Outsourcing in the Philippines: The Country’s Lifeline Amidst Pandemic

The Philippines has not been spared from the economic difficulties that many countries are still experiencing for more than one and a half years brought by the coronavirus pandemic. But the nation is glad because one of its economic lifelines is the outsourcing customer service industry. If there are many repatriated Overseas Filipinos Workers that worsened the unemployment rate in the Philippines, the Business Process Outsourcing continues to provide thousands of job opportunities to many Filipinos who find flourishing careers in this industry. It might also be the alternate career to many qualified OFW who lost their jobs abroad. Although some international companies ceased to outsource in the Philippines during this pandemic, there are new companies who chose the country to be their second work location.

Why do many countries find the Philippines as one of the best outsourcing hubs across the globe?

Outsourcing is a business strategy where companies move some of their tasks to the outsourcing firms they believe can more expertly handle than in-house staff. One of the processes that many companies want to outsource is customer service. And nothing can beat the Filipino when it comes to the best customer assistance. From the time when outsourcing started in the Philippines until now that the pandemic is not yet over, this great and cost-efficient business strategy continues to flourish and help the country’s economy to remain afloat.

Here are the top three factors why the Philippines attracts many international companies to outsource despite the health hazards brought by the COVID-19:

Cost-efficiency. Did you know that you can save up to 70% of employees’ remuneration when you outsource customer service and other business operations to the Filipino workers compared to the workers from developed countries? Cost of living differences is the reason. Since the lifestyle and cost of living in the Philippines are lower than in the developed nations, the remuneration that you can compensate for Filipinos is higher but very low for other countries. What makes the Philippines more attractive is that you can pay less for the exceedingly good performances!

Aside from labor, many businesses, especially startups and medium-scale companies can take advantage of the affordable operational expenses that outsourcing customer service in the Philippines offers. Companies can save from 60% to 80% on operating expenses. The materials and supplies to be used for setting up an office are less expensive. Outsourcing is a great help for companies that are just starting up because they can have an instant fully-furnished office without spending too much. Your outsourcing partner will provide for all.

High English Proficiency. Based on the EF English Proficiency Index for 2020, the Philippines ranked 27th among 100 countries and second in Asia in English proficiency. It is no longer surprising since English is the second and official language in the country. Aside from the fact that the Philippines was colonized by the Americans for 48 years and they are greatly influenced by the US, Filipino children have been taught to speak, read, and write English from the day they enter school until they are working professionally. Hence, Filipino speak, read, and write the language fluently. And we know that English fluency is the primary requirement in outsource customer service.

Excellent Performance and Personality. Since time immemorial, the Philippines has proven to have one of the most loved and wanted workers in the entire globe. One proof is there are more than two million Filipino workers scattered in different parts of the world. Filipinos are born to possess various talents and acquire skills and education. They learn to love and keep their job to sustain their families. More than that, Filipinos are great at dealing and acting nicely, not just with their superiors but also with their co-workers.

Outsource customer service in the Philippines will continue to grow and expand amidst the pandemic and until we go back to the normal situation.