A virtual assistant is like a remote admin assistant on steroids.
By this, I mean a good quality VA can do more than just admin. Many virtual assistants can do social media, data entry, admin, and sometimes even bookkeeping, graphics, and basic video editing or content writing.
The Philippines is the best to hire a virtual assistant. You'll see why it is not only in this article but also in the article where we debunk Filipino virtual assistant myths.
If you want to work with a Filipino virtual assistant effectively, you need to know some of their characteristics and abilities that make them distinct and outstanding.
Understanding their characteristics and work culture allows you to manage them better and maximize their full potential to your business advantage.
Please note that not all virtual assistants are created in the same way. However, Filipinos are unmatched in terms of talents and traits.
Filipino virtual assistants are good in English, multi-skilled, fast learners, and adaptable. But these are not the only things that make hiring a Filipino VA a good decision for you and your business.
Here are the top unique characteristics and work ethics that add to their overall good job performance.
1. Filipino VAs are respectful
Respect and hospitality are two of the most well-known characteristics of Filipinos. This is why most hospitals in the USA and the UK are full of overseas Filipino workers.
In the Philippines, things like family and respect to elders, and referring to customers as "sir" and "ma'am" are common.
Virtual assistants from the Philippines are no different. You'll find that most virtual assistants you hire in the Philippines will be extremely polite and friendly.
2. Filipino VAs are adaptable and resilient
One of the most challenging aspects of a global economy is internationalizing your business.
It would help if you overcame many cultural obstacles. Cultural integration is a critical factor to consider when hiring a VA.
Having someone who can speak your language as though it were their native tongue is a tremendous advantage. Hiring a virtual assistant in the Philippines ensures that you capitalize on that potential because English is one of two official national languages.
3. Filipino VAs are excellent in English communication
Filipinos are among Asia's most Westernized people.
The educational system in the Philippines is comparable to that of the United States because the USA developed a lot of the academic structure here during the period of American occupation. By this, I mean they have things like a valedictorian, which is not something that is a thing in countries like the UK.
Because the Philippines is a former colony of the USA, English is the joint official language of the country.
English is the only language you'll see on road signs, restaurant menus, the cinema, or any legal document published in the country.
There is almost no cultural barrier when communicating with a Filipino VA, eliminating one of the most significant barriers to a productive working relationship when hiring an overseas VA.
The British Council praises the Philippines for its internationally acknowledged competence and fluency in English, explaining why it remains the most popular outsourcing location worldwide.
Because Filipino virtual assistants are fluent in written and spoken English, they will grasp your instructions and expectations and perform tasks to your satisfaction.
4. Filipino VAs are family-oriented
You have to expect that just like local employees, most Filipino VAs have families to support, whether it's their own family, their parents, siblings, or even nieces or nephews.
For most Filipinos, family is seen as the basic unit of social life. While the nuclear family is the primary family unit, extended family members often form tight connections. Indeed, Filipinos develop relationships with their aunts and uncles on a level with those with their parents.
For example, we often call our grandparent's siblings "Lola" and "Lolo," the Spanish terms for Granny and Grandad.
You should anticipate family emergencies, family vacations, and leave of absence due to family problems, just as you expect local employees to have in the USA.
Of course, people have babies, and aunties pass away.
Nonetheless, you must see this positively since Filipino virtual assistants are very devoted and driven by their families. It's a great driving force for them to deliver top-quality work and aim to go above and beyond.
5. Filipino virtual assistants are enthusiastic and often have a positive outlook
One of the most significant characteristics of Filipino staff is their ability to remain cheerful in the face of adversity.
Indeed, the Philippines came in the fifth position on the Economic Optimism Index.
They have an uncanny ability to see the bright side of things, which is a quality that many businesses appreciate since it enables them to create a pleasant and harmonious work atmosphere.
Additionally, your Filipino staff will appreciate healthy connections, whether personal or professional. They are inherently trustworthy due to their friendliness and dependability.
6. Filipino staff can be hardworking and dependable
Many international businesses like hiring remote staff in the Philippines because of their work ethic. This is why companies like Disney hire graphic designers in the Philippines, that and, of course, the huge savings in costs!
Pinoys or Filipinos are renowned for being diligent and going above and beyond the call of duty.
Who doesn't want such a quality?
Every company does so since it may be the difference between expanding their business and accomplishing even more.
7. Most Virtual assistants are highly trainable
Being receptive to new opportunities and ready to learn is one of the reasons companies choose to hire virtual assistants and remote workers in the Philippines.
All you have to do is give them the necessary information, and they will work their way through it, even if it means studying and acquiring new skills in the process.
Their keen attention to detail enables them to pick up new skills quickly. Indeed, Filipino VAs can perform an excellent job.
Conclusion
Businesses around the globe recognize the Philippines as the best outsourcing destination for virtual assistants.
Not only can they rely on highly trained employees and staff to provide the most satisfactory outcomes, but they also know that each Filipino virtual assistant has favorable characteristics that may help propel their companies to a new level.
If you'd like to learn more, I'd suggest you read the Philippines virtual assistant step-by-step guide that we put together; it walks you through how to find, hire and work with a Filipino VA.
