Matt Walter, Managing Partner – South Florida, Highspring
The globalization of the workforce boomed since the pandemic era. As such companies rely on tailored managed services and solutions to bridge the gap between hiring the best talent and the increasingly complex tech solutions needed to operate at a global scale. In an interview with Invest:, Matt Walter, managing partner of South Florida for Highspring, highlights how companies are navigating the current challenges and opportunities of operating within the local and global economies.
What were the key highlights for Highspring’s operations in South Florida and the United States over the last 12 months?
It has been an exciting 12 months. Highspring has been expanding its managed service offerings. As a global enterprise generating a billion in revenue with thousands of employees and contractors, we have seen steady business growth across our four core areas: talent solutions, managed services, business process outsourcing, and consulting.
We evolve with our clients as the industry grows. In the professional services space, we must customize our offerings based on the needs of both our clients and their customers. Our focus remains on tailoring our approach to exceed client expectations.
We are fortunate to operate in a relatively recession-proof sector within professional services, as our work spans direct hire, staffing, and contracting across key industries such as accounting, legal, finance, technology, and HR. This broad expertise allows us to sustain steady growth in an ever-changing economic landscape.
What is the current state of South Florida’s HR and staffing sector?
South Florida is a unique market compared to others we serve, characterized by a diverse mix of cultures and people. To meet our clients’ needs, we must remain flexible and adapt quickly. The region appears somewhat insulated from larger economic shifts and continues to experience steady growth.
Following the post-COVID influx of people into Florida — particularly South Florida — 2024 has seen a shift, with more people leaving the state than moving in. From a macro perspective, this reflects the ongoing embrace of remote and hybrid work models. Additionally, the rising cost of living continues to shape workforce trends, requiring both us and our clients to stay agile in response to changing market conditions. Beyond staffing solutions, we provide consulting services and subject matter expertise to help clients understand trends and develop strategic hiring plans.
A significant trend we’ve observed is the push for employees to return to the office. However, this shift has not been accompanied by salary increases. Companies are offering the same compensation levels — whether for contractors or full-time employees — while now expecting them to commute. We are actively educating our clients that to successfully bring employees back to the office, they must offer incentives such as additional compensation or transportation-related benefits.
Additionally, South Florida maintains strong business connections with Latin America and Europe. Many companies are blending offshore and inshore resources to optimize costs and improve hiring decisions. Highspring’s managed services align well with this trend, as we oversee more than 5,000 overseas employees. Whether supporting nearshore operations, 24/7 call centers, or virtual assistant services, our flexible offerings continue to be a key advantage for our clients.
How is Highspring leveraging technology and innovation to attract the best talent in the workforce?
Cloud technology has been around for over 35 years, and AI has existed since the 1980s. While AI wasn’t widely practical 10-15 years ago, today, lower chip costs and cloud advancements have made AI-driven solutions more accessible. These innovations have enabled us to implement remote services and solve complex workforce challenges more efficiently.
We leverage technology to access top talent both locally and globally. Our use of tracking software ensures we meet and exceed client expectations while also enhancing the candidate experience, from initial sourcing to interviews and project completion.
Our goal is to be a long-term partner for both clients and candidates. By utilizing predictive modeling, analyzing candidate journeys, and continuously engaging clients with new service offerings, we stay ahead of market trends. Remaining proactive allows us to provide the best solutions as industry experts across multiple fields.
What are some cross-industry factors currently influencing talent hiring and recruitment of top candidates?
Within our managed services offering, key areas such as IT managed services, trust and safety, offshore solutions, finance and accounting, and artificial intelligence and technology all come together under what is known as global delivery. Our model is built on global delivery because today’s workforce is truly international. COVID fundamentally changed hiring practices, as well as how and where people work. By operating globally, we can leverage key resources to meet evolving demands.
