The disparity in time zones is a common worry when thinking about employing a virtual assistant (VA) from another nation. Can they come in during your regular business hours? Will the time difference be a serious challenge? For anyone considering hiring a Filipino VA, the answer is reassuringly positive: Yes, they can very likely work in your time zone. But how? This blog will look into how the Philippines fosters the appropriate culture and society to support employees who work for various parts of the globe.
The Booming BPO Industry
The foremost reason behind the flexible nature of Filipinos and their work hours lies in the booming Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in the country. The BPO sector of the Philippines is continuously growing and the country boasts 1.44 million full-time outsourced employees.
The BPO industry has paved the way for unconventional work hours in the country. Consequently, Filipinos have normalized working outside regular 9 to 5 jobs. Consequently, there has been an increase in 24-hour customer service internationally with Filipinos as the backbone of these operations.
To accommodate Western time zones, many Filipinos are used to—and even prefer—working at night.
The popularity of BPO culture has even given rise to an entire nighttime industry as the Philippines has malls, transit options, and eateries open specifically for night shift workers. With this in mind, there is a whole culture supporting your virtual employees’ remote work efforts.
Filipino Work Ethic
Looking past the infrastructures that can help your Filipinos VAs, the entire Filipino population itself is known for its work ethic internationally. Filipinos stand out because of their commitment to high-quality work and adaptability. They will go above and beyond to provide the services you hire them for. This culture contributes to their ability to work at odd hours of the day and helps them cater to your business needs.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The local work culture in the Philippines values adaptability. It is the ability to think on your feet and do the task that needs to be done. Furthermore, the BPO industry in the country also instills a level of flexibility. Employees are able to move toward whatever goal is set for the team. With this in mind, Filipinos are well-versed in understanding different cultural nuances, business etiquette, and communication styles, making collaboration smoother and more efficient.
The Bottom Line
For businesses around the world, hiring a VA from the Philippines comes with numerous advantages. The Philippines cultivates a combination of a robust BPO industry and a deeply ingrained work ethic. This makes Filipino VAs an excellent choice for businesses since they can work in your time zone. Whether you’re just starting up or looking to expand your team, a Filipino VA can seamlessly integrate into your operations, ensuring productivity and efficiency regardless of where the sun is shining.
Approach outsourcing with a reliable team on your side with Managed Outsourced Virtual Employees or MOVE. Contact us for more information.