Why You Should Consider Hiring Talent From the Philippines
The Philippines is quickly becoming one of the most popular outsourcing destinations in the world. The country's highly educated and English-speaking workforce, combined with its low labor costs, make it an attractive location for businesses looking to outsource a wide range of tasks.
If you're thinking about hiring talent from the Philippines, there are a few things you should know. In this article, we'll cover everything from cultural differences to government benefits, so you can make an informed decision about whether hiring from the Philippines is right for your business.
Cultural Differences
Before hiring talent from the Philippines, it's important to understand that there are cultural differences that you should be aware of. For example, Filipinos tend to have a more deferential attitude towards authority figures, so you may need to be more direct when giving instructions or feedback.
It's also important to be aware of the religious and social customs in the Philippines. Many Filipinos are Catholic, and religious holidays are important to them. You should also be aware that family is highly valued in Filipino culture, so employees may need time off for family events or emergencies.
Easy to Train
One of the benefits of hiring talent from the Philippines is that they are generally very easy to train. Filipinos tend to be highly adaptable and eager to learn, so you can expect them to pick up new skills quickly.
Naturally Creative
Filipinos are known for their creativity and innovation, so they can be a great asset to your team. They are also highly collaborative and enjoy working in teams, which can lead to more creative solutions to problems.
What You Need to Know
Before hiring talent from the Philippines, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Personality: Filipinos are generally warm, friendly, and outgoing. They are also highly respectful and value humility.
Time Zone Differences: The Philippines is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, so you may need to adjust your work schedule to accommodate your employees.
Paying Them: Labor costs in the Philippines are generally lower than in other countries, but it's important to pay your employees fairly and competitively.
13th Month Pay: In the Philippines, employees are entitled to a 13th-month pay, which is equal to one month's salary. This is typically paid in December.
Government Benefits: The Philippines has a number of government-mandated benefits, including health insurance, social security, and maternity leave.
HMO: Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are common in the Philippines, and many employers offer HMO coverage as a benefit to their employees.
Holidays: The Philippines has a number of public holidays, including Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day.
Check-in Often
It's important to stay in regular communication with your employees in the Philippines. This can help you build a strong working relationship and ensure that your employees feel supported and valued.
Video Walkthrough
Consider using video conferencing software to give your employees a virtual tour of your office or workspace. This can help them feel more connected to your company and give them a better understanding of your business.
Documentation
Make sure you have clear documentation of your employees' roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Train Them in Skills
Invest in your employees' professional development by providing training and development opportunities. This can help them build new skills and stay motivated.
Don't Expect Them to Just Know
Remember that your employees in the Philippines may not be familiar with your company's culture, processes, or systems. Take the time to provide clear instructions and guidance to help them succeed.
Don't Leave Them to It
One mistake that many employers make is leaving their remote workers to their own devices without proper supervision. While it may seem like a good idea to give your workers autonomy and independence, it can actually be detrimental to their productivity and your business as a whole.
Without clear direction and feedback, your remote workers may struggle to meet your expectations or complete tasks to the standard that you require. To avoid this, it's important to check in with your workers regularly, provide them with ongoing training and support, and give them clear guidelines and deadlines for their work.
Don’t Focus on the Negative Feedback
When working with remote employees from the Philippines, it's essential to remember that cultural differences can play a significant role in how feedback is received. In the Philippines, there is a strong emphasis on respect, politeness, and avoiding confrontation. Therefore, negative feedback may be received differently than it would in other cultures.
Rather than focusing on the negative, it's essential to provide constructive feedback that is supportive and helpful. Remember to start with the positive and then provide specific and actionable feedback that will help your remote employee improve.
Don’t Focus on How Much To Pay Them
While pay is essential, it's not the only factor that remote employees from the Philippines consider when looking for a job. In fact, factors such as company culture, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth and development can be just as important.
When determining how much to pay your remote employee, it's essential to consider industry standards, cost of living in the Philippines, and the skill level and experience of the employee. However, it's also important to remember that paying your employee a fair wage is just the starting point. Providing a positive and supportive work environment, opportunities for growth, and recognition for a job well done can go a long way in keeping your remote employee engaged and motivated.
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