COVID-19 changed not only our preferences Philippines and habits but also how we run businesses Remote Work. It also transformed workplaces, making us work from home and leaving businesses and companies in the Philippines with no option but to follow suit. These days, hiring a virtual assistant is the new normal in many industries. But you may ask: in what industry is a virtual assistant more popular? Well, common industries expect to find VAs, including personal services, IT, law, and healthcare, to name a few.
The Beginning of Remote Work in the Country
The Philippines is now a hotspot for remote workers, attracting international and local experts who want a work-life balance that is flexible. The reliable advancements and internet connections in ICT have paved the way for this change. Recently, the number of remote virtual assistant jobs in the country has increased, with experts from different industries embracing this new normal of working. From corporate workers to freelancers, the appeal of this way of working lies in the liberty it provides to work anywhere.
Challenges Facing Remote Work in the Philippines
Adaptability in this new era of technology and digital transformation is important. And although the key leaders in the industry have been thinking of how to enact such changes, executing them has been slow. Other challenges facing remote work include the following:
- Decreased productivity – Because workers work remotely, some don’t focus on their work, thus decreasing productivity.
- Managers not communicating with workers as well as falling short when offering the required support.
- Lack of knowledge in certain projects or tasks.
Solutions
Tools and platforms like Hangouts, Slack, and Zoom are key solutions to the challenges facing remote work. They make collaborating, meeting, and checking in amazingly simple. Apart from these tools, it is also important to automate feedback loops. Remote communication solutions can be costly, especially when you have to repeatedly ask for reports’ progress. This is why it is necessary to bind KPIs to your strategies and consider automating the measurements. Well, this doesn’t have to happen in just one night, but if you execute it well, you can give your team members, including SEO VAs, clarity about what you expect from them.
Opportunities That Remote Work Presents
Without geographical issues of colocation, most employers are now tapping into a bigger talent pool, whether they want to hire architects online or work with project managers. In a recent survey, 65% of hiring managers are more likely to hire remote candidates for various job positions. Other opportunities that remote work presents include the following:
1. Cost Savings
The advantages that remote work offers are not just limited to workers alone. It also benefits employers. The transition towards hybrid and remote work systems means minimizing requirements for office space, resulting in lower utility and rent costs.
2. Empowering Women
Remote work systems are also a game-changer for Filipino women. It gives them unprecedented flexibility in juggling their work responsibilities with household and caregiving duties. They can work Philippines as a healthcare, law, IT, or marketing virtual assistant.
As Filipinos continue to innovate as well as adapt to the evolving demands of the market, digital companies remain more focused on attracting new business through affordable options for remote and skilled talent. With the country producing more than 700,000 graduates every year, the industry is ripe for continued success and sustained growth.
