- The Philippines is a leading offshoring destination due to its skilled workforce and compatibility with U.S. time zones.
- Outsourcing to the Philippines can enhance work quality, communication, and productivity with the right tools and strategies.
- To ensure outsourcing works for your company, you can implement flexible work hours, embrace the continuous workflow, and leverage differing time zones for 24/7 coverage.
In 2023, 83% of small U.S. businesses planned to maintain or increase their outsourcing budgets. They primarily seek help for marketing (27%), IT services (22%), and design (21%).
One standout destination for offshore staffing is the Philippines. The country is highly regarded for its skilled workers and cost-effective labor, making it a strategic choice for businesses aiming to achieve better profitability and operational efficiency.
We are all aware of the night-and-day time difference between the U.S. and the Philippines. But is it really a challenge working with outsourced staff in a different time zone?
The simple answer? No. With advancements in communication technology and flexible working arrangements, coordinating across different time zones has become more manageable.
Moreover, the benefits of outsourcing to the Philippines are substantial, including reduced workload, smoother operations, increased productivity, and significant cost savings.
While it does take planning and collaboration to hire offshore staff, there are outsourcing companies like iFive Global that can help you unlock the full potential of collaboration across time zones.
Time Zone Myths Debunked
You may think that since the Philippines is 13 to 16 hours ahead of U.S. time zones, it may be better to outsource to another country with a closer time zone for better collaboration. But that’s not the case!
The time difference can actually provide you with benefits. One example is how it can enable round-the-clock operations and timely responses to customer needs. This continuous service availability ensures that customer inquiries and issues are addressed promptly even beyond your company’s usual operating hours.
Let’s debunk other time zone myths about outsourcing from the Philippines!
Myth 1: Workers in Different Time Zones Cannot Accommodate U.S. Daytime Work Schedules
Staff in the Philippines are accustomed to collaborating with employers in different time zones.
For instance, a study on outsourced customer support staff from the Philippines shows they actually prefer working at night — daytime in the U.S. — over usual morning or afternoon shifts.
Moreover, the authors noted that customer support staff performance remains consistent even when working the graveyard shift.
This example reflects that outsourced staff from the Philippines can effectively adjust their schedules to accommodate night shifts for real-time collaboration, showcasing their flexibility and dedication to meet the demands of international clients like you.
Myth 2: Constant Supervision Is Required
Not with a client engagement team and team leaders. These roles are crucial for effective management and communication, serving as a bridge between the iFive Global team and clients across different time zones.
Besides, Filipinos are known for their self-management skills. An Economist Impact survey shows that 68% of Filipino employees prioritize self-management skills like stress tolerance, resilience, and flexibility, managing tasks efficiently without constant supervision.
Modern communication and collaboration tools have also made it easier to maintain communication and monitor progress remotely, should you need to.
For example, you can use tools like instant messaging platforms, video conferencing, and project management software if you need more reassurance.
Myth 3: Time Zone Differences Lead to Communication Barriers
It’s often believed that coordinating meetings, resolving issues, and receiving timely responses can become challenging due to time zone differences, but modern communication tools and strategies can mitigate these issues. Regularly scheduled meetings, real-time collaboration platforms, and clear communication protocols can foster effective communication – regardless of which time zone participants are joining from.
Moreover, implementing strategies like overlapping shifts can also help your in-house and offshore teams ensure seamless operations.
Myth 4: Productivity Suffers When Working in Different Time Zones
A study proved that offshore staffing can, in fact, improve a company’s productivity and operational capabilities. This just means that a team’s productivity hinges more on effective collaboration, communication, and skill set of the workforce rather than geographic location.
Outsourced teams in countries like the Philippines often have a strong educational background and extensive training, ensuring that the quality of work meets or exceeds expectations.
By leveraging the talent pool in the Philippines, companies like yours can achieve high-quality outcomes and enhanced operational efficiency while staying cost-efficient. You can use these savings to invest in other critical aspects of your business.
Myth 5: Teams in Different Time Zones May Lack Accountability
Physical distance and time differences may indeed make monitoring and managing team performance a challenge. However, accountability is a matter of clear expectations, regular feedback, and effective project management — not of distance or time zone differences.
When you establish a framework for key performance indicators (KPIs) — standards that both in-house and offshore teams should achieve — you can measure the progress and performance more easily. This ensures everyone is aligned and working towards common goals, regardless of time and location.
Outsourced teams are often highly motivated to deliver quality work, as their success is intertwined with the success of the client. With proper communication and monitoring mechanisms in place, accountability can be maintained — regardless of where your teams are.
Effective Time Zone Strategies for Your Company
Working with an offshore team in an alternative time zone might seem overwhelming. However, research shows that turning to outsourcing can improve and increase a company’s productivity.
While the standard practice for outsourced teams is to work within the client’s time zone preferences, learning how to adopt a full-coverage workflow could be advantageous for your company. This approach allows for continuous progress and availability between in–house and offshore teams.
Here are some strategies on how you can transform time zone challenges into opportunities for business growth!
Implement a Flexible Hours System
According to Dr. Robert Gordon, CPC, a professor in the American Public University System, communication is heavily important within and between teams. However, how can you encourage communication — an effective one, at that — if your in-house and offshore teams go online during varying times?
You might benefit from a system of flexible working hours for your offshore teams — this can be an effective strategy to align your daily operations in the U.S. with your team in the Philippines.
For example, you can set overlapping hours where both teams can work simultaneously on critical tasks like project planning, real-time problem solving, and coordinating deliverables.
Plus, the energetic business park environment in the Philippines supports this approach, with its infrastructure and workforce well-adapted to accommodate various working hours, further supporting a smooth and efficient partnership.
Embrace the Continuous Workflow
Having an offshore team comprised of various administrative, back-office, and support staff available during U.S. business hours provides numerous benefits. By leveraging tools like video conferencing and project management software, your teams can keep the workflow moving efficiently.
With this continuous workflow, you can accelerate project delivery and offer uninterrupted service to your clients. Just remember to set clear KPIs and encourage open communication to ensure accountability and goal alignment between your teams.
Leverage Differing Time Zones To Provide 24/7 Coverage
The availability of outsourcing a team during U.S. business hours ensures 24/7 customer support, a valuable asset for companies with time-based and often urgent client/customer needs.
Many companies find that having their team work schedules like Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday provides ample timely coverage. This capability ensures that, no matter the time, a knowledgeable and dedicated team is ready to address concerns, enhancing overall client satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing offers U.S. companies with the flexibility they need to structure teams and operations efficiently. Collaborating with global teams, such as those in the Philippines, can significantly boost productivity and reduce costs.
While managing differing time zones can be challenging, effective project management can bridge the gap, ensuring seamless collaboration across regions — the key to success lies in choosing the right partner, like iFive Global, to unlock the full potential of collaboration across time zones.
Looking to expand your business’s global reach with an offshore team? Partner with us to hire skilled professionals in general, legal, medical, IT, and finance staffing from the Philippines.
If you want to embrace the flexibility, expertise, and cost-effectiveness outsourcing can provide, contact us today!
