outsourcing Philippines

HR

8 Fundamental Benefits of Embracing Big Data in HR

Human Resources, Outsourcing in the Philippines / By

The HR department in any organisation is pivotal. It plays one of the most important roles in a business because it handles strategic planning, company image, acquiring the right talents, and hiring. With all the tasks that HR personnel should do, the introduction of using big data has become a huge breakthrough in running the department.

What is Big Data?

According to SAS, the term “big data” refers to the data that is so large, fast or complex that it’s difficult to process using traditional methods. The idea was there for a very long time, but this concept gained momentum in the early 2000s.

Doug Laney, an industry analyst, enunciated the importance of big data as the three (3) V’s.

1. Volume: In businesses, data could be collected from a variety of sources including transactions, smart devices, videos, documents, and so much more. In previous years, storing big volume data takes up a lot of space on external hard drives and backups on other storage devices. Nowadays, there are affordable online platforms that could ensure security for any volume of data.

2. Velocity: The data streams that businesses acquire comes at an unprecedented speed and must be handled in a timely manner.

3. Variety: There are a huge variety of data. Whether structured or unstructured text documents, databases, emails, videos, audios, graphics, and others, the big data sure can handle it all.

Why is Big Data Important?

In today’s innovative world, using big data has become highly important. Initially, it doesn’t just focus on how much data you have, but what you can do with it. While all of those could be overwhelming to analyze and manage, big data enable cost reductions, time reductions, new product development, optimized offerings, and smart decision making.

While all those important aspects of acquiring big data alone is a huge feat, let us also find out what’s in it for the HR department.

HR

8 Benefits of Embracing Big Data in HR

Traditionally, the HR department is one of the busiest and most cluttered places in an office setting. Papers piled up on desks and file cabinets lined up everywhere are just normal during this time. Sorting all those files take up a lot of energy, manpower, and time. However, technological advances came fast and most businesses became reliant on outsourcing.

Moving forward, a lot of advanced years came by and the usage of online storage became a hit. Companies are suddenly going paperless and fewer people are needed to run a department while most are utilised for other roles.

Suddenly, HR outsourcing in the Philippines became famous and even the smallest entrepreneurs use this practice. To learn more about the usage of big data in human resources, check out these benefits:

1. Improving strategic workforce planning

Big data has the ability to sort all candidates by their specific skill sets, work arrangement options, work experience and other categories. This help businesses tap into a very precise talent pool and immediately exclude other candidates that do not pass the qualifications. By doing this, the HR department can save more time to look at a broader talent pool.

2. Predicting hiring needs

One very specific benefit of big data in HR is that it helps employers improve their quality of hire. It also strengthens employee retention and better predicts hiring needs. By mining employee data and identifying their pattern of skills, performance, education, professional experience, and more, then hiring the right talent would be so much easier.

3. Improving retention

According to a relevant HR study, the company culture hugely affects employee retention. With big data, HR can now immediately identify if a candidate and their personality align with the company values and goals. For an organisation’s long-term survival, employee retention is the key.

4. Providing hidden talent insight

The use of big data in HR lessens the actual number of staff needed in the department. So, instead of employing a whole HR department, the company can actually cut the number and have them do other things that will help with their career growth. Now, this is where hidden talents could be discovered.

5. Enabling decision-making without bias

By implementing big data in HR, decision-making would be quicker and simpler. There won’t be any issues of being biased, because all of it will be based on actual numbers. And so, the HR people will be able to accurately track the demographics and performance of each and every employee.

6. Automating your processes

Embracing the use of big data in HR allows you to use tools to automate your processes. On the other hand, your human resources team will be more available for strategic planning, reaching out to employees, and finding more ways to engage and support them.

7. Tapping into shared experiences

Being exposed to HR trends in other industries allows employers and their staff to get better ideas. It will also aid the HR leaders to create strategies that would best fit the organization they belong to. This drives new big data analytics and AI-powered solutions onto the market.

