Are you looking to grow your e-commerce business in the most cost-efficient and effective way possible? Don’t worry, we got you covered. In this post, Lara Guevara, More Staffing’s CEO, supply chain professional, and coach, answers questions on what it’s really like to work with remote Filipino talent. These offshore talents from halfway across the globe can empower your business with their specialized skills in supply chain, customer service, digital marketing, web development, and more.
By tapping into this international talent pool, you gain the benefits of top-notch quality, significant cost savings, and round-the-clock productivity. Continue reading to discover key insights from the podcast episode featuring Lara, in which she discussed how establishing an offshore team allows you to focus on high-level strategy while delegating critical tasks to your virtual professionals.
What It’s Like Being a Filipino E-Commerce Employee
Working remotely for an e-commerce company as a Filipino employee has its fair share of challenges but also many rewards. According to Lara Guevara, CEO of More Staffing, the key is finding the right balance.
Overcoming Obstacles
As a client, you can benefit from the resilience, adaptability, and commitment of Filipino e-commerce professionals. They proactively address potential obstacles like connectivity issues and time zone differences, investing in reliable internet solutions and leveraging time zone differences to provide round-the-clock operations. Their clear communication and proactive approach ensure seamless collaboration and contribute to the smooth operation of your e-commerce business.
Building Trust
Some companies may be hesitant to hire remote workers, especially from overseas. However, Lara underscores the substantial benefits to clients who embrace this model. She points out that maintaining operational expenses as a small percentage of revenue allows businesses to maximize profitability while accessing high-quality talent. This enhances the company’s financial health and ensures continuity in benefiting from such expertise. Lara added, ‘By consistently delivering high-quality work, meeting set deadlines and targets, and maintaining open communication, remote teams can establish a foundation of trust that encourages long-term collaboration and growth for your business.’
Boosting Operations
Building your e-commerce team with overseas professionals unlocks a wealth of benefits. Clients can expect meticulous care and precise execution tailored to their specific needs. Lara emphasizes the added value of these curated services. She explains how they boost your team’s capabilities and ensure every task contributes meaningfully to your operations. The financial advantage is clear, but the impact goes beyond cost savings.
By tapping into Filipino e-commerce talent, you create life-changing opportunities for employees. As Lara highlights, this fosters financial security and opens rarely available local doors. This win-win approach strengthens both your bottom line and your company’s social responsibility, enriching your business and the communities you work with.
Key Takeaways for Managing Remote Teams
Many businesses turn to remote teams to fill crucial roles. Leveraging international talent is a strategic move, especially for small e-commerce companies. However, managing virtual teams effectively requires effort and empathy.
Communication is key.
With team members spread across the globe, frequent communication is essential. Schedule regular video calls to connect, set clear expectations, and address any challenges. Provide constructive feedback and recognition to help remote workers feel valued.
Focus on outcomes, not hours.
For remote teams, productivity depends on work accomplished rather than hours logged in. Set clear targets and key performance indicators to keep workers on track. Give employees flexibility in how and when they work as long as they meet objectives. This autonomy boosts motivation and work-life balance.
Invest in relationship building.
While remote work offers flexibility, it can be isolating. To strengthen relationships, make time for casual interaction and team bonding. Consider paying for employees to meet in person occasionally. Building trust and rapport increases job satisfaction, collaboration, and productivity.
Address unique challenges.
Understand how cultural and socioeconomic differences may impact your team. Provide resources and be sensitive to challenges like access to reliable Internet or equipment. Make accommodations when possible to support your team. With the right approach, businesses can leverage the benefits of remote teams while empowering international talent. Focusing on communication, outcomes, relationships, and unique challenges will set you up for success.
How Businesses Can Leverage International Remote Teams
As an e-commerce business owner, hiring Filipino e-commerce employees through a staffing agency like More Staffing offers numerous benefits. You can save up to 80% on labor costs compared to hiring US-based staff. Filipino e-commerce employees have a strong work ethic and high English proficiency, allowing them to provide exceptional customer service and support business growth.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
By leveraging Filipino e-commerce employees, you can significantly reduce operational costs. For example, a full-time customer service representative in the US may cost $36,000 per year, while a Filipino employee in the same role may only cost $10,800 – a 70% savings. These cost savings translate into higher profit margins and faster scalability. Filipino employees also tend to have a strong drive to succeed and advance their careers, reducing turnover and increasing productivity.
Highly Skilled and Dedicated Workers
Filipino e-commerce employees undergo rigorous screening and training to ensure they have the skills and dedication to meet client needs. As Lara shared, highly skilled workers contribute to efficiency, leading to profitability. One notable thing about working with Filipino workers is that they see their jobs as an opportunity to support their families and communities. This motivation and work ethic leads to high productivity, quality work, and employee loyalty.
Scalable and Efficient Operations
While saving from labor costs, e-commerce businesses can start with a small team and scale up as needed. Lara explained how partnering with a staffing agency allows start-up entrepreneurs to add people to their teams without the recruiting hassle. These agencies can also support management roles, allowing clients to focus on growth. As a bonus, some remote teams provide 24/7 coverage and operational efficiencies, giving you the comfort that your business will run smoothly even when you’re asleep.
Ethical and Valued Partnerships
Working with an e-commerce remote team creates mutually beneficial partnerships between clients and employees. Businesses get affordable access to talented workers, while employees gain stable jobs that transform lives. Lara emphasized that achieving success hinges on a delicate balance: meeting client needs while upholding Filipino employee dignity. This means prioritizing clear communication, fair treatment, and building trust within your remote team.
Are you planning to hire a remote team for your e-commerce business? Check out our blog post: How E-Commerce Businesses Can Cut Hidden Hiring Costs and Thrive with Virtual Teams. This comprehensive guide explores cost savings, talent acquisition, team management strategies, and more to help you make informed decisions.
Transform Your Business With Exceptional Filipino Talent Through More Staffing!
Lara’s insights present a compelling case for the symbiotic relationship between international remote teams and business growth. As you ponder your next move, consider the impact of integrating a Filipino workforce into your e-commerce model. The potential savings, efficiency, and quality you can achieve are significant, and the ethical implications are just as rewarding. Leap a more sustainable and socially responsible business model that promises mutual prosperity for your business and remote employees.
Suppose you’re looking for a way to grow your business and do some good in the world simultaneously; consider hiring remote Filipino employees. With More Staffing’s help, you can build a fantastic team that will take your company to the next level. What are you waiting for? Reach out to us and explore how to take your e-commerce venture to the next level.
Note: This blog post is inspired by the Andrew Faris podcast episode “What It’s REALLY Like To Be A Filipino Ecom Employee (With Lara Guevara).”
About the expert
Lara Guevara is a supply chain expert with over a decade of experience working with e-commerce brands. She is also an executive coach and More Staffing’s co-founder and CEO. You can learn more about her thought leadership on supply chain and staffing by following her profile on X and tuning in to her podcast.
