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Outsourcing to the Philippines: How to Get Things Done in Your Timezone

Updated on : 11 Sep 2024

The world has indeed shrunk.

Business opportunities and collaborations are no longer confined to geographical boundaries, and when it comes to outsourcing, the Philippines shines brightly on the global map.



Philippines: The Outsourcing Capital

Wondering what makes the Philippines such an outsourcing magnet?

  • Mastery Over English: Boasting English as an official language, the Philippines offers a workforce that can engage with English-speaking audiences seamlessly.
  • Cultural Affinity: Rooted in historical Western influences, the Filipino culture aligns significantly with that of the US, UK, and Australia.
  • Economical Solutions: Outsourcing to the Philippines doesn't mean compromising on quality while achieving cost efficiency.

But there's a twist – managing the difference in time zones.

​​Bridging the Timezone Gap: How do you work around this?

  • Flexibility is Key: The Filipino work ethic is ingrained with a global perspective. Many professionals are willing to adapt their work hours to align with yours.
  • Tools to the Rescue: Digital collaboration platforms, be it Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Trello, ensure seamless task transitions and management.
  • The Golden Overlap: Aim for a 1-2 hour overlap in work hours. This window can prove invaluable for real-time discussions and clarity.

Diving Deep: What Can You Outsource?

Here's a sneak peek:

  • Virtual Assistants: They are your remote superheroes. From administrative tasks to managing your social media, hire virtual assistants and offload those time-consuming chores.
  • Financial Experts: Numbers can be daunting. Why not let experts handle it? Outsource accountancy and streamline your finances.
  • Always-On Customer Support: Imagine having round-the-clock support. By outsourcing customer support to the Philippines, your clientele is always heard, no matter the hour.

For a comprehensive understanding, dive into our detailed Philippines outsourcing guide to doing it right.

Deciphering the Costs

Outsourcing sounds alluring, but what about the finances involved? Put your concerns to rest with our free outsourcing cost calculator. Knowledge is power, and we ensure you're well-equipped.

Building Trust: Nurturing Your Remote Team

Creating a remote team goes beyond task assignments. It's about instilling trust, understanding the cultural undercurrents, and hosting virtual team-building sessions. Celebrate together, for every milestone reached makes your bond stronger.

​​Maximizing Productivity Across Timezones

Managing a remote team across timezones might feel daunting, but with tact, it's a boon:

  • Leverage the Time Difference: Imagine a 24-hour work cycle. Assign a task at the end of your day and wake up with it done. The flexibility of the Filipino workforce allows for round-the-clock productivity.
  • Harness Technology for Oversight: Using tools like our in-house time tracker when hiring from VirtualStaff.ph ensures transparency and productivity.
  • Regular Check-ins and Updates: Regular touchpoints ensure everyone's on the same page.
  • Cross-Cultural Training: It’s more than just work. Understanding cultural nuances can boost collaboration.
  • Invest in Reliable Communication Tools: From Zoom meetings to instant messaging on Slack, ensure your communication game is strong.
  • Set Clear Expectations: Always be explicit about deadlines, keeping the time difference in mind.
  • Flexibility and Understanding: While many Filipino workers adjust to Western timezones, occasional flexibility from your end can foster loyalty.

​​My final thoughts on this

Managing a remote team from the Philippines, a country brimming with talent, offers unparalleled advantages.

It's not merely about ticking tasks off a list; it's about creating a cohesive global team.

By weaving the above strategies into your operations, you pave the way for a harmonious work environment, breaking geographical and time barriers.

One Seat away from reliable, affordable staff.

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Michael Brodie

Founder of VirtualStaff.ph — Creator of the VirtualStaff Seat System​

Michael Brodie is the founder of VirtualStaff.ph and the creator of the VirtualStaff Seat System, a modern alternative to traditional outsourcing and offshore staffing agencies.

After years of seeing business owners struggle with inflated markups, recruiter-driven hiring, and unreliable offshore models, Michael set out to build something different — not another job board, not another BPO, but a system.

The result was VirtualStaff.ph: a plug-and-play way for businesses to build dependable, full-time back-office teams in the Philippines — without salary padding, outsourcing firm markups, or long-term lock-ins.

Through VirtualStaff Seats, businesses can add reliable Filipino staff directly into their operations — one Seat at a time — for roles like customer support, admin, billing, bookkeeping, and back-office operations.

Today, businesses across the US, Australia, and the UK use the VirtualStaff Seat System to build stable, long-term teams that simply work — while staying in full control.

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