8. Unlocking powerful ideas

As analysing data can give you other points of view to focus on, it can also unravel more ideas that could later turn into an opportunity that will change the way companies handle their HR.

Conclusion

The implementation of big data in most companies is an advanced move that will help the business reach, understand, and target their supposed audience. On the other hand, the HR department is indeed a huge beneficiary of big data.

So if you’re thinking about working with an outsourcing provider who shares your goals and aspirations, check out DBOS and get to save up to 70% on your labour costs!

Contact us today and get a free consultation with our CEO/Founder.

outsource

5 Reasons Why You Should Outsource to the Philippines

Outsourcing in the Philippines / By

Before 2020 started, an international market business insider listed the Philippines as the second-best country to outsource in the world. Despite the hundreds of countries that accommodate all kinds of outsourcing, the Philippines remain thriving.

Each country that serves as home to hundreds of outsourcing companies has a special subset of skills and expertise. Although they can probably take on a few tasks beyond their core strength, it would be more strategic to assign it to someone with in-depth knowledge and experience on the matter itself. According to the same survey, almost 80 per cent of businesses feel good about their outsourcing decisions and are expected to continually do so in the coming years.

Once dubbed as the Call Center Capital of the World, the Philippines has been considered as the number one source for outsourced agents in the world. So, if you’re contemplating whether to outsource your services to the Philippines or not, you should check out these 5 reasons why.

outsource

5 Reasons Why You Should Outsource to the Philippines

Every country has its own reasons why foreign companies decided to outsource their non-core tasks with them. While it could be because of the most obvious of reasons, the Philippines remains to be one of the most outsourced countries in the globe.

1. Filipinos are highly proficient in English

There is no doubt that the Filipino people are well-versed in the English language. Even the local vendors and drivers can keep a normal conversation going. Aside from that, the media also utilise the English language in news reports, newspaper articles, magazines, and more.

Students have also learned it in school as early as 2 years old. At the same time, their teachers speak a mix of English and the native language when communicating. Even in meetings, events, and formal written documents. Although not formally declared, English is considered as the second language in the Philippines.

According to the English Proficiency Index, the Philippines ranks 20th out of 100 countries that proficiently speak the language, and is 2nd in Asia.

2. Labour costs are cheaper

Outsourcing in the Philippines has one outstanding privilege that foreign businesses take advantage of, the low labour costs. They enjoy almost up to 70% less on their wage costs compared to what they might be spending if they opt to do nearshoring. Also, they have high regards to the Filipino quality of work and their ethics as professionals. So, instead of paying someone locally for the same skill, it is better for them to outsource that talent and pay less. It might be just a little amount for now, but when accumulated, could be more than enough to grow their businesses.

3. Almost 3 decades of outsourcing

As the saying goes, “experience is the best teacher”, the Philippines has a 3-decade history of outsourcing. Starting from 1992, when the first contact center was built in the country, slowly, the business practice flourished. Because of the surge, the outsourcing industry in the country hit the all-time high rank and was recognised as the top outsourcing destination in the world. Until then, the Philippine government came into the picture and supported the rise of the BPO sector. As it contributes a huge chunk to the country’s economy, they made sure to protect it by enforcing laws and policies that will attract more investors.

4. Strict data privacy law

“To protect the fundamental human right of privacy, of communication while ensuring free flow of information to promote innovation and growth” is the main objective of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. It is designed to protect the client’s data by maintaining confidentiality, integrity and availability of their data while ensuring a free flow of information. It was established to attract more foreign investors and businesses to move to the country.

5. Filipinos are hardworking and talented

The Philippines has a highly educated and diverse talent pool which was evident in almost 200,000 university graduates each year. This number equates to the country’s 97% literacy rate. And in every field of work, the Filipinos are popular because of their culture of hard work and perseverance to achieve excellence.

