Hire Virtual Assistants from the Philippines: Full-time employees vs freelancers

Hiring Virtual Assistants from the Philippines

Hiring Virtual Assistants from the Philippines is a smart solution for your business if you are looking to boost productivity while reducing operational costs. The Philippines is renowned for its highly skilled yet cost-effective workforce, making it a prime location for outsourcing Virtual Assistants. It offers a combination of affordability, proficiency in English, and a strong willingness to work during US shifts.However, one decision you may find challenging is whether to hire them as full-time employees or freelancers. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, depending on your business’s needs and goals.In this blog, we explore the pros and cons of hiring Virtual Assistants from the Philippines as full-time employees and freelancers. We also highlight why most businesses prefer hiring professionals from the Philippines and how Global Squirrels can simplify this process for you.

Why Hire Virtual Assistants from the Philippines?

English Proficiency

Filipinos are highly proficient in English, ranking 2nd in Asia and 20th globally, according to Statista. This proficiency enables clear communication and minimizes misunderstandings. With 55% of the population speaking English fluently, Filipino Virtual Assistants can confidently engage in business discussions and execute complex tasks.

Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring Virtual Assistants from the Philippines is far more affordable compared to hiring locally in the US. According to a Glassdoor report (23 Sept 2024), the average salary for a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines is $658.96 per month, significantly lower than $5,613 per month in the US. This affordability does not compromise quality, making it an excellent solution for businesses looking to optimize labor costs without sacrificing performance.

Availability in the US Shift

Most Filipino Virtual Assistants are open to working during US shifts, ensuring seamless communication and effective collaboration. This willingness to align their work hours with your time zone is a significant advantage for companies seeking real-time updates and regular interactions with their offshore teams.

Hiring virtual assistants as full-time employees

Related read: Top benefits of hiring a Filipino Virtual Assistant

Hiring virtual assistants as freelancers

Related read: Challenges of hiring Filipino Virtual Assistants and how to solve them

Why Do Companies Prefer Full-Time Virtual Assistants?

Strong Commitment and Loyalty

Full-time Virtual Assistants from the Philippines are known for their dedication and long-term commitment to their employers. Unlike freelancers, who may work for multiple clients simultaneously, full-time employees focus exclusively on your business, fostering trust and reducing turnover rates.

In-Depth Understanding of the Company

Over time, full-time Virtual Assistants develop a comprehensive understanding of your company’s processes, culture, and goals. This familiarity enhances their ability to contribute effectively, take on higher responsibilities, and improve operational efficiency.

Alignment with Company Values and Goals

Full-time employees integrate more deeply with your company’s mission and values. They become advocates for your brand, ensuring consistent communication and alignment with your organizational objectives in both internal and external roles.

Freelance Virtual Assistant vs. Full-Time Virtual Assistant

Freelance Virtual Assistants may offer flexibility and cost savings in the short term. However, they often lack the exclusivity and commitment that full-time Virtual Assistants provide. Freelancers may work for multiple clients, leading to divided attention and inconsistent availability. Moreover, freelancers are not bound by contracts, which increases the risk of sudden attrition.

In contrast, hiring a full-time Virtual Assistant ensures stability, reliability, and exclusivity. With the Purple Plan from Global Squirrels, you can seamlessly onboard full-time Virtual Assistants or convert freelancers into full-time employees, securing their commitment and protecting your investment in training.

How Global Squirrels Simplifies Virtual Assistant Hiring

Ensuring Compliance

One of the biggest challenges in hiring Virtual Assistants from the Philippines is navigating international tax and payment regulations. Global Squirrels automates this process, ensuring compliance with local and global labor laws. For instance, we ensure that every Virtual Assistant completes the W-8BEN form to establish their tax status. By handling these complexities, we protect your business from legal risks and financial penalties.

Transparent and Cost-Effective Hiring

Unlike traditional staffing agencies that charge excessive markups, Global Squirrels offers a transparent pricing model with a flat platform fee. This ensures that you can hire top-tier talent at competitive rates, saving up to 20% compared to conventional hiring methods.

Customized Plans for Hiring

• Purple Plan: Ideal for businesses looking to convert freelancers into full-time employees or onboard already-recruited candidates. This plan ensures control over working hours, exclusivity, and adherence to employment agreements.
• Orange Plan: Designed for companies needing end-to-end support, from sourcing to onboarding Virtual Assistants. We provide curated profiles within 2–5 business days, allowing you to select and