When considering hiring virtual assistants from the Philippines (or any other country), there can be various factors that might make them skeptical or raise concerns. To address these concerns and build trust, it's essential to proactively address these issues and provide transparency and assurance.

In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the most common concerns of hiring Filipino virtual assistants that you may have and how you can address them.

1. Language Barrier

English is in fact one of the official languages of the Philippines, along with Filipino (Tagalog being the main dialect that Filipinos use in Central Manila). This means that many Filipinos are generally proficient in English and have a strong command of American culture and business practices. This is due to a number of factors, including:

The Philippines was a US colony for almost 50 years, making the country heavily influenced by western culture and practices.
English is taught in schools from elementary to university.
Many Filipinos watch American movies and TV shows, and listen to American music.
Many Filipinos have worked with/in the US or in other English-speaking countries.

If you’re more concerned about jargons, you can always provide your Filipino Virtual Assistant with training on specific terminology or concepts that are important to your business.

2. Cultural Differences

Being two completely different countries, it goes without saying that there will be some cultural differences between the Philippines and the United States.

For example, Filipino culture is more collectivist than American culture, which means that Filipinos tend to value the needs of the group over the needs of the individual. This can lead to different communication styles and work expectations.

But you have to keep in mind that Filipinos are generally very adaptable and eager to learn. Which means that you can take steps to bridge the cultural gap by simply providing your Filipino Virtual Assistant with information about your company culture and values.

3. Time Zone Difference

The Philippines is 16 hours ahead of the Pacific Standard Time (PST) zone. At first glance, this may seem to be a bit of concern. However, this can be easily managed with a little planning. You can schedule tasks with your VA during your working hours, and you can also use communication tools that allow for asynchronous communication. Additionally, as indicated above that Filipinos are easy to adapt, they are more than prepared to adjust their time for you.

4. Internet Reliability

According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index for early Q4 2023, the Philippines’ average fixed broadband download speed is 83 MBPS.

Philippines Median Country Speeds September 2023 by ookla's speedtest global index — *Image by* *Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index*

This is by no means the highest internet speed that there is available, but Philippines’ average broadband speed is comparable to many areas in the United States. Which means that this should not be a problem.

*Additionally, Filipino Virtual Assistants are typically very experienced in using cloud-based tools, which can help to mitigate any potential internet reliability issues.

5. Security Concerns

You may be thinking of a number of security concerns that your business needs to be aware of when working with an remote overseas virtual assistant. These concerns may include data breaches, malware attacks, and unauthorized access.

However, there are a number of ways to protect your data when working with a Filipino Virtual Assistant:

You can use a secure communication platform, such as Slack, Zoom or Google Meet.
You can also require your Filipino Virtual Assistant to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
You may provide your Filipino Virtual Assistant training on how to handle sensitive data securely. This may mean creating strong passwords, identifying and avoiding phishing emails, and reporting suspicious activity.
You may also opt to use a SEIM (security information and event management) solution to help monitor your network for security threats and respond to incidents quickly.

You can build trust with your Filipino Virtual Assistant by being transparent about your security practices and providing them with training on how to handle sensitive data.

6. Pricing and Cost Savings

scissor calculator money and note with text cost

The Philippines has a lower cost of living than most countries in the world. According to Forbes, the Philippines ranks 5th in the cheapest countries to live in Asia. This would mean that Filipino Virtual Assistants are typically less expensive than their counterparts in developed countries. This can save clients a significant amount of money on their labor costs.

For example, a US-based client can expect to pay a Filipino virtual assistant around $4-$12 per hour, while a US-based virtual assistant would typically charge $20-$40 per hour. This makes you save a whopping 70% on hiring costs. This doesn’t even include the additional processing costs that you’re required to spend on when hiring employees from the US (ex. EIN, worker’s compensation insurance, your and their taxes, background checks, holiday pays, health insurance, I-9 and other employee benefits).

In addition to the lower hourly rates, Filipino Virtual Assistants are just as equally highly skilled and experienced to virtual assistants in the US. So you can be confident that you are getting high-quality work at a mere fraction of the cost.

7. Legal and Contractual Matters

When hiring a Filipino virtual assistant, it is important to have a clear and concise contract in place. This contract should outline the services that the VA will be providing, the hourly rate, and the payment terms.

It is also important to make sure that the contract is compliant with Philippine law. There are a number of resources available online that can help clients to draft a legal and enforceable contract for their Filipino virtual assistant.

Conclusion

Filipino virtual assistants are typically highly skilled, experienced, and affordable. They are also flexible and dedicated to their work. By taking the necessary steps to mitigate the challenges, you can reap the many benefits of working with a Filipino Virtual Assistant.

If you are considering hiring a Filipino virtual assistant, don't let your concerns hold you back. While there are some potential challenges to hiring a Filipino Virtual Assistant, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

FREE CONSULTATION

If you're looking for a virtual assistant to help you with your business, schedule your FREE consultation today to see how VirtuALL Solution does it. We specialize in recruiting and placing virtual assistants with businesses of all sizes. We can help you find the perfect virtual assistant for your needs and budget.

Hesitant to Hire A Filipino Virtual Assistant? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be