Managing a remote team comes with its own unique challenges when incorporated into eCommerce (for Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, AliExpress) and Dropshipping. However, Filipino workers are some of the most digitally savvy professionals you can employ. Additionally, these employees are equipped with top English language proficiency while being specialized in several fields.
Navigating the intricacies of how to effectively set up and manage your Outsource Philippines team can be tricky. However, it’s vital to begin incorporating effective practices to promote these remote Filipino teams. Here are some of the tips you should consider using when managing an Outsource Philippines team:
Tip One – Get Accustomed with Pre-Meetings
In other words, you shouldn’t only be about business. Filipinos are renowned for their welcoming and warm presence. Hence, having a casual chat with them before getting into serious business can be beneficial.
However, you shouldn’t fear, as these little chit-chat sessions don’t last long at all. Before you know it, you’re back in action and ready to get down to business. Offering this time for your Outsource Philippines team to have a brief and casual conversation can show that you’re interested and accommodating to their cultural routines.
Tip Two – Always Provide Clear Instructions
Although you should always be giving clear directions, this is especially the case when you’re first working with your Outsource Philippines team. As a remote workforce, you’re communicating over emails and chats. Hence, you shouldn’t leave anything out when assigning tasks.
Additionally, refrain from using any common dialects or slang and stick to proper English. Most Filipino teams, as we have mentioned, speak excellent English. However, they might not be aware of specific slang words, which can cause unnecessary confusion.
Moreover, encouraging your team to ask questions when they need clarity should always be welcomed. These employees, like most office workers, might be shy in the beginning. However, letting them know that you’re happy to answer any questions can help them open up a little more.
Tip Three – Have Clear Job Descriptions (and Align with these Responsibilities)
It’s easier for your Outsource Philippines team to remain focused on their work if they know what’s expected of them. That’s why providing clear job descriptions is so beneficial. In most instances, Filipino workers go above and beyond their duties for the sake of the business. Nonetheless, you want to avoid the overlapping of tasks within your Outsource Philippines team.
Tip Four – Expect Honorifics
Although Westerners typically call their bosses by their first names, this isn’t done in the Philippines. Hence, you shouldn’t expect your Outsource Philippines team to call you by name. Most Filipino workers observe a clear hierarchy in the workspace. This also spreads into working remotely.
That’s why you can expect your Outsource Philippines team to call you ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am,’ even if you insist that they call you by name. Them using honorifics is their way of showing respect and politeness, so just roll with it.
Tip Five – Learn a Few Filipino Phrases
Along with honorifics, you’re likely to notice that your Outsource Philippines workforce attaches ‘po’ to their statements, even when they’re speaking English. This is a Tagalog word that doesn’t have any significant meaning. However, its purpose is to convey deference.
Additionally, learning these other words can also be advantageous when working with your remote Outsource Philippines team:
- ‘Trabaho’ – This means ‘work’ or ‘job.’
- ‘Amo’ – This means ‘boss.’
- ‘Sahod’ – This means ‘paycheck’
Tip Six – Respect Your Team’s Agreed-Upon Working Hours
Your Outsource Philippines team is hardworking, as most Filipinos are, but they also have immense family values. That’s why they aren’t too eager to work overtime. Weekends and evenings are typically reserved for hanging out with their family or friends while many also attend church on Sundays.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter what plans your team has for their free time. You should avoid making them work overtime, even if they don’t have anything planned. This is unless you’re willing to compensate them for their time at a higher rate than regular working hours.
Tip Seven – Read between the Lines
Filipinos are known for having a high-context culture. Unlike low-context Western cultures where interactions are relatively straightforward, most issues can’t be taken at face value in a high-context culture.
Hence, your Outsource Philippines team saying ‘yes’ might not be an absolute ‘yes,’ but rather an attempt to maintain harmony. You might be asking how you can tell the difference. Well, you should pay close attention to your Filipino worker’s body language when you’re on a video call.
Folded arms might mean they are on the defensive, smiles not reaching their eyes could mean they aren’t entirely happy or dealing with some stress. Alternatively, a slight change in vocal pitch or speed can be an indication of something troublesome.
Wrapping It Up
The value of an Outsource Philippines team is unmatched when looking at other remote teams available. We can help you handle your team’s administrative tasks and other vital running operations when working with Ecommerce (on Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, and AliExpress) or conducting Dropshipping.
