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The future of work isn’t just remote—it’s becoming smarter, more transparent, and data-driven. On a recent episode of Derek Gallimore’s Outsource Accelerator podcast, our very own Alex Schutte (SVP of Marketing at Hubstaff) unpacked this transformation in greater depth. 

Drawing from Hubstaff’s experience with over 140k users across 150 countries, Alex shares real-world data, client stories, and practical strategies to manage high-performing distributed teams

From productivity benchmarking to operationalizing AI, his insights paint a clear picture of how outsourcing firms can move beyond headcount and start delivering measurable value in a remote-first world.

Here’s a breakdown of what was discussed in this value-packed podcast session. 

Boost your team’s efficiency with Hubstaff's productivity tools

From cubicles to clarity: Why Hubstaff exists

Hubstaff was founded to challenge the outdated 9–5 office model. Built by remote-first advocates, it enables companies to manage distributed teams without micromanagement. 

Today, Hubstaff supports over 140,000 users in 150+ countries with tools for time tracking, productivity measurement, and team operations.

A quote by Alex Schutte shared in Outsource Accelerator podcast.

Why Hubstaff is more than just employee monitoring software

Time tracking software that does more than log hours

In Alex’s words, Hubstaff time tracking captures how work happens, not just when. You can monitor focus time, activity levels, app and URL usage, and even use optional screenshots to validate effort.

Example: From his experience, Alex shares how he used Hubstaff data to uncover that a high-performing analyst was spending too much time in meetings. That insight helped him build a case to hire additional support to improve team output and employee satisfaction.

Seamless integration with your existing workflow

The integration capabilities are unmatched with tools you already use—Asana, Trello, Jira, ClickUp, Deel, Wise, and more. Track time directly on tasks, then automate timesheets, invoices, and payroll processing across clients and teams.

For instance, an outsourcing agency connected Hubstaff to Deel, automating payroll across global teams and eliminating manual reconciliation for billable hours.

Actionable data that drives operational decisions

Alex mentions how leaders gain real-time productivity analytics to help them allocate resources more effectively, support employees early, and manage by data, not guesswork.

The Hubstaff Workstyle Revolution report revealed that remote teams spent 52% of their hours in focus time, while in-office teams averaged just 46%. This helps outsourcing providers counter client RTO mandates with real evidence.

A remote operating system built for BPOs, agencies, and global teams

Built-in trust and accountability

When asked about trust and accountability, Alex mentioned that client trust is non-negotiable for outsourcing firms, and Hubstaff helps deliver transparency that differentiates your service.

  • Track billable hours down to the minute (or 6-minute intervals for legal/accounting clients).
  • Offer client-facing dashboards that show progress, time logs, and team performance.
  • Provide proof of work tied directly to tasks or deliverables.

“Clients actually love seeing the Hubstaff data because it is, again, that proof of work… You can give your customers access or a view of some of this data… and that just helps with transparency, accountability. You say, ‘Hey, all cards are on the table. Here’s what we did for you.”

— Alex Schutte, SVP of Marketing at Hubstaff

Flexible invoicing and global payroll

Hubstaff supports custom pay rates based on project, role, or team. BPOs can tag hours as billable/non-billable, automate invoices, and pay contractors via Deel, Wise, or PayPal integrations.

For instance, BPOs can monitor productivity on a per-seat basis and automate client billing based on time logged to specific tasks, eliminating the need for manual tracking and reducing the risk of errors.

Mobile and field team support

Hubstaff’s mobile app includes GPS tracking and geofencing capabilities — perfect for outsourcing firms managing onsite teams or mobile workers.

Empowerment over surveillance

As Alex puts it, Hubstaff is built to support a culture of accountability, not control. 

Hubstaff’s productivity monitoring features are flexible and designed to suit your company’s culture. You choose whether to enable screenshots, track URLs, or use time logs and productivity scores.

Example: A BPO manager used Hubstaff to detect a drop in productivity. The goal was not to reprimand, but to uncover early signs of burnout. That led to a coaching conversation and adjusted workload, preventing turnover.

The untapped opportunity: operationalizing AI

The Hubstaff AI Productivity Shift Report uncovered a key insight: although 85% of users report using AI, only 4% of tracked time is spent on AI-related tools.

Alex highlights a crucial data point during the conversation: a major opportunity for BPOs to offer AI-enhanced services and automation strategies that improve speed, accuracy, and profitability for clients.

When Hubstaff hosted a BPO panel a few months ago, leaders had a clear message: AI and automation aren’t just tools. They’re must-haves for scale, compliance, and client trust.

Top AI adoption by region (based on actual usage)

  • Pakistan – 84%
  • Bangladesh – 80%
  • India – 80%
  • United States – 56%

According to the AI report, roles like SEO and Customer Support saw the highest rates of productive AI usage. They now use Hubstaff to monitor the effectiveness of AI tools and report that value directly to clients.

Why distributed teams choose Hubstaff: operational wins at every stage

The discussion further revealed the importance of time tracking for BPO success and how Hubstaff supports operational efficiency, helping leaders lead with data-driven insights.

1. Scalable for any team size

From 2-person agencies to 1,000-seat providers, Hubstaff flexes with your growth.

For example, Affordable Staff, a leading outsourcing provider, has been a Hubstaff customer for over a decade. During that time, the company has doubled in size, refining its operations and scaling seamlessly with the help of Hubstaff’s time tracking and productivity measurement platform. The ability to track productivity, monitor team performance, and allocate resources effectively has driven sustained growth.

2. Benchmarking that drives better outcomes

Compare performance across teams or roles to identify what’s working and what’s not.

3. Works with your current tech stack

Integrate Hubstaff with project management, payroll, and HRIS systems—no need to rip and replace.

4. Supports Innovation and Continuous Improvement

BPOs using Hubstaff for AI readiness and productivity benchmarking save up to $50 per seat each month, offering clients more transparency.

Empowering and leading distributed teams with data-driven clarity

This podcast episode perfectly encapsulates how the future of distributed team empowerment is already here. For BPOs managing global, outsourced teams, the opportunity to scale with precision, compliance, and performance clarity has never been greater. 

From AI adoption to productivity benchmarking by role, leading firms are turning to time tracking and workforce visibility platforms like Hubstaff to operate smarter and grow faster.

Category: Outsourcing, Product