The first call center in the Philippines was built in 1992. To seize a promising opportunity—and attract foreign investors—the Philippine government established a special economic zone to support outsourcing in 1995. Since then, hundreds of firms have started their business operations in the country. Now, the nation’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry employs over 1.3 million people.
So, what makes outsourcing in the Philippines a great deal for companies around the world? Let’s take a look.
Flexibility
The outsourcing industry has boomed in the Philippines because Filipinos are willing to work shifts, even if it means working at night or on holidays. They are flexible enough to adjust to changing schedules, enabling BPO companies to accommodate clients from different time zones. Filipino employees are also highly trainable, allowing them to keep up with new tasks quickly and effectively.
English proficiency
The Philippines has an English proficiency score of 562, ranking second in Asia. The country with the highest rating is the Netherlands, with 652 points—only 90 points higher than the Philippines. Given how adept Filipinos are at speaking English, it’s understandable why businesses are employing Filipino staff in their outsourcing ventures.
Cultural compatibility
For decades, the Philippines was colonized by foreign countries like Spain, the United States, and Japan. As such, Filipinos have adopted multiple values, traditions, and ways of life. This has enabled them to develop an appreciation for diversity.
This cultural flexibility extends to the workplace. Filipinos can communicate effectively with their foreign colleagues and engage in conversations involving any topic—from sports and politics to current affairs and celebrity news. This gives Filipino employees an advantage in providing excellent outsourcing services.
Aside from flexible and competent staff, the Philippines offers various other benefits for outsourcing businesses. The infographic below will elaborate on these advantages, touching on important data and statistics.
