]One of the best parts of hiring a virtual assistant from the Philippines? English is one of their official languages! Alongside Filipino, English is used everywhere—from exams and road signs to everyday conversation.
After spending years in the Philippines, I can tell you how natural English feels here. In fact, McDonald's menus, most movies, even government signs are all in English! It’s a big reason why Filipino VAs are fantastic for global clients—communication feels smooth and easy.
Of course, a few tweaks can make things even smoother. For example, being mindful of local slang and using clear language helps avoid any mix-ups. Personally, I’m from northeast England, where we say things like “areet” for “alright” and “aye” for “yes.” But when chatting with my VAs in the Philippines, I leave the slang at the door. Keeping things straightforward just makes sense.
Here are some quick tips to overcome any small language barriers with your Filipino VA:
- Keep It Clear and Simple: English is widely spoken, but straightforward language always wins. Avoid regional slang and keep things professional to prevent any misunderstandings.
- Encourage Questions: Filipino VAs may sometimes feel shy about asking questions, so encourage them to clarify anything they’re unsure of. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference in aligning tasks and deadlines.
- Schedule Regular Check-ins: Regular check-ins are a fantastic way to build strong communication and stay in sync. This helps with not only clarity but also building a closer working relationship.
Check out this article I wrote about why Filipino virtual assistants speak fluent English. It goes into depth about how English proficiency in the Philippines makes it easy for Filipino VAs to connect with global clients.
Language isn’t the only factor in remote work—cultural and time-zone differences also play a role. You might enjoy reading about how Philippines culture makes outsourcing easy to learn why hiring from the Philippines fits so well for international businesses. For broader tips on how to handle remote work challenges, we’ve got a guide to help you navigate these common hurdles.
In the end, Filipino VAs make an excellent choice for global teams. With clear, direct communication and a little extra thought, you’ll overcome any small communication challenges and gain a valuable, committed team member.
