Offshore staffing Philippines has become a popular solution for companies seeking to outsource their non-core functions to a country with cost-effective labor. With a large, highly-skilled, and English-speaking workforce, the Philippines is indeed a household name in the global BPO.Are you planning to build an offshore team in the world’s top outsourcing destination? Then, you may need to familiarize yourself first with offshore staffing Philippines. In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about offshoring to the Philippines. Read on to find out if it's the right solution for your business challenges.
What is offshore staffing Philippines?
Offshore staffing Philippines refers to the practice of businesses in other countries hiring workers or contractors from the Philippines to work remotely. The Philippines has become a popular destination for offshore staffing due to its large English-speaking workforce, relatively low labor costs, and strong educational system.
Some examples of industries that commonly use offshore staffing in the Philippines include:
- Business process outsourcing (BPO), where companies outsource certain non-core business functions such as customer service, data entry, and technical support to a third-party provider.
- Information technology outsourcing (ITO), where companies outsource certain technical functions such as web development, network administration, and cyber security.
- Knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), where companies outsource certain knowledge-based functions such as digital marketing, creative design, and accounting services.
What types of roles and positions are foreign businesses looking to fill through offshore staffing in the Philippines?
Companies seeking to scale their operations quickly at a low cost often take advantage of offshore staffing Philippines. Here’s a list of business processes companies can offshore to the Philippines:
- Customer service and support
- Technical support
- Back-office operations such as data entry and management
- Digital marketing
- Content creation and management
- Graphic design
- Web development and programming
- Software testing and quality assurance
- Software development
- Engineering and architectural drafting
- Medical transcription
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Legal support
- HR and administrative support
- Animation and multimedia production
- Game development
How familiar is the offshore staff in the Philippines with their clients’ industry and specific job requirements?
The Philippines is home to a large number of highly educated and skilled employees who are qualified for a variety of fields and positions in the outsourcing industry. Because so many people in the Philippines understand English and are familiar with American culture, dealing with clients from the US and other English-speaking nations can be helpful. This is the reason why foreign companies choose to hire in the Philippines.Additionally, many companies that provide offshore staffing services in the Philippines have training programs in place to ensure that staff are well-equipped to handle the specific requirements of their clients' industries and job roles. This can include training in industry-specific software, processes, and regulations, as well as training in areas such as customer service and communication.However, it's also worth noting that not all offshore staff in the Philippines are familiar with the specific requirements of their client's industry. That said, it’s important for your business to communicate your needs clearly and provide adequate training and resources to your offshore staff.
How will clients communicate and collaborate with their offshore staff in the Philippines?
There are a variety of ways that clients can communicate and collaborate with their offshore staff in the Philippines, including:
- Email: This is a common method of communication for sending and receiving written documents and updates.
- Video conferencing: Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, allow for face-to-face interactions and can be used for meetings, training, and presentations.
- Chat and instant messaging: Applications like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp can be used for quick and informal communication.
- Phone and VoIP: Voice calls can be made through traditional phone lines or using internet-based VoIP technology.
- Project management software: Platforms like Asana, Trello, and Jira can be used to assign tasks, track progress, and share documents and files.
- Virtual private network (VPN) and remote desktop access: This allows staff in the Philippines to access the client's internal systems and networks, enabling them to work on projects and access necessary resources.
It's important to keep in mind that many of the communication techniques mentioned above rely heavily on internet connectivity, which while generally reliable in the Philippines, can occasionally have problems like power or network outages. It's crucial to have a plan in place to guarantee that work and communication remain uninterrupted in such circumstances.
What is the process for hiring and onboarding offshore staff in the Philippines?
Offshoring companies, such as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, follow a process similar to that of direct hiring when hiring and onboarding offshore employees for their foreign clients. The process can include the following steps:
Job posting
The offshoring company will typically post the job opening on various job portals, social media platforms, and recruitment agencies.
Resume screening
The offshoring company will review resumes and shortlist candidates who meet the qualifications and experience required for the role, as per the requirement shared by the client.
Interviewing
The offshoring company will conduct initial interviews via phone, video call, or in person to evaluate the candidate's skills and qualifications.
Reference and background checks
The offshoring company will conduct reference and background checks on the shortlisted candidates to ensure that they are suitable for the role.
Job offer
Once the offshoring company has identified a suitable candidate, they will extend a job offer, including the salary package, benefits, and other details of the role.
Onboarding
Once the candidate accepts the job offer, the offshoring company will provide necessary onboarding procedures, such as paperwork, training, and orientation.
Remote working arrangement
If the staff is going to work remotely, the offshoring company will provide the necessary equipment, software, and access to internal systems and networks for the staff to work effectively.
Regular check-ins
Once the staff is onboarded, the offshoring company will have regular check-ins with the staff to ensure that they are adapting well to the role and have all the necessary resources to perform their job effectively.
