What You Should Expect When Working With an Outsourced Filipino Staff
TeleworkPH
Published: October 5, 2018
Nowhere else in the world will you find such a unique culture to work with as you will in the Philippines. Globally, people know Filipinos for their values, loyalty, and determination to do the best job possible. If you come from a Western culture (as I have), you will immediately notice the differences in how they work, live, and play. But don’t be alarmed.
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The Philippines is rich with culture and traditions that date back hundreds of years. Even through four hundred years of Spanish occupation, they have held onto their way of life and remain tied to their ancestral roots.
So what should you expect from an outsourced Filipino staff? Here are some of the awesome qualities I have encountered working with Filipinos over the last nine years.
Working with Filipinos: Understanding Their Unique Culture
Filipino Pride – Filipinos take pride in being Filipinos and hold their 7,107 island archipelago nation in very high regard. The National Anthem holds a special place in the hearts of the people and school children sing it every morning to control traffic before classes. They also frequently sing and cherish other patriotic songs. There’s no doubt that they are open to constructive criticism to some extent, but they are equally ready to passionately defend their family and the land of their ancestors, even if it means giving their lives for it. However…
Filipinos find prestige in working for foreign investors – Jobs with foreign companies are coveted by Filipinos. With the rise of the BPO industry and the importance it plays in the strengthening economy, Filipinos enjoy a certain social status among their peers and family when they have a position with a foreign company. Also, you will find the loyalty to the company unbreakable.
Filipinos hate to disappoint – This is why they work so hard and are extremely careful about what they put out. When a Filipino is delegated a task, consider it to be
done to the best of their ability and sometimes even beyond. They do have a tendency to take correction to heart, but this is only because they have an excellent service-oriented mindset.
Filipinos value their families greatly – In the Filipino household, it’s not unusual to find many extended family members living together. They have large family bonds cemented in love and respect, extending from great-grandparents down to the youngest generation. In the Philippines, children have the duty to care for their aging parents, and they accept this responsibility with seriousness and honor. They are willing to put aside their own needs to take care of a family member in need. I include this because I find it quite admirable.
Filipinos are “techy”- When it comes to computers, gadgets, and technical components, Filipinos know their stuff. They can easily memorize specs, brands, and wiring (especially for Videoke machines!) and figure out the most complicated technical situations. They are more content to fix something themselves than take it to a repair
shop. And in most cases are successful.
Filipinos know how to have fun — and they know how to work. In fact, they have a unique ability to balance out work and fun to remain productive. They understand the value of “rest days” and take advantage of them to the fullest. By taking the time to rest and rejuvenate they remain overwhelmingly productive rather than working until they burn out like many Western workers (including yours truly) are guilty of. However…
Filipinos are always willing to work extra — Even thirty minutes of overtime is like gold to the Filipino. As stated above, many Filipinos live with extended families which means more money coming in is more money for the family. Not only that, they do not like to leave tasks undone. So given the choice to stay and finish a task or leave on time, Filipinos will choose to stay.
Filipinos are chameleons – I don’t mean Filipinos are a race from outer space. However, they do have an adaptive ability which allows them to adjust to different cultures. You don’t have to worry about too much “culture” shock when working with Filipinos. They are always willing, and slightly fascinated to learn all they can about other countries, especially when it will help them assist customers.
Off-topic fun facts about Filipinos
Filipinos think it’s easy to learn Tagalog – After all, did they learn English, right? Well, learning Tagalog is not that easy. But, just as they grasp the English language and embrace it, they still love their native tongue and will not pass up an opportunity to teach you a word or two. Don’t get offended when they laugh when you butcher their beautiful language; they are just having fun. Take note: The Philippines hosts over 170 languages and dialects.
Filipinos LOVE to sing - You would have a better chance of growing flowers in the desert than finding a Filipino who doesn’t love music and is ready to grab the microphone and sing. A favorite evening for the Filipino is either Videoke or hanging around with friends playing guitar and singing into the night.
Filipinos LOVE food – Filipinos love to live life to the fullest and that includes enjoying every meal, like chicken or pork adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare, But not only meals, they have amazing merienda, or snacks, here in the Philippines. From lumpia to bananacue to my personal favorite, banana turon (bananas and brown sugar in a spring wrapper fried to a crisp golden brown) they each have their special recipes and take pride in cooking and serving food. Don’t be surprised if you visit a Filipino at home, no matter what time, and they don’t feed you a full meal and then pack a box for you to take home for later. You may even find yourself tempted to try balut!
Filipinos LOVE basketball – Want to know the standings of any basketball team worldwide (especially the NBA)? Want to know if LeBron James played last night? Just ask a Filipino. Filipinos are passionate about the sport nationwide and organize their own team and leagues for 5-year-olds to Senior Citizens. Floods, rain even typhoons won’t stop the balls from bouncing. All through the country, you will find covered courts where intramural leagues gather to play year-round.
And yes it’s true…
Filipinos love to talk! – Striking up a conversation with a Filipino is not difficult and very enjoyable. Not only are they great conversationalist, they are excellent listeners and they will focus all of their attention on you as you speak. This is a powerful asset when it comes to customer service and this is why customers go away from the call or chat feeling fulfilled and satisfied that their issues have been heard.
There are many more interesting, fun, and even quirky traits of the Filipino culture and I challenge you to find out for yourself how rewarding it is to work alongside these amazing people. Their dedication, loyalty, and sense of respect alone will bring great value to your company.
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