When building a remote team, one thing that often comes up is navigating cultural differences. This is especially true if you’re working with virtual staff in the Philippines. But here’s the good news: managing these differences isn’t as tricky as it might seem.
In this article, I’m going to be sharing with you my practical tips to help you bridge any cultural gaps and build a strong working relationship with your Virtual Staff.
1. Understand the Filipino Work Culture
Filipino workers, whether it’s a VA or any other type of remote professional, are known for their strong work ethic and loyalty, as most of you know, I’ve built amazing teams spread all over the Philippines and it’s helped me build fantastic companies, and live life on my terms.
If you’re new to this, you’ll be amazed once you start doing it.
The truth is, based on my expertise doing this for the many years that I have, Filipinos value clear instructions and appreciate constructive feedback.
When working with your virtual staff, it’s important to foster open communication. Be approachable and encourage your team to ask questions when needed. This builds trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Another great thing about Filipino VAs is that many of them speak fluent English, which makes communication easier. If you’re curious about why this is the case, I’ve covered it in more detail in an article about Why Filipino VAs speak fluent English. Their strong command of English will make your daily operations run smoothly.
2. Build a Remote-First Company Culture
Cultural differences can be minimized by creating a strong, inclusive company culture. Even though your team is remote, it’s important to make them feel like they’re part of something bigger.
Start by establishing a remote-first company culture. This means prioritizing communication, building connections, and making sure that your virtual staff feels valued. You can do this by organizing regular check-ins, creating a space for open dialogue, and even holding virtual team-building events.
When your team feels connected to your company’s mission and values, cultural differences become less of a challenge and more of an opportunity for collaboration.
3. Respect Time Zones and Schedules
One thing you’ll quickly notice when working with Filipino virtual staff is the time difference. The Philippines operates in a different time zone than many Western countries, but that doesn’t have to be a hurdle.
Be flexible and mindful of their working hours. You don’t want to schedule calls or expect responses at times that don’t align with your team’s availability. Agree on a schedule that works for both parties, and make sure to respect that time.
4. Stay Compliant
When hiring virtual staff from another country, it’s essential to stay compliant with local labor laws and regulations. This ensures that your business operates legally and that your staff is treated fairly.
If you’re unsure about the compliance side of things, I highly recommend reading about staying compliant and hiring Filipino workers. It’s important to navigate these areas correctly from the start, ensuring smooth operations and protecting your business.
5. Show Appreciation and Build Trust
Lastly, remember that building a great working relationship is universal. Show appreciation for your virtual staff’s hard work. Whether it’s a quick message of thanks or recognizing their efforts during team meetings, a little appreciation goes a long way.
Building trust also means allowing your staff to do their jobs without micromanaging. Give them the autonomy to make decisions, and trust that they’ll get the work done. This respect will lead to higher productivity and loyalty in the long run.
PRO TIP: The moment I stopped micromanaging, the better my businesses became. However, remember this does not mean you don’t know what’s going on in your business. The key is to have a great system, trust your people, but hold everyone accountable for their roles and responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
Cultural differences don’t have to be a barrier to building a successful remote team. With a little effort, clear communication, and mutual respect, you can create a strong, collaborative environment where your Filipino virtual staff thrives.
Remember, it’s all about understanding and appreciating your team’s unique strengths, which can only help your business grow in the long term.