Conclusion

Outsourcing in the Philippines could be your best move this year to help grow your business. You just have to make sure to meet a great outsourcing partner that will walk with you through success. Find an outsourcing provider who has the same goals and aspirations as you. If you’re having a hard time finding one, check out DBOS and get to save up to 70% on your labour costs today!  Contact us today and get a free consultation with our CEO/Founder.

provider

Things to Remember When Choosing a Back-Office Outsourcing Provider

Offshore Back Office, Outsourcing in the Philippines / By

To remain at the top of this competitive world of outsourcing, there are two highly important things to always remember: to keep nurturing the relationship between you and your outsourcing provider and to find the right people for your outsourced team.

Now, we already know that the business process outsourcing industry is endlessly developing on a global scale. Its advancements in the past years will only keep on evolving as to cope up with the fast-paced change in the business platforms and rising technologies.

The global outsourcing industry will remain on contributing to their countries respective GDP. Startup companies and businesses of all sizes are still expected to flock on most of the sought after locations for outsourcing.

On the other hand, back-office outsourcing in the Philippines is expected to take up at least 34% – making the country as the top choice for digital marketing, content production, virtual assistant, web and software development, data processing, HR services, and other non-voice roles.

With these numbers, expanding businesses and growing competitors in the field became normal and are almost expected to happen every single day. Businesses who take the risk of amplifying their ventures are taking huge leaps in search for the most well-suited outsourcing partner for them. But really, how can they be so sure that their services are in good hands? Where did they found the provider? How did they come up with an agreement when there is little to no interaction between them before closing the deal? Is it only based on a few feedbacks and a lot of trusts?

Outsourcing red flags: How to tell if your provider is not good for your business?

While outsourcing is a great investment that can unquestionably do wonders to your business, it could also be your worst nightmare. That is why startups are second-guessing the power of entrusting their non-core tasks which are mostly back-office services to an outsourced team. Yes, the risks are high while the guarantee is not at all certain. So to help you come up with the final judgement, here are the red flags that say, “it’s time to find another back-office outsourcing partner”:

provider

  • Different problems, same solutions.
    Different problems require different solutions, basic. But if your current outsourcing provider is applying the same solutions for every single issue, then that’s where you draw the line. Remember that a great outsourcing company is always willing to go the extra mile to provide solutions that are customised with each and every client’s issue.
  • Unmatched company values.
    Work with someone who has the same values as you and your business. If your outsourcing partner has a different way of handling your people as to what you have envisioned or what you have initially agreed upon, then you are on the wrong partnership. Find another provider whom you felt comfortable working with and is heading towards the same goal as yours.
  • Your provider is not transparent with you. 
    A reputable outsourcing provider practice transparency in all facets of how they do business. It is also the key to successful collaborations and long-term relationships. Now, if your current provider is irregularly sending you reports, progress, and current status of your outsourced team under their supervision, then that is a call for immediate concern. Take note that a great outsourcing partner must be practising a culture of openness.

Characteristics of the right outsourcing partner for your business

A buzzword that shares the same concept with finding the right outsourcing partner is known as rightsourcing. Technically, rightsourcing is about choosing the right source to accommodate your required services and helps you yield the best dividends possible. But what really does it takes to be the right outsourcing partner? Here are some of the most important characteristics to take note of:provider

  • Reputable track record.
    The right outsourcing partner is guaranteed to be trusted by a huge number of businesses. They never compromise the quality of their services and feedbacks about them are always superb. In today’s internet-connected world, bad reviews on companies are almost impossible to miss. So do your own in-depth research and background checking to be 100% sure before signing on an agreement.
  • Clearly communicates the budget.
    As one of the major factors about outsourcing, presenting the cost to a probable client is an important step that could both make and ruin partnerships. If you are expecting the best services from a high-end outsourcing company, then you should anticipate their pricing. But when you choose to partner with a small outsourcing company, then expect a lesser amount in pricing.
  • A flexible outsourcing partner.
    Flexibility is important when choosing an outsourcing partner for your specific services. They should be flexible enough to accommodate your needs and requirements, as well as can urgently provide support before coming up with an agreement.

