Remote working setup has certainly changed the world view about manpower and productivity. Unlike in the past decade, the internet is now considered the bridge that brings talents closer to business owners who want to operate offshore for many different benefits of this working arrangement.
In recent research, it is pointed out that there has been a 78% growth of remote workers in the Philippines between the years 2018 to 2022 according to the Presidential Communications Office. This growth indicates how Filipinos are becoming even more open to the idea of working from home and companies both in the country and outside are beginning to recognize the benefits of this setup.
If you are a Filipino remote worker looking to land a job, this post may help you gauge your options. A discussion on Freelancing vs. Agency – which is the better choice for Filipino remote workers- can help you which path of remote work setup is best for you to take.
Understanding Freelancing vs. Working for an Agency
What is Freelancing?
Filipino remote workers who identify themselves as freelancers often face the need to do their client-hunt on different freelance job platforms. They often go from one client to another after finishing projects.
Benefits
What freelance remote workers in the Philippines assume to be the benefit of working independently is that they have the freedom to work for different clients at the same time without having their hours tied in front of their computers, as if working in the office.
Downsides
They are not covered with the protection that agencies often provide especially when it comes to being paid with the right salary at the right appointed time.
What is Agency-Based Remote Work?
Remote Filipino workers working under agencies are given the chance to work with global companies and clients without needing to personally hunt for them. They have their profiles in the database and it is the agency’s responsibility to find a good match for their skills and their qualifications with clients who are looking for exactly what they can offer.
Benefits
Aside from having a more stable option of work, individuals working under remote worker agencies are given a fair chance to get the client match that will help them enrich their approach to completing tasks and gaining satisfaction from what they do.
Downsides
Often, remote worker agencies in the Philippines require their employees to use time trackers to establish time accountability between both parties. While this may be considered a downside, it provides remote workers with a guiding system that makes them mindful of the hours that they work and the output that they provide their clients.
Here is a summary of the Pros and Cons of Working as a freelance remote worker in the Philippines versus partnering with an Agency:
These pros and cons of working as a freelance remote worker and partnering with a remote worker agency are discussed in the sections that follow.
Financial Security: Agency Work vs. Freelancing
The Risks of Freelancing
1. Payment Issues
If you are a freelance remote writer in the Philippines, likely, you have already experienced being paid so low or at some point, not being paid at all.
Even though there are different freelancer platforms in the country, these job sites do not offer full protection to their freelancer members when it comes to handling unpredictable employment trends. Some even ask for fees just for freelancers to remain on the platform and continue accessing client job offers.
At the same time, if the clients choose to support you in paying for government contributions and other health benefits, there is certainly immediate ease from having to think of these matters apart from your actual work duties.
2. Income Stability and Exhaustion
To reduce the panic of not being paid by one client, some freelance remote workers opt to work for more than one client as a form of financial cushion. While this may be a viable resolution to the money woes, it often results in exhaustion and subpar quality of work. When this happens, the risk of losing clients is also on the table.
Why Agencies Offer Better Security
1. Regular Timely Payments
Operating under legal requirements, remote worker agencies in the Philippines are required to process and send payments to every employee promptly. Aside from this, they are also regulated to make sure that workers’ government contributions are properly supported, therefore easing the minds of the employees and ensuring that they get the financial assistance they need when emergencies happen.
2. Client Legitimacy
To protect the welfare of their workers, remote worker agencies in the Philippines screen out clients. Besides checking on their legitimacy, they are also being screened out for their capacity to pay for the salary of the workers or team of workers that they need to operate their businesses offshore.
3. Legitimate Contracts
Signed by both the client and the remote worker, the agency provides the protection and guidance necessary to strengthen the agreement between the parties involved to ensure that the goals and the purpose are properly responded to. This way, both parties involved are secured to receive the value they deserve from this established employment legal system.
Instead of receiving project-based pay, Filipino remote workers under the care of a legal agency receive the right amount of payment without delay.
4. Support system
From HR management and payroll assistance and dispute resolution, employees under the care and guidance of remote worker agencies are given full support not only to help them retain their security at work but also to keep their mental peace especially when handling conditions of conflict and other concerns regarding their employment status.
Why VirtualStaff.ph is the Best Choice for Filipino Remote Workers
What Makes VirtualStaff.ph Different?
VirtualStaff.ph offers benefits to Filipino remote workers that are designed to make working from home rewarding:
Long-Term Employment:
Because VirtualStaff.ph highlights the need to screen out the clients they connect with, the management can make sure that business partners would sign long-term contracts that will ensure the work security for remote workers.
Global Opportunities:
Global businesses often spell stability and ethical practices. Because VirtualStaff.ph only connects with legitimate global entities, Filipino remote workers are given the assurance of fair treatment and protected contracts as they stay in the company.
Security & Accountability:
Both the clients and the employees are assured through signed contracts with VirtualStaff.ph management. Hence, if there are any breaches of these contracts, accountability is assured. This serves both safety and security for Filipino remote workers who offer their time and effort for the growth and development of the businesses that they serve.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Freedom and Security
From financial security to work-life balance and long-term career growth, you will surely gain the benefit of working from home without having to deal with all the dangers and risks of handling all issues on your own if you partner with trustworthy remote worker agencies like VirtualStaff.ph.
Remember that even though there are distinct benefits to working online and working from home, there are still precautions that you need to consider. This is a lifestyle change that will affect your being. For this reason, established remote worker companies like VirtualStaff.ph are here to help you take your steps towards this change.
Ready to take your remote work journey to a whole new height of success and satisfying work adventure? Join VirtualStaff.ph for secure remote job opportunities today!
