Cultural differences CEO's need to be aware of when hiring in the Philippines

Are you planning to hire Filipino staff?

Then you’re probably grappling with the same question everyone faces:  

“What are the cultural differences I need to understand, in order to succeed?”

You might already find managing remote Australian workers challenging. Add a different culture into the mix, and that struggle can seem really daunting 

So let me ease the burden for you

I’ve been immersed in Filipino culture for 14 years and my advice really boils down to three main points:

First, understand that Filipino business is hierarchical

To Filipino staff, you’re “the big boss” - someone they must never disappoint

They’ll avoid confrontation with you at all costs

So, while you can count on them to communicate honestly, they will communicate indirectly

Listen to what they’re not saying - as much as you listen to what they are saying. Always read between the lines and ask follow-up questions

Next, understand that collaboration is incredibly important in a Filipino workplace

Relationships are highly valued. And not just at work. Filipino staff can form genuine friendships very quickly

That’s great news for you - because it allows teams to form quickly - reaching peak productivity much sooner than we’re used to in Australia

Finally, please understand the importance of family to Filipino workers:

Your Filipino worker doesn’t see their job as just a job.

They see it as a chance to provide for everyone in their family. They’re the breadwinner. That ability to provide is a matter of pride - both for them and for their parents

The upshot for you, as the employer, is this:

Everyone in your team will take immense pride in their work

And will strive to meet any KPIs you set

They’ll treat you with respect. 

They’ll create a cohesive, collaborative environment

And work hard to maintain it

And as employers, isn’t that what we all want?

Hierarchy. Collaboration. Family: 

Keep these three concepts in mind and you WILL succeed in the Philippines

Warmly, 

Chris Jankulovsky

P.S. Here are 4 resources which may also help you grow your business: 

1. Rate Card: If you’d like to know the inclusive rate for hiring Filipino staff (including payments, statutory obligations, tax withholding and service fees) please review our rate card. Click here
2. My Book: Discover how I went from broke and disempowered, and suffering a terminal illness -  to running one of the leading remote staff organisations in the Philippines. Join the “Just Keep Going” Waitlist now. Click here
3. Case Studies: Watch video reviews of what both our clients and contractors say about offshoring. Click here
4. How we hire the top 1%: Discover the exact process we’ve used to help more than 3,000 employers hire more than 8,000 top employees over the past 14 years Click here