Fiji’s Outsourcing Boom Meets Its Talent Crunch

Fiji’s outsourcing industry has witnessed significant growth over the past five years, but a critical shortage of skilled talent is currently posing substantial challenges. Josefa Wivou, the executive director of Outsourcer Fiji, emphasized that the industry’s rapid advancement has outpaced the availability of qualified professionals. He noted that outsourcing has evolved quicker than tourism in Fiji, which has traditionally been a cornerstone of the local economy over the past two to three decades.

Wivou highlighted that while the skills shortage is a widespread concern affecting various sectors, the unique dynamics of the outsourcing sector require specific solutions. “The churn within outsourcing is normal when we look globally at markets like the Philippines, India, the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. But in the Pacific, we face a limited pool of developed candidates,” he explained during an interview.

To address this shortage, Wivou mentioned that companies must adopt innovative retention strategies, focusing beyond just salary. Many businesses in the sector are creating work environments that blur the lines between home and workplace. Modern facilities featuring food outlets, recreational activities like pool tables and volleyball courts, and other non-monetary incentives are becoming vital for maintaining staff satisfaction and morale. This reflects the cultural importance of family and home in Pacific island communities, helping to foster a stronger connection between employees and their workplaces.

Wivou also pointed out that the recent collaboration between Datec Fiji and the Market Development Facility (MDF) marks a promising step forward for the industry. This partnership aims to enhance areas of knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) and information technology outsourcing (ITO), both of which require specialized skills. By focusing on these niche sectors, the collaboration seeks to develop and train a talented workforce necessary for sustaining the growth of Fiji’s outsourcing market.

The outlook for Fiji’s outsourcing sector appears optimistic despite the current challenges. With targeted efforts to cultivate skilled talent and foster innovative work environments, there is potential for meaningful progress and expansion in this rapidly growing industry.