Hiring Virtual Assistants from the Philippines is Worth It!

Do you need reliable remote support? Hire virtual assistants from the Philippines and unlock the powerful benefits they bring to your business.

Outsourcing VAs is gaining traction on all corners of the planet. Over the years, the Philippines has been a prime destination for anyone looking for a trusted and skilled remote talent.

With advanced English competency and cost-effective services, the Philippines has a rich pool of virtual assistants defined by their affordability and expertise.

Why hire virtual assistants from the Philippines? And how can remote professionals be your winning strategy? Let’s find out the answers to these questions.

Benefits of Hiring a Filipino Virtual Assistant

The Philippines is one of the world’s top virtual assistant hubs. It is full to the brim of excellent remote professionals who can be hired at competitive rates.

The country is experiencing a booming VA market, driven by a variety of factors.

Here, explore the key reasons why you should hire a Filipino virtual assistant.

Filipino VAs are Cost-Effective.

The Philippines has a lower cost of living compared to remote workers from Western countries. This is one of the biggest reasons why hiring their services is cheap.

This cost advantage attracts business owners and entrepreneurs to delegate tasks to VAs to cut down on expenses associated with local hiring.

But don’t think for a second that lower rates mean poor results. Filipino remote professionals offer top-notch service, known to be competent and reliable.

They Have a Strong Command of the English Language.

Next to Filipino, English is the official language in the Philippines.

As you know, communication is an important foundation for remote work. With 47% of adult Filipinos speaking English fluently, you can ensure effective communication and smooth collaboration with clients all over the world.

They’re Skilled and Experienced.

If you must know, Filipino VAs are pros when it comes to remote work. There’s a large pool of skilled and experienced virtual assistants in the Philippines with various expertise, from technical to creative.

This makes it easier for you to find the right remote assistant who is an excellent fit for your unique needs.

Filipino Virtual Assistants Thrive in a Different Time Zone

Filipino virtual assistants have a time zone advantage. For companies needing 24/7 support, the country’s time zone difference allows for tasks to be completed while you are sleeping. This round-the-clock support enhances your overall efficiency.

They’re Culturally Fit

The Philippines was once colonised by the U.S. and shares so much history together. Filipinos consume Western products like hotcakes, from movies and books to music.

On top of that, many have worked with Western companies. This means they’re quite familiar with Western culture and industry standards. This level of cultural compatibility ensures seamless integration into your company.

But even without the Western ties, Filipinos have always been known for their great reverence toward other cultures and their passion to learn.

Filipino VAs Have Excellent Work Ethic

Virtual assistants from the Philippines are esteemed for their dedication and professionalism. They’re resourceful, adaptable and creative too. They care about the quality of the work they produce, which is why you can almost always expect quality output from them.

Explore the range of VA services with VAV!

Challenges of Hiring Filipino Virtual Assistants

Well, hiring VAs from the Pearl of the Orient Seas is not all smooth sailing.

Just like everything else, there’s the occasional downpour and storms—literally and figuratively speaking. The good news is that these challenges can be resolved.

Below are some of the most common problems of hiring VAs from the Philippines.

Finding Competent VAs

Roughly 1.5 million Filipinos are remote workers. While this is a huge talent pool, you’re also bound to meet bad VAs along the way.

You’ve probably heard the nightmarish stories from friends who have worked with remote assistants who vanish after a couple of days.

This typically happens when you rush the hire and use random job boards. That’s why we recommend a careful screening process. Look at the resume and watch out for red flags in their work history.

Monitoring Productivity

It is tricky to track the performance of a remote worker who doesn’t share your workspace. How do you know if they’re doing their job or not? How do you monitor them from the other side of the planet?

You can leverage time-tracking tools. You can use apps to ensure your virtual assistant is not slacking off.

You can also approach this problem by focusing on the output. Instead of taking screenshots of their progress every ten minutes, you can measure their productivity based on results and their ability to meet deadlines.

