I am just browsing on the web when I read a blog about Filipino VA's (Virtual Assistants). What I am surprised is that the content of the blog was interesting because it tells how Filipinos work hard and what VA's are usually expecting. Let me just give you the details that Steph, a Project Manager of Virtual Staff Finder shares on their blog.
1. Filipinos are Shy - Most Filipinos tend to be she, reserved or conservative - especially when talking about monetary matters. Society sometimes views a person who is more concerned with monetary gains above anything else as "offensive", thus the term "mukhang pera", loose translation would be "gold digger".
This is the reason why having a clear understanding about your job offer and expected of them is essential role before they actually start working. Sometimes, if you do not ask if something is okay for them, they tend to just go along with it because they are too timid to talk about it. Having really clear, open communication and trust is essential to avoid conflict that may arise from the situation.
2. Filipinos do not like Confrontation - Filipinos are very pleasant and easy going. In the Filipino society confrontations are avoided as a Filipino value called "pakikisama" read as "pa-kee-kee-sa-ma" is promoted. This means that instead of telling you directly about certain issues they are facing, they tend to beat around the bush, or give you subtle hints that they are not happy about something.
Sometimes, you have to probe and really ask specific questions to really be able to know that your Filipino Virtual Assistant is feeling or thinking about when it comes to a certain situation.
3. Filipinos are Sensitive - Filipinos are very emotional. Sometimes, even slight changes in your tone of voice can make them think you are upset, or mad about something. Take note of the words you use, or using caps in your emails - especially when certain issues arise, they are easily hurt and affected by it and often carry it with them for sometime. This can hinder productivity, obviously.
4. Filipinos are very Polite and Courteous - Filipinos are eager to please (especially their bosses!) and naturally polite. They usually have a term for a superior, or someone that they look up to, So don't be offended if they call you "sir" or "ma'am" all the time. This is their way of showing their respect.
5. Filipinos are very Traditional - Filipinos are very conventional overall. They celebrate holidays and traditional Filipino festivities - especially Catholics (the country predominantly follows his religion). Fiestas, Holy Week and other local holidays can be expected every year. Make sure you make an arrangement with them about yearly holidays and events.
Chris sometimes suggests that Professional Virtual Assistants follow the local holidays of their bosses. Not, the local holidays of the Philippines. For the most part this will be no problems with your VA's based in the Philippines - with very clear exceptions surrounding local Catholic holidays - these are usually very important to Professional Virtual Assistants here, and their families, and should be respected.
6. Filipinos are Motivated by Incentives and Bonuses, rather than Gifts - Gifts such as gadgets are always secondary to cash. Filipinos prefer cash because even basic things like bills and home repairs are not usually included in their monthly budget and only when they get extra financial stimulation can they afford to have these taken cared of.
7. Filipinos are Hard Working and Easy to Please - A little motivation and encouragement go a long way with your VA. Filipinos are very appreciative if you give positive feedback on their work. especially if they have been working particularly hard on finishing an important project for you.
8. Most Filipino VA's are the Breadwinner of the Family - Most Filipino workers have families to support. Whether it's their own, or putting other siblings through school, you will always find them looking after several dependents. Because of this, paying them fairly and on time is very important.
Most of the time, the money they will be receiving is already allocated to be spent. So, if you fail to deliver what you promise, this could lead to a lot of unexpected trouble and can even cause your VA to lose their trust in you - looking elsewhere for another, more understanding boss.
Be sure to always understand that Filipino VA's will be extremely loyal to you, as their boss. They simply want to be taken cared of and look after, so that they in return can take care of and look after their responsibilities.
9. Most Filipinos Live with an Extended Family - Knowing about a Filipino home setting is important, In terms in working with your Filipino VA. This can help you understand your VA even more, so be sure to show interest and ask questions.
Most Filipinos still live with their parents even if they have kids, or families of their own. So you can expect a household full of kids, cousins and other times aunts and uncles. This is normal in a Filipino home environment.
This is usually okay as long as it does not affect their productivity.
As we always point out to home based Virtual Assistants that we help find jobs through Virtual Staff Finder that they must be sure to not only have a proper workstation and dependable internet connection, but also that they have a designated place to work in the house. If not an entire room, then atleast a small area for their computer and sufficient desk space for them to be able to be organized and perform their tasks properly and professionally.
10. Filipinos are very Conscientious Workers - A very common traits of Filipinos is "utang na loob" or "debt of gratitude" .
When you give them something that they didn't expect, or more than what you promised them, they usually view this as a notion that they "owe you one". This can be a very good motivation for your home based VA. If they are performing more than expected, It wouldn't hurt to give them incentives for a job well done.
The traits above are observed in Filipinos in general and having a good grasp of their culture can help you understand them more and ultimately help the two of you (or more!) work better together. Source: http://www.outsourcetothephilippines.com/10-things-filipinovirtual-assistant/
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