSP can redefine how you manage your non-employee workforce. With the right partner, you’ll gain greater compliance, improved efficiency, and a more agile workforce program.

When evaluating potential providers, look for those who offer:

• Industry-specific expertise
• A high-touch service model to maximize stakeholder engagement
• Leading workforce technology or technology partnerships, like that of a VMS
• A strong supplier management strategy
• An effective and ongoing strategy for continuous improvement, along with overall solution flexibility

The right MSP doesn’t just help you manage non-employees; they help you turn workforce challenges into strategic opportunities.

Ready to Strengthen Your Workforce Strategy?

At OneBeacon, we specialize in helping HR, TA, and procurement leaders build smarter, more resilient non-employee workforce programs.
If you’re ready to optimize your workforce strategy and take the next step toward cost savings, compliance, and performance, let’s talk.

Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.onebeaconconsulting.com to schedule a no-cost consultation and see how OneBeacon can help you take the next step.