What are the expected cost savings through offshore staffing in the Philippines?
Offshore staffing Philippines can result in significant cost savings for companies, due to the relatively low cost of labor in the Philippines compared to many other countries. The specific cost savings will depend on a number of factors, including the role and qualifications of the staff being hired, the cost of living in the Philippines, and the company's specific needs and requirements.Industry experts suggest that companies can save up to 70% on staffing costs by hiring offshore staff in the Philippines. This is because they can cut costs on recruitment, training, equipment, and rent expenses.
How do offshore staffing companies handle time zone differences and scheduling issues?
Managing time zone differences and scheduling issues when offshoring to the Philippines can be challenging, but there are proven strategies that an offshore staffing agency can use to mitigate these issues:
Overlap hours
One of the most effective ways to handle time zone differences is to schedule meetings and calls during the hours when both parties are working. This can help to minimize disruptions and ensure that both parties are able to communicate effectively.
Use of tools
Tools like calendar scheduling software can help to automate the scheduling process and make it easier to find mutually convenient times for meetings and calls.
Flexibility
Being flexible with working hours can also help to minimize disruptions. This may include allowing staff in the Philippines to work outside of their normal working hours in order to align with the client's schedule. For instance, offshore staffing companies in the Philippines require their agents to work night shifts and even during holidays and weekends.
Communication protocols
Having clear and consistent communication protocols in place can help to ensure that important information is shared in a timely manner, regardless of time zone differences.
Prioritization
Prioritizing important tasks and ensuring that they are completed during hours when both parties are working can also help to minimize disruptions.
Setting expectations
Clearly setting expectations for availability and response times can help to ensure that both parties are aware of when they can expect to receive information and when they should expect to receive a response.
What are the legal and compliance requirements for offshore staffing in the Philippines?
Offshore staffing in the Philippines is subject to a number of legal and compliance requirements, including:
Labor Laws
The Philippines has a number of labor laws that govern the employment of workers, including minimum wage laws, social security laws, and laws regarding overtime and leave. Companies that outsource to the Philippines are required to comply with these laws, and failure to do so can result in fines and penalties. You may check out these outsourcing regulations before building your offshore team in the Philippines.
Tax Laws
Companies that are offshoring to the Philippines are also subject to tax laws in the Philippines. This includes paying taxes on the wages of the staff, as well as complying with other tax-related regulations such as filing tax returns.
Data Privacy
The Philippines has its own Data Privacy law, which requires companies to protect the personal data of their staff, as well as any data that is shared with them by their clients. Companies that offshore to the Philippines are required to comply with this law, and failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.
Immigration laws
Companies that offshore to the Philippines are also subject to immigration laws in the Philippines. This includes obtaining the necessary work permits for their staff and ensuring that they are in compliance with the laws related to the employment of foreign nationals.
Industry-specific regulations
Depending on the industry the company operates in, it may also be subject to industry-specific regulations. For example, companies that operate in the healthcare industry may be subject to regulations related to the handling of patient data, while companies that operate in the financial industry may be subject to regulations related to data security and anti-money laundering.
How can businesses monitor and evaluate the performance of their offshore staff in the Philippines?
Businesses can monitor and evaluate the performance of their offshore staff in the Philippines using a variety of methods, including:
Performance metrics
Establishing clear performance metrics and goals for the staff can provide a way to measure their performance. These metrics can include things like sales, customer satisfaction, productivity, and attendance.
Regular check-ins
Regular check-ins with the staff can provide an opportunity to discuss their performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide feedback and guidance.
Surveys and evaluations
Surveys and evaluations can be used to gather feedback from the staff, as well as from clients and customers who interact with them. This can provide valuable information on the staff's performance and areas for improvement.
Monitoring and tracking software
Monitoring and tracking software can be used to monitor the staff's activities and productivity, such as keystrokes, website visits, and call logs.
Quality assurance
Quality assurance processes can be implemented to ensure that the staff is providing high-quality work and meeting client expectations.
Employee engagement
Keeping staff engaged in their work and providing opportunities for growth and development can also help to improve their performance.
Offshore Staffing Philippines: Hire On-Demand Filipino Remote Staff
Scaling up your business operations during peak seasons does not have to be expensive. Increase your resource flexibility and operational efficiency by leveraging offshore staffing Philippines. Hire on-demand Filipino remote staff who can augment your in-house staff and operate your business outside of your operating hours.KDCI, a leading offshore staffing solutions provider in the Philippines, is in the business of helping small and medium businesses realize the full potential of offshoring. We’ve delivered top-notch offshoring services for dozens of top global brands, including Apple, Canon, and Dell.Let our long-decade experience in offshoring help you grow your business while you focus only on high-ROI tasks. Click the button below to get your FREE consultation with one of our outsourcing experts today!Contact Us
