--- title: 4 Ways AGS Helped Microsoft Achieve Workforce Transformation Success description: 4 strategies Microsoft utilized to achieve workforce transformation success with AGS image: https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/4%20Ways%20AGS%20Helped%20Microsoft%20Achieve%20a%20Successful%20Workforce%20Transformation.png --- AGS Blog Header Toggle navigation [![Allegis Global Solutions](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/ags/logos/AGS-Logo_reversed.svg) Global Workforce Management Solutions - Allegis Global Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/) [Skip to Content](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/4-ways-ags-helped-microsoft-achieve-workforce-transformation-success#main-content) - [Research](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/research) - [Advisory and Transformation](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/advisory-and-transformation) - [Managed Services](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services) toggle menu - [Managed Service Provider (MSP)](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/managed-service-provider) - [Contingent Workforce Supplier Management](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/managed-service-provider/supply-chain-management) - [Direct Sourcing Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/managed-service-provider/direct-sourcing) - [Procurement Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/procurement-solutions) - [Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/recruitment-process-outsourcing) - [Direct Sourcing Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/direct-sourcing-solutions) - [Capabilities](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities) - [Acumen](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities/acumen) - [Ignite Consulting](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities/ags-ignite-consulting) - [Partners](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities/partners) - [Industries](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries) - [Consumer and Industrial Products](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/consumer-and-industrial-products) - [Healthcare](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/healthcare) - [Life Sciences](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/life-sciences) - [Financial Services](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/financial-services) - [Information Technology](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/information-technology) - [Insights](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights) toggle menu - [Blog](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/) - [Podcast](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights/podcast) - [White Papers](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights/white-papers) - [Case Studies](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights/case-studies) - [About](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us) toggle menu - [News & Events](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events) - [Press Releases](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases) - [Awards](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/awards) - [Events](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/events) - [AGS In The News](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/in-the-news) - [Careers](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/careers) - [Contact Us](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/contact-us) - [Locations](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/locations) - [Search Site](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/search) - Select Language Americas [English](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en) APAC [English](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en-au) EMEA [English](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en-gb) ### Stay Ahead of What’s Happening in Your Industry by Subscribing to The AGS Blog  Be the first to know about trends shaping the workforce industry. When you join, you’ll get a free digital copy of “The Universal Workforce Model™: An Outcome-First Guide to Getting Work Done.” Coauthored by industry thought leaders Simon Bradberry and Bruce Morton, this book takes you on journey to harmonized workforce management.   ![UWM_Spread (1)-min](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/UWM_Spread%20(1)-min.png "UWM_Spread (1)-min") - [Blog Homepage](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com) # 4 Ways AGS Helped Microsoft Achieve Workforce Transformation Success May 2, 2025 [![](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jas%20Headshot.jpg?width=40&name=Jas%20Headshot.jpg) By Jasmyn Merrick](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/author/jasmyn-merrick) [Talent Acquisition](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/talent-acquisition), [Contingent Workforce](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/contingent-workforce) In our recent AGS Live webinar – The Microsoft Model: Lessons in Workforce Transformation – we explored how Microsoft, through its contingent workforce management (CWM) partnership with Allegis Global Solutions (AGS), transformed its global workforce strategy and achieved remarkable savings.   