Why you should outsource to the Philippines

More and more American, European and even Canadian companies are choosing to outsource parts of their operations to other countries. In addition to being profitable, it will help business owners focus more on what they do best. Also, if done correctly, outsourcing will give the company a huge boost in productivity, better quality, and ultimately, an increase in profits. Probably the most outsourced jobs or positions are those related to customer service or support. Information technology comes second.

Asia plays an important role in outsourcing, particularly the Republic of the Philippines. Filipinos are just as skilled, if not more, than their American or European counterparts, but labor costs are significantly lower. As proof, the call center industry in the country is constantly growing and growing rapidly. In Manila alone, the number of call center companies has reached over a hundred, with many more coming online.

Here are a couple of reasons why the Philippines is the country of choice for global companies looking to outsource.

1. Filipinos are friendly and service oriented by nature. “Hospitable” is a word commonly attributed to Filipinos. They treat visitors the way they should be treated: with the utmost respect and concern for their well-being. This trait carries over to their work, which is why Filipinos are perfect for jobs that require customer interaction.
2. English is the second language of the Philippines. Filipinos are taught English at a very young age. In fact, it is part of all primary, secondary, and university curricula. Almost all Filipinos understand basic English. It is widely used on television, radio, and print media, making Filipinos adept at conversing with Americans and other English-speaking nationalities. A common problem with call centers is customers who are not comfortable with the outsourced service. They believe that a person who lives far away cannot understand them or help them with their current situation. Filipinos eliminate this problem because they do not have an easily recognizable accent, unlike Indians and Chinese.
3. Filipinos are well versed in American culture. American TV shows and movies are big in the Philippines. Younger Filipinos love to listen to American artists and keep up with the latest trends in technology and fashion around the world. In short, Filipinos are embracing American culture as their own. This knowledge helps break down communication and cultural barriers between them and the Western world, making it easier and more enjoyable to work with Filipinos.
4. State-of-the-art facilities. The Philippines is home to some of the best business and technology hubs in Asia. Eastwood’s City Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio’s E-Square IT Park and Alabang’s Northgate Cyberzone are just some of the prominent business hubs. More are afoot as demand outstrips the country’s supply.
5. The Philippine economy is growing rapidly. There is no better time to outsource to the Philippines than now. The government is actively encouraging companies to invest in the Philippines, thus the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) was born. PEZA established special economic zones and grants fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to promote economic growth.