Internet Failure

While it’s true that the internet speed in the Philippines has gotten a lot better, your VAs can still experience lags. This is even more evident in major cities like Manila and Davao.

Moreover, the country is prone to natural hazards. In fact, 20 typhoons on average enter the Philippines each year. This can be a real issue, resulting in communication problems and project delays.

The best way to deal with it is to ensure your VA has a backup internet connection. If you have a bigger budget, you may also consider co-working spaces and a virtual private office.

Time Difference

If you are in the United States, you have a time difference of 12 to 15 hours from your Filipino virtual assistant.

This means that they’re wide awake to your midnights. So, how can you collaborate with these people with such a temporal divide?

First, be very clear about your job requirements. You’ll be surprised that many Filipino VAs are willing to work odd hours so long as you’re upfront about it.

The trade-off? Higher salary and extra benefits.

You can also schedule meetings where your time zone intersects. Finding time overlaps is truly helpful, so you can collaborate effectively and stay on the same page.

Topic you might be interested in: The Good and the Bad of Hiring VAs from Another Country

Your Guide to Hiring a Virtual Assistant from the Philippines

Take these steps and find a Filipino virtual assistant who can step up to the challenge.

Determine the Responsibilities of the Position

Define the role of your virtual assistant and be specific about the tasks that you want them to do. Most projects fail due to the inaccuracy of job requirements.

When you know what you’re looking for, finding the right person becomes easy.

Outline the Tasks and Set Clear Expectations

Set clear expectations from the get-go and break down the tasks. What are the daily or weekly task goals? What’s the reporting process?

By defining these things, you and your remote assistant from the Philippines can collaborate productively.

Choose Your VA Hiring Method/Platform

How do you want to hire your VA from the Philippines? Generally, you have two main hiring methods: freelance marketplaces or virtual assistant companies.

Freelance marketplaces are cheaper and flexible but labour-intensive. You basically have to do everything, from screening and onboarding to training.

Meanwhile, VA companies like VAV deliver remote assistants who have undergone a strict screening process. We have a done-for-you VA matching approach, saving you time and energy. Plus, our team of experts can provide consistent support.

Start with a Trial Period

Begin your partnership with a trial period. You need to test the waters first and see if your Filipino remote professional measures up to your expectations.

The trial period offers a unique opportunity to evaluate performance and make adjustments before fully committing.

Smart Tips to Manage Your Filipino VAs Successfully

Make the most of your virtual assistant from the Philippines by managing them effectively.

If you don’t know how to do that, we’re here to help.

Ponder on the following strategies to maximise your partnership with your remote assistant.

Establish Strong Communication Lines

Strong communication is the foundation of a successful parentship, especially in remote work. Collaboration tools like Google Meet can facilitate real-time interactions, while apps like Slack are useful for quick project updates.

These communication tools can ensure smooth communication and prevent misunderstandings.

Set Measurable Goals

To make certain your VA is on the right path, set measurable goals. By doing so, you can guide your Filipino remote assistants and align their efforts with your needs.

Defining your goals keeps your assistant focused and can enhance productivity by up to 25%.

Recognise Diverse Cultural Values

Take part in building a strong working relationship with your Filipino VA. Start by recognising their cultural values and customs. This is not only a good way to show respect and build rapport, but also to create a positive working environment.

Utilise Tools

The technology is there for you to leverage. Tools like Trello and other collaboration platforms make communication with team members and task management seamless.

These tools are lifesavers in maintaining focus on shared goals and maximising efficiency and productivity.

Key Takeaways

When you hire virtual assistants from the Philippines, you benefit from cost savings, language proficiency and a skilled and reliable workforce. The culmination of all these things makes Filipino VAs an attractive staffing solution.

The country’s remote professionals are revolutionary for your day-to-day processes. And with our help, you can find the right remote talent fit for your needs and get the support you deserve.

So, if you’re set on taking your business further, consider VAV for an affordable and no-fuss VA experience.

Book a free consultation today!

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