The Build, Buy, Borrow, Bot and +Transform Framework: A Modern Approach to Workforce Planning

rgpro3
Nov 27
5 min read

Organizations today are operating in an environment of rapid change. Skills evolve quickly, hiring markets shift, and leaders are expected to make smart, timely decisions about how work gets done. Traditional workforce planning, which is focused mainly on hiring, no longer captures the full range of options available to organizations.

That’s where the Build, Buy, Borrow, Bot and +Transform Framework comes in. This model offers a clear, practical way for leaders to determine how to acquire the skills and capacity needed to deliver results. It’s flexible, and highly adaptable, making it a valuable tool for HR leaders, hiring managers, and business owners.

Eye-level view of a diverse team collaborating around a table with laptops and notes — Team collaborating on talent acquisition strategy

What is the Build, Buy, Borrow, and Bot Framework?

The framework outlines four main strategies to meet talent and operational needs:

Build: Develop Talent Internally

Building focuses on growing the skills you need from within your existing workforce.

This strategy is ideal when you:

Want long-term retention and organizational loyalty
Have time to invest in training or upskilling
Want to grow critical capabilities that align with future business needs

When to Choose Build: When the skill is essential to your business, disruptions are minimal, and you have time to develop people without impacting performance.

Key tactics for building talent include:

Offering training programs tailored to emerging skills.
Creating mentorship and coaching opportunities.
Encouraging job rotations to broaden experience.
Supporting continuous learning through certifications or courses.

Buy: Hire New Talent

Buying means hiring individuals from the external market who already possess the skills you need. This strategy is the fastest way to access specialized capability.

It works well when:

You need skills that do not currently exist internally
Timelines are tight
Market conditions require rapid scaling
You want to bring in fresh perspectives or expertise

When to Choose Buy: When speed and expertise matter more than long-term development, or when entering a new market or capability area.

Effective buying strategies include:

Using targeted recruitment campaigns for hard-to-fill roles.
Partnering with specialized recruiters or headhunters.
Offering competitive compensation packages.
Highlighting company culture and growth opportunities to attract candidates.

Borrow: Use External Support

Borrowing involves bringing in temporary talent through contractors, consultants, freelancers, or agency partners. This option provides flexibility without long-term commitment.

It is ideal when:

Work is project-based or seasonal
You need short-term expertise
Internal teams are at capacity
You’re testing a new initiative before investing permanently

When to Choose Borrow: When you’re balancing agility and cost while still needing skilled support.

Benefits of borrowing talent:

Flexibility to scale workforce up or down quickly.
Access to specialized skills for short-term projects.
Lower long-term commitment and costs.

Close-up view of a contract agreement being signed on a wooden desk — Signing contract for temporary talent acquisition

Bot: Use Automation and AI

“Bot” is a new addition to the framework, reflecting the growing role of automation and AI in modern work. Instead of hiring or training a person, organizations can enhance capacity by integrating technology.

Bots and AI tools can help with:

Repetitive or high-volume tasks
Data entry, scheduling, or document processing
Workflow automation
Enhancing accuracy and speed
Supporting employees so they can focus on higher-value work

When to Choose Bot: When a task is predictable, rules-based, or easily automated—and when technology provides a cost-effective and scalable solution.

Why this Framework Matters

The Build, Buy, Borrow, and Bot Framework helps organizations make informed decisions by comparing all possible avenues—not just hiring. It also:

Promotes better alignment between talent strategy and business goals
Ensures leaders consider cost, timelines, and organizational readiness
Supports flexible workforce planning
Helps HR teams advise leaders more effectively
Encourages thoughtful integration of automation

In an environment where workforce needs change rapidly, this model gives leaders a practical way to plan ahead while staying responsive.

How Organizations Can Apply the Framework

Leaders can use the framework during:

Workforce planning cycles
Budget discussions
Intake meetings and talent consultations
Project planning and scoping
Skills gap assessments
AI integration analysis

The key is to pair the framework with strong data—such as current capacity, skills inventories, projected needs, and operational risks.

Matrix showing the Build, Buy, Borrow and Bot Framework

But Wait, There's More. +Transform: The Strategic Multiplier

+Transform is the strategic lens that ensures your talent strategies are not just tactical, but impactful. Before deciding whether to Build, Buy, Borrow, or Bot talent, ask: Can we rethink roles, redesign workflows, or introduce automation to meet this need more efficiently? Considering transformation first may reduce the need for additional hires or enable smarter deployment of resources.

Also, once sourcing decisions are made, +Transform acts as a multiplier, optimizing how talent works together and with technology to maximize results. Even with the right people in place, outdated processes or unclear roles can limit performance. Transformation ensures every hire, borrowed resource, or automated task delivers measurable value.

Practical examples:

Process transformation: Streamline workflows or introduce automation to achieve more with less.
Role redesign: Adjust responsibilities to better align with business priorities or strategic goals.
Human-AI collaboration: Let bots handle repetitive tasks while humans focus on high-value work.

Think of +Transform as both a starting lens and a finishing amplifier: guiding sourcing decisions and ensuring they drive real, long-term impact.

Infographic showing that +Transform is a strategic multiplier for Build, Buy, Borrow and Bot

Final Thoughts

The Build, Buy, Borrow, Bot, and +Transform Framework is more than a talent strategy; it’s a practical decision-making tool that helps organizations navigate complexity with clarity. By evaluating all five pathways, leaders can balance cost, speed, expertise, and long-term sustainability while also reimagining processes and work design through the +Transform lens.

Businesses that apply this model thoughtfully will be better positioned to grow capabilities, support their people, and confidently adapt to the evolving future of work. The +Transform element ensures that organizations don’t just fill roles; they continuously enhance how work gets done, creating lasting impact and resilience.

Need Support Applying the Build, Buy, Borrow, Bot and +Transform Framework?

R. G. Virtual Group helps organizations make smarter, more strategic talent decisions by combining:

HR consulting expertise
Recruiting and talent strategy support
Process design and workflow improvements
AI integration

Whether you’re planning next year’s workforce, preparing for growth, or exploring how AI can reduce workload, we can help you navigate each option in the framework with clarity and confidence.