The perfect back-office outsourcing provider

Among the hundreds of back-office outsourcing providers in the Philippines, there is one that would definitely be a perfect fit for your business. But before pooling for an effective outsourcing provider, you should list down the back-office services that you are planning to outsource. Also, take note of the benefits that you’ll get if you outsource your back-office processes. Here are some:

  • More focus on your core operations
  • Field professionals with expertise on your back-office tasks
  • A higher level of flexibility
  • Access to state of the art technology and infrastructure
  • Cost-effectivity
  • No hassle staff acquisition and retention

If you’re unsure of all the back-office tasks and services that can be outsourced, check out this list:

  • Payroll outsourcing
  • Data entry
  • Virtual assistant
  • HR outsourcing
  • IT support
  • Digital marketing
  • Search engine optimisation (SEO)
  • Social media marketing
  • Email marketing
  • Content marketing
  • Graphic design
  • Accounting services
  • Web/Software development

If the services that you’re looking for is not on the list, most outsourcing companies can also customise a role that would exactly fit your needs.

Remember that a perfect back-office outsourcing provider is the one that compliments your service requirements, goals, and vision. It should also continuously support your endeavours and the one who is willing to work with you to achieve success.

On the other hand, you must learn how to trust your back-office outsourcing provider and hear them out in times when you are in doubt. As they are fulfilling the duty of looking out for your outsourced team, you should also be open to communication all the time to achieve a harmonious working environment.

Conclusion

Back-office outsourcing can turn out to be the best business move that you’ll ever do when you meet the perfect provider for your business. All you have to do is make sure that it is a reputable provider with an outstanding history in their field. Learn to check for feedbacks and do your research too.

Now, if you want to meet an outsourcing provider with a good track record, satisfied clients, and a guarantee that can help you save up to 70% on your labour costs, contact DBOS today and get a free consultation with our CEO/Founder.

global

3 Trends Reshaping the Global Outsourcing Industry in 2020

Outsourcing in the Philippines / By

Similar to recent years, the global outsourcing industry remains thriving amidst the unpreventable dangers of automation. It is said that 2020 is the year where change will be very much visible compared to the past few years.

Companies that want to stay ahead of their game needs to be ready for the new wave of outsourcing. Embracing innovation is one while creating meaningful partnerships is another. The teamwork between the outsourced staff, as well as the in-house teams, are also expected to continuously flourish.

The key trends this year are changing together with their respective industries. Threats about dangers in automation, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence (AI), and more overwhelming technologies are no longer considered as huge threats. So, there are more rooms for improvement and top skills remain in demand which is expected to cope with the ground-breaking discoveries this year.

Know more about the three (3) trends reshaping the global outsourcing industry, especially to performing countries like the Philippines.

global

NEED FOR BLEEDING-EDGE SKILLS.

Businesses today continuously find the need for bleeding-edge skills that will complement the expertise that they are looking for. So, global outsourcing providers are upgrading the way they pool their candidates for any role. Globally equipped and competitive individuals in different fields are also being trained to become top-of-the-line talents that will provide impressive results to their clients. This trend is believed to be in demand this year and for the next years to come. As change is inevitable, the worry of coping with necessary requirements for talents, services, and technology is unstoppable. The only way is to upskill and continuously learn more techniques to improve the way outsourcing providers distribute their services.

In the long run, the need for bleeding-edge skills will be imminent and outsourcing companies should be ready for it.

THE RISE OF REFERRAL POWER.

Only a few businesses today acknowledge the power of referrals. But in the outsourcing industry, referrals are almost 60% sure to be converted into sales. This year, referral programs are becoming a trend. It is because they believe that nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend and that trusted referral is the holy grail of advertising.

