Expanding your team and incorporating professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds presents a dynamic opportunity for growth and innovation. However, it also introduces unique challenges that require careful navigation. Differences in work culture, communication styles, and values may require a deeper understanding and flexibility.
However, when working with Filipinos, you’ll discover that they are a workforce that brings exceptional qualities to the table. The Philippines is renowned for its friendly and hospitable people, making it an attractive destination for expats and investors.
The Filipino workforce’s strong service orientation and work ethic have significantly impacted the country’s economic growth, especially in the booming BPO sector. If you’re considering partnering with a Filipino team, let’s explore what makes working with Filipinos a rewarding experience.
Advantages of the Filipino Culture
Understanding their work culture is essential for successful collaboration. The Philippines is known for its friendly and hospitable people, making it a popular destination for expats and investors.
The Filipino workforce’s strong service orientation and work ethic have contributed to the country’s economic growth, particularly in the BPO sector.
Strong Affinity to the Western Culture
Filipinos possess a unique ability to navigate and adapt to Western culture while embracing their own Asian identity. This familiarity with Western culture results from a long history of interaction and influence from both Oriental and Western countries and societies.
Filipinos frequently engage with tourists and foreign professionals, allowing them to develop strong cross-cultural communication skills. Their innate respect for diversity fosters an inclusive and collaborative work environment where ideas and perspectives from various cultural backgrounds are valued and appreciated.
The adaptability and cultural fluency contribute to their effectiveness in cross-cultural settings. They can seamlessly navigate different cultural norms, communication styles, and expectations, bridging the gap between cultures and fostering effective collaboration.
Their ability to embrace diversity and find common ground enables them to work harmoniously with their Filipino colleagues and team members from around the world, leveraging their collective strengths to drive innovation and success.
Language Proficiency
Filipinos’ high proficiency in English can be attributed to the historical influence of the United States in the Philippines. As a former colony of the US until World War II, the country adopted many aspects of American culture, including the English language.
This strong influence has shaped the linguistic abilities of Filipinos, making them highly proficient in English. English is widely spoken and generally part of the Filipino work culture. In fact, many Filipinos prefer using English as an everyday language because of the influence Western cultures left in the country.
As such, the Philippines consistently ranks among the top countries in Asia for English proficiency, with a neutral tone that native English speakers find easy to understand. This linguistic advantage enables seamless communication with international clients and partners, eliminating language barriers and facilitating effective collaboration.
By being multilingual, Filipinos showcase their dedication to understanding and embracing different cultures, enhancing personal lives, and their ability to navigate global business environments.
The Centrality of Family and Relationship
The Filipino concept of family goes beyond personal life and deeply influences their work dynamics. At the core of Filipino culture is the value placed on relationships and the concept of “pakikisama,” which encourages Filipinos to “get along with others” and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and cooperation. This cultural mindset is deeply ingrained in the Filipino psyche and has a profound impact on their work ethic and interpersonal dynamics.
Filipinos are known for their genuine willingness to help others, embodying the concept of “utang na loob,” which can be translated as a sense of gratitude and indebtedness. This concept instills a deep sense of loyalty and reciprocity, where Filipino employees feel a moral obligation to repay the kindness and assistance shown to them.
In the workplace, this manifests as a genuine desire to support and uplift their colleagues, creating a harmonious and collaborative work environment.
Teamwork comes naturally to Filipinos, as they understand the power of collective efforts in achieving shared goals. They prioritize collaboration and value the input and contributions of each team member. This strong sense of unity and community fosters a positive and inclusive work culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills.
A Work Culture Like No Other
Filipinos are internationally renowned for their exceptional hospitality and are often sought after for their outstanding service in various industries. With their innate interest in helping others, Filipinos excel in the service industry, particularly in customer service roles. They possess excellent listening skills, allowing them to understand customer needs and provide personalized solutions.
Their natural ability to empathize and connect with people enables them to build strong relationships with customers, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
The combination of exceptional service skills, warm hospitality, and a strong work ethic positions Filipinos as top choices for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services. The Philippines has become a preferred destination for companies seeking BPO services due to the country’s abundance of talented and customer-centric professionals.
The Filipino workforce’s ability to deliver outstanding service and their proficiency in English further solidify their position as leaders in the BPO industry.
Managing the Moral of Your Filipino Workers
It is important to note that cultural differences may present some challenges in the workplace. The Filipino emphasis on maintaining harmony and preserving relationships may discourage open and critical feedback or independent thinking. Managers should approach confrontations and criticisms tactfully, considering the concept of “saving face” and the avoidance of direct confrontation.
To create a positive work environment and alleviate potential stress, incorporating humor and light-heartedness can go a long way. Filipinos have a natural inclination towards finding joy in their work and often use humor to ease tensions and build rapport.
Food also plays a significant role in Filipino culture, often serving as a way to connect and build relationships. Offering occasional treats like pizza, celebrating Christmas parties, and other special occasions can be a great way to have team-building activities foster camaraderie and boost team morale.
These small gestures can create a sense of togetherness and show appreciation for your Filipino team members, contributing to a positive and enjoyable work environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, working with Filipinos offers numerous advantages, such as cultural flexibility, language proficiency, relationship-centeredness, and strong service orientation. By embracing the Filipino work culture and managing differences with understanding and flexibility, you can forge a rewarding and productive working relationship with your Filipino offshore team.
Partnering with Codev and our talented Filipino offshore workforce, embracing an open, understanding, and flexible mindset is crucial for a mutually rewarding collaboration. Recognizing and respecting our Filipino team members’ cultural differences and work dynamics will foster a harmonious working relationship.
The time to take action is now! Embrace your company’s future by securing the brightest minds from our talent pool. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Get in touch with us today and unlock a world of possibilities!
