The biggest challenge that most entrepreneurs come across when working with a Filipino virtual assistant often roots from the fact that they are not familiar with the Filipino culture, traditions, traits and personalities in general.
This 2-part article will try to help here by outlining the top 10 things that you should know about your Filipino VA.
1. Filipinos are generally shy
Most online Filipino workers tend to be reserved when discussing about money. The Filipino society views being aggressively concerned with monetary gained, above anything else, to be offensive. Someone with this attitude will be branded as “mukhang-pera”, loosely translated as “gold-digger”.
That is why you need to be clear about your job offer and what you expect from them. They are too timid to complain when things do not go as planned. You will just notice a change in productivity, missed sessions, late submission of deliverables, but never complain. This is why you need to be clear and maintain an open communication so as to avoid conflicts that may arise from this situation.
2. Filipinos don’t want confrontation
Yes, Filipinos try to avoid confrontation as much as they can.They’ll give you subtle hints that they have concerns or that they are not happy about something but they’ll never tell you upfront about it.
3. Filipinos are quite sensitive
Filipinos are quite sensitive and emotional. Sometimes a slight change of tone in your voice, or even using CAPS in your email, can make them think that you’re mad at them. Take note of the words you use especially when issues arise as they tend to replay what you said over and over again on their minds. This may hinder productivity.
4. Filipinos are very courteous and polite
Filipinos are naturally polite and are eager to please their bosses. They always call people ahead of them by position or older than them as sir or ma’am even if they are not remotely associated. This is just one way of showing their respect.
5. Filipinos are traditional people
Overall, Filipinos are bounded by their traditions. They never fail to celebrate holidays and festivities. Fiestas, Holy Week, Heroes’ Days, Christmas and New Year are just some of the holidays that they celebrate. This means – NO WORK on these days. Make sure that you clearly discuss yearly holidays and day-offs with your Filipino virtual team to avoid conflicts.
