The Pros & Cons of Hiring Remote Workers in the Philippines

Remote work has become an increasingly popular reality in the last few years, with companies around the world embracing the benefits of hiring employees who can work from anywhere. During that time, the Philippines has emerged as a top destination for remote workers, thanks to its large pool of highly skilled professionals and competitive labor costs. However, like any business decision, there are pros and cons to consider when hiring remote workers from the Philippines. 

The Pros

If you know a bit about recruiting remote workers, then you certainly know there are pros to hiring remote workers in the Philippines. The biggest advantage is almost certainly cost savings. The cost of living in the Philippines is significantly lower compared to many Western countries. You can hire highly skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost. This can be especially beneficial for startups and small businesses with limited budgets. Similarly, you have access to a large talent pool. The Philippines is known for its highly educated workforce, with many professionals holding advanced degrees. Opening your business up to this pool is a great way to add high-value talent to your team. 

The Cons

Where there are pros, there are cons. Luckily, the cons of hiring remote workers can be overcome. The biggest challenge you'll face is communication. Depending on your location, it may be night in the Philippines during your typical work day. While some remote workers claim to be fine with working at night, it can be difficult for them to adapt to being a night owl. Likewise, there's no ability to communicate face-to-face. While technological advancements in communications have brought us crisper video conferences, you just can't beat sitting down with your co-worker and hammering out a problem together. 

You'll also want to remember that while English is widely spoken in the Philippines, not everyone speaks it fluently. This can cause even greater communication problems between you and the remote worker. This can easily be overcome in the application and interview process, however. 

Wrap Up

All in all, hiring remote workers in the Philippines can offer numerous benefits, mainly cost savings and access to a talented workforce hungry for opportunity. However, it's important to consider the potential communication challenges you may face by hiring a remote worker. Hopefully, by weighing the quick pros and cons listed above, you can make a more informed decision about whether hiring remote workers in the Philippines is the right choice for your startup or small business.