Among the most advanced marketing strategies that are used by global marketers, referral marketing is highly recommended. As referrals become more on-trend, businesses these days are starting to plot their own referral programs. Clients that are satisfied with their providers’ services are encouraged to promote them within their network. Some outsourcing providers even prepare rewards and incentives for those who can successfully refer a new client. It is a win-win situation for everyone, including the referrer, the referred client and the provider.

But how effective is it? According to a recent study, 82% of consumers proactively seek referrals from their trusted friends before making a final decision. And this should be taken advantage by the salespeople.

FOCUS ON DELIVERING HIGHLY COMMENDABLE SERVICES.

In line with the rapid upgrade in technology, people’s skills and talents inevitably come along with it. So a more centralized focus on delivering highly commendable services for outsourced customer support, back-office services, web and software development, virtual assistants, offshore digital marketing, and a lot more.

Stronger collaborations are anticipated as clients and providers create are more willing to create a successful outsourcing partnership which enables them to share risks, responsibilities, and authority on both of their decisions. To reach a consensus, both should be working towards the same goal – which is to deliver highly commendable services without risking much of their authority as a business and a single entity.

Conclusion

These trends are reshaping the global outsourcing industry in 2020 and in many more years to come. Although eventually, more strategies and techniques will be discovered, for now, those three (3) will continuously become important determinants on how the future of outsourcing will constantly grow as an industry.

So if you’ve been thinking of finally outsourcing your companies’ menial tasks to a reputable service provider, then you are on the right track. Partner with a reputable offshore staffing company in the Philippines who can help your business grow by giving you a chance to save up to 70% on your labour costs! Contact DBOS today and get a free consultation with our CEO/Founder.

employee performance reviews

5 Tips to Help Improve Employee Performance Reviews

Employee Performance, Human Resources, Outsourcing in the Philippines / By

Employee performance reviews are a vital part of helping the staff create a clearer goal for themselves which also serves as motivation to do better. While it is done differently from every organisation, the goal of boosting employee performance remains as the main priority.

Meanwhile, more than just informing the staff of their level of productivity, employee performance reviews are also a good way to build rapport and loyalty within the organisation. Not only it is good for the company, but also for the individuals concerned.

Now, every employee contributes to the success or failure of a business. That is why improving the efficiency of the workforce and boosting the quality of services that they provide is necessary.

So, whether you’re a manager or a regular staff, it is highly important to keep track of your performance. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses earlier is better so you can do something to focus on your strengths. And to  further help improve every employee performance review, read these tips:

employee performance reviews

 

1. Find out why an employee is underperforming

Merely knowing and thoroughly understanding the employee’s issues are extremely different. So gathering proper information and enough data as to why they are underperforming would be the best foot forward. And instead of making numerous assumptions, it is better to exert any effort in finding out why. This way, it would be best tackled and addressed accordingly with the people involved.

2. Encourage effective communication

Effective communication happens when two or more people deliver, receive, and understand the message being conveyed successfully. It holds an integral part in creating a clear and concise discourse between people. At work, it aids in livening up the team spirit, building stronger teamwork and job satisfaction.

On the other hand, effective communication gives way to clearly deliver employee performance reviews and lessen the instances of misunderstanding. Also, the team members should be encouraged to communicate their ideas, as well as their deadlines, progress, and things that they believe is affecting their performance.

3. Inspire a positive work environment

Relevant studies prove that happy employees and happy customers are linked together. Happier employees tend to perform better which is said to be the result of a positive work environment. On a bigger scale, the employee’s happiness does not come from being paid a huge amount, nor getting tons of incentives. It is more of the feeling that they are valued for their role, appreciated, trusted, and encouraged to do more. And that is entirely for the HR people to handle.

However, there is only a significantly small number of companies all over the world that highly prioritises employee well-being. Unlike in the Philippines, an impressive number of HR-focused outsourcing companies have been established that gives high regards to the overall employee welfare.

