Cost pressure, vacancies that remain open for months, and external support that is often too generic for our sector. These are challenges many social profit organizations struggle with every day, and everyone tries to make the best of them in their own way. Internal staff do admirable work, but the pressure is often too great. HR, finance, IT and other support services risk becoming more of a burden than a reinforcement. Meanwhile, our focus should be on making an impact.
In boardrooms, among coordinators, at networking events and even in policy plans, the same idea is coming up more and more often: what if we were to structurally merge our back offices? No more separate islands, but a shared approach. The benefits are clear. The question is not whether we should consider this, but what is still holding us back.
Building stronger teams
By combining back-office functions such as HR, finance and IT, we can attract specialists who truly understand what our sector needs. No more half-measures or employees having to go all out to do three jobs at once. Instead, we build strong, competent teams that help us think ahead and strengthen our organizations.
Support services that increase impact
HR, finance and IT are not only necessary, they can also be a catalyst. With a shared back office, these services become stronger and more efficient, directly supporting our operations. Think smoother processes, better digitalization and more focus on what matters. No more cumbersome systems or unnecessary stress, but support services that truly make an impact.
Helping shape the sector
A strong back office gives us the time and skills to work proactively. Imagine if we, as a sector, could take the lead on themes such as digitalization, HR innovation and more efficient financial structures. By working together, we not only strengthen our own organizations, but also help move the sector as a whole forward.
Focus on the essentials
When support services such as HR, finance and IT work well, organizations get the chance to focus on their core missions. Coordinators no longer have to manage everything at once, and content-focused staff can do what they are good at. With more time, resources and energy, the focus finally returns to making an impact.
Efficiency and economies of scale
Working together offers economies of scale that we are currently missing. Think group purchasing, more efficient negotiations with partners and suppliers, shared office spaces, and smarter financial systems. A shared approach ensures that support services such as HR, finance and IT not only work more efficiently, but are also managed more effectively.
What do we need?
To make this possible, we need courage. It requires trust, creativity, and a willingness to move beyond historically developed structures. This is not an easy step, but it is one that can make us stronger as a sector. With a few driving forces and a shared vision, we can make this happen.
The price of doing nothing
Staying as we are means that:
- Costs will continue to rise.
- HR, finance and IT will become increasingly complex, while the strain on employees grows.
- Vacancies will remain open and half-measures will remain the norm.
- Forced mergers imposed by the government will be pushed upon us.
- We will no longer be able to meet the expectations of the outside world.
The risks are clear. If we do not get moving, we will not only lose opportunities, but our sector risks losing its effectiveness.
Time for action
It is time to join forces and structurally merge our back offices. This is not just about saving money, but about becoming stronger. About more time, resources and energy for impact. About HR, finance and IT that do not hinder our organizations, but actively help them move forward.
Who is in? Would you like to discuss this further or think together about how we can make this concrete? Get in touch. Let’s tackle this together and take our sector to the next level.