With 30% program adoption and low visibility initially, the following were catalysts for Microsoft’s workforce transformation:  - **Costly and varied hiring practices** – non-strategic and non-compliant buying behaviors and increased costs, with average bill rates exceeding market  - **Lack of visibility to contingent workforce** – business stakeholders lacked self-service access to analytics and insights, hindering informed decision making  - **Poor and inconsistent user experience** – decentralized approach led to poor and inconsistent experience for hiring managers, suppliers and workers  The four key lessons learned from the changes to Microsoft’s [managed service provider (MSP)](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en/workforce-solutions/managed-service-provider) program help serve as a blueprint for providing actionable insights on data, branding and process optimization; delivering bottom-line benefits; and expanding talent channels worldwide.   [![AGS-Live-logo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/322350/interactive-185343196263.png)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJS5svu7a2VAuRXLYAmN4NiUB%2FXad1yzLJ4TV2ejxwIRzD3xouZ3yuUctw9286hSDTeP8iZRCRMpuEk9XtZeF24b1pIorGcxVVKclsnV%2BptwjKQuOa5%2Ffz5JN7zbxZPl8XOhlrFumkrKEj3znxu7xOKdXQXFfc0Am0r6GEsirWi0OrBpwFd5eXnF%2BNIwv6MjzsBiJtWlo%2B3d8TjvjhApWajNgIWPPUe2xYZ4KUMaFAe%2FtMkfyfaRe8iqTY%3D&webInteractiveContentId=185343196263&portalId=322350) ## 1. Addressing Hiring Managers' MSP Concerns  ### Consistent Process Yields Visibility, Cost Management  One of the significant challenges faced by many organizations, including Microsoft, is the reluctance of hiring managers to use MSP programs. Hiring managers often perceive the bidding process through the [vendor management system (VMS)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/navigating-complexity-with-confidence) as time-consuming—leading them to work directly with staffing agencies outside the program. This issue was prevalent at Microsoft as well.   Lora White, group program manager for North American talent services within Microsoft's procurement organization, highlighted the need for holistic program transformation at Microsoft, noting that before the workforce transformation with AGS, hiring managers had the freedom to procure contractor services directly from suppliers, which led to inefficiencies and higher costs.   ## 2. Implementing and Optimizing a VMS  ### **Ut**ilizing Data Drives Compliance Microsoft's journey with VMS implementation and optimization has been a collaborative effort with AGS. Before partnering with AGS, Microsoft had a decentralized approach to managing its contingent workforce, leading to challenges in compliance, cost control and visibility. Emphasizing the [importance of data](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en/workforce-insights/podcasts/workforce-data-people-centric-world) in building the business case for the workforce transformation, White pointed out that it was essential to collect data on spend, resource types and program adoption rates to demonstrate the benefits of centralizing procurement and driving cost efficiency and compliance.   Ultimately, by centralizing the procurement process and mandating the use of the program, the workforce transformation partnership with AGS enabled Microsoft to streamline and optimize the VMS, thereby reducing costs, boosting efficiency and improving compliance.     ## 3. Expanding the Scope of the Program  ### Improved Efficiency Leads to Global Rollout, Direct Sourcing   Microsoft's contingent workforce program, managed in partnership with AGS, includes a comprehensive scope that covers staff augmentation, professional services and independent contractors. The program is designed to handle various types of resource-based contracts and engagements, ensuring that all third-party [spend is managed efficiently](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/procurement-management-services-spend-4-paths-to-value).   Crystal Price, a senior programme manager for EMEA talent services within Microsoft's procurement organization, and her team secured the first country mandate in Ireland by leveraging relationships with senior leadership and presenting a strong business case. This success helped build momentum for the global rollout of the program. Further, Price discussed the complexities of managing the program across multiple countries, emphasizing the importance of compliance with local labor laws and reporting requirements.   Mark Bridge, an AGS programme executive in EMEA, discussed the preparation and planning required from the program office to support the mandate. This included ensuring the teams were ready, creating documentation and aligning messaging with the client. As a result of this process, the program's policies and procedures for engaging professional services consultants with deliverables are robust, ensuring that all engagements are compliant and efficient.   Looking ahead, White and Price discussed future plans for the program, including expanding to more countries, improving efficiency through [automation and AI](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/what-is-an-intelligent-workforce-platform), and enhancing control gates to ensure compliance. They also mentioned the potential for expanding the [direct sourcing](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/competing-for-contingent-workers-a-direct-sourcing-approach) program.    ## 4. Centralizing Supply Chain Management  ### Consistent User Experience Drives Strategic Growth   The [centralization of supplier management](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/is-your-data-telling-you-its-time-for-changes-to-your-supply-chain) – as well as Microsoft’s strong partnership and clear communication with AGS – was a critical aspect of its workforce transformation. It was a rapid implementation process, which involved mobilizing resources, creating a change management plan and maintaining flexibility to adapt to challenges.   As part of the workforce transformation, the selection, vetting and [management of suppliers](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/how-msp-benefit-supplier-partners) were driven centrally, ensuring consistency and compliance across the organization. Today, AGS continues to play a pivotal role in vetting and managing suppliers—making sure only the best-fit suppliers are part of the program. This centralized approach allows Microsoft to maintain high standards and drive strategic growth with selected suppliers.     ## Benefits of the Microsoft Model to Workforce Transformation  Microsoft's partnership with AGS has been instrumental in transforming its contingent workforce program. By addressing the challenges of hiring manager reluctance, optimizing the VMS, expanding the program's scope and centralizing supplier management, Microsoft has set a benchmark for efficient and compliant workforce management. AGS' expertise and collaborative approach have been key to this success, demonstrating their industry leadership in workforce solutions.    [![Related Article How to Address Your Workforce Transformation Strategy Challenges  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/322350/interactive-185343196191.png)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL1XxcJHCs4XdNUfYO%2B%2F00YHvdd5Yk%2Bcn8h5FUwgMQa0%2BI%2BYbzt5DOlxIulfLyLbuxlYlSitergMiQ6Df2q4TLRQqcy8b8xRCVsn%2F513idgcbInAHSd1SAE5AO6FFkhpCAw%2BNIrCQEkeW1noNijfyQ%2FBaPEdLHGsroz3Tif2NvIE7XLQBx3SbeXwXRSJKBzLgnXx9uHq8FaHN%2FI3rp1tQvhWAL4L%2BBrcqUQlw78SIROPNBsKl4ftLcakcBPgzaPTuZ5Qkh5nAPWLQnV&webInteractiveContentId=185343196191&portalId=322350) ![subscribe](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/subscribe.svg "subscribe") ### Insights to Stay Ahead Stay up to date with the latest trends shaping the talent industry. Get weekly insights delivered straight to your inbox. 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The COVID-19 pandemic was a massive disruption... ### More topics to explore - [Contingent Workforce (85)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/contingent-workforce) - [Talent Acquisition (76)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/talent-acquisition) - [Industry Trends (68)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/industry-trends) - [Workforce Technology (33)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/workforce-technology) - [Procurement Management (17)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/procurement-management) - [Universal Workforce Model (16)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/universal-workforce-model) - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (5)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/diversity-equity-inclusion) Did you enjoy this article? If so, please share. [Share on facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/4-ways-ags-helped-microsoft-achieve-workforce-transformation-success&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [Share on linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/4-ways-ags-helped-microsoft-achieve-workforce-transformation-success&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [Share on twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/4-ways-ags-helped-microsoft-achieve-workforce-transformation-success&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/4-ways-ags-helped-microsoft-achieve-workforce-transformation-success&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) ![](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jas%20Headshot.jpg?width=160&name=Jas%20Headshot.jpg) Written by [Jasmyn Merrick](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/author/jasmyn-merrick) Jasmyn Merrick serves as a director of client delivery at Allegis Global Solutions (AGS), where she leads a global team to support one of AGS's largest clients. Jasmyn has a proven track record of driving transformation and delivering impactful results. Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, she is the executive sponsor for an AGS employee resource group dedicated to advancing Black excellence. Jasmyn was recognized as one of Staffing Industry Analysts' 40 Under 40 in 2023. ![subscribe](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/subscribe.svg "subscribe") [Subscribe](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/4-ways-ags-helped-microsoft-achieve-workforce-transformation-success#open-subscribe-form) ## About Us We’re the leading provider of workforce solutions. Meet Allegis Global Solutions. [About Us](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us) ## Contact Us A smarter way to work begins with a conversation. Let’s talk. [Contact Us](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/contact-us) ## Careers Passionate about bettering the world of work? Join us. 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