4. Continuous learning and development

Just like how an employee was given a lot of attention during onboarding, they should be continuously provided with ongoing training. This way, the employees would highly feel that the company is very much concerned about developing their skills to further improve their performances too.

5. Use the necessary data to evaluate employees

Measuring and analysing employee performance based on their accomplished tasks, quality of work, and other data-driven results help them to be motivated. Concrete data that shows their strength and weaknesses both empower the employees. It gives them a higher level of motivation and conviction in improving their performance. So supporting and encouraging staff development will, later on, reflect on the business.

Conclusion

Employee performance reviews have provided better results than most ways that the HR people have used before. For example, rather than subjectively calling out an employee and telling them a piece of your mind regarding their performance, showing them the data is more credible.

Now, cultivating a healthy environment and promoting open communication gives the employees more room to work towards the company shared goals. And definitely, it is a good way for them to grow and succeed individually.

So if you want a professional’s viewpoint on how to help your employees further improve their performance and create high performing, productive workplaces, there is an excellent free culture IQ assessment tool which provides an in-depth, personalised report covering your areas of strength, opportunities for improvement and recommendations tailored for you to build a productive and enjoyable business.

customer service tips

Kick-Ass Customer Service Tips That Will Support Your Business in 2020

Business, Call Center Philippines / By

Providing high-quality customer service will continue to be a significant trend in 2020. Businesses that don’t pay attention to poor customer service will, later on, struggle in maintaining their reputation. Now, here are some kick-ass customer service tips and examples to help your business flourish in 2020 and beyond.

According to a relevant study, 77% of customers are fed up with bad customer service while a whopping 91% of consumers only buy from brands they trust. So we can conclude that poor customer service will most likely lead to lost customers and revenue. To avoid this, here are some call center tips to assist your business in 2020.

1. Customers come first, the service issue is just secondary.

Customers like it when the support agent is empathetic and nice. A gentle and accommodating voice on the other line that sounds genuinely concerned can ease the unsettling feeling of customers.

Do not take things personally

Unhappy customers are a little brazen and irritable. They might make abrasive remarks from time to time, but do not take it personally because they aren’t attacking you. It is the situation that they are mad about.

Never engage in an argument with a client

One of the 5 most important skills that make a good customer service representative is to be extra patient. Dealing with different customers every day could be exhausting, however, getting all worked up every single day could bring you serious stress. So practising effective breathing exercises will help clear your head and be more composed when talking to customers.

2. Personalisation when talking to clients.

Personalisation goes far beyond just using the client’s first name when addressing them. As much as possible, do not call them “Sir”, “Ma’am” or “Madam”. Putting on a personal touch when communicating is the best way to let them know that they are a priority. It is also important to show the value of their time and to not hold them off for far too long.

3. Maintain a positive language and reaction.

A good example of this is when a customer is looking for an item that has already been out of stock and then their attitude suddenly changed. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry we are out of stocks today”, it is better to put it this way: “It will be available next week. What is the best way to contact you once it arrives?”

Do you see the difference? The first response is dismissive and a bit negative, however, the second is hopeful and keen on setting the expectations straight. It would only take little time to rephrase your response from negative to positive, so make sure to do so.

4. Do not underestimate the power of quick replies.

A customer’s complaint might not be your priority, but for them, it definitely is. So make sure that you provide quick replies to customers. Waiting for their issues to be resolved before responding will only make them more furious than they already are. So if you want to impress your customers, make sure to set their expectations straight and provide clear KPIs for their reference.

Conclusion

As the call center industry in the Philippines continues to skyrocket, different advice, and guidelines are published everywhere. The list is endless, so we listed the four most important customer service tips that are believed to help your business thrive in 2020.

To further share some of the best strategies that will aid your business growth for this year and beyond, contact DBOS today and get a free consultation with our CEO/Founder.