5 Things to Expect When Working with Filipinos for the First Time

A strong remote Filipino team is the open secret driving the growth of many Western SMEs. For context, the Philippines' outsourcing industry is expected to grow by $59 billion in revenue before the end of 2028.

Filipino remote teams provide these businesses with cost-effective, high-quality services that are critical to helping them scale and expand efficiently.

Yet while having the right people on your team can certainly be rewarding, hiring remote Filipino workers can be daunting if it’s your first time. What’s their work ethic like? How do you communicate? What cultural nuances do you need to watch out for?

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when hiring a Filipino remote team for the first time - and how to increase your chances of success going further.

They Work Hard - But May Take Time to Open Up

Filipinos are known for their strong work ethic and dedication. They often go the extra mile to meet deadlines and deliver quality work.

Because of Filipino professionals' strong work ethic and dedication to satisfying their clients, the Philippines is one of the top locations for outsourcing services.

However, they might hesitate to speak up if they don’t understand instructions or are facing challenges. Thus, it helps to encourage them to ask questions or to provide feedback.?

Relationships Are Important - And It All Starts With Rapport?

Google has outsourced various operations to the Philippines and has integrated diverse cultural practices into its operations to focus on building strong personal connections and a thriving work environment for everyone.

In Filipino culture, relationships are very important. Filipinos value personal connections, so taking the time to build rapport is essential.

Simple gestures like asking how they are or showing interest in their culture can go a long way. Additionally, they appreciate respectful communication.

Avoid being overly direct or confrontational, as this can be perceived as rude.

And speaking of.

They Speak English - But Detailed Instructions are Key

English is widely spoken in the Philippines, but communication styles may differ. Filipinos tend to be polite and may come off as indirect to avoid confrontation.

JPMorgan Chase has a large outsourcing operation in the Philippines. The company understands the importance of effective communication and provides detailed instructions and feedback to their Filipino teams that can also help nip misunderstandings in the bud.

They Can - and Will -Adapt to Your Time Zone (Though They’ll Appreciate Thoughtful Scheduling)

If you are working with a remote Filipino team, it helps to consider time zone differences. However, Filipinos are generally flexible and willing to adjust their schedules to accommodate their clients, with some even working night shifts.

However, it always helps to schedule meetings at times that work for everyone.

Telstra, an Australian telecommunications company, has outsourced a significant portion of its operations to the Philippines.

They have successfully managed the time zone differences by scheduling meetings that work best for everyone involved.

A Little Bit of Cultural Sensitivity Goes A Long Way

Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global consumer goods company, has a substantial outsourcing presence in the Philippines.

P&G has invested time in understanding and respecting Filipino customs and traditions, which has significantly contributed to their success in the region.

The company’s approach to cultural sensitivity includes acknowledging Filipino holidays, celebrating local festivals, and respecting Filipino values in the workplace.

This has helped P&G foster a positive work environment and build strong, lasting relationships with their Filipino teams.

Final Thoughts

By understanding these examples and analyzing how companies have successfully worked with Filipino teams, you can build a more productive and harmonious working relationship with your own - who are then more likely to go the extra mile to take your business to the next level faster.

For the ultimate guide to working with Filipino professionals, check out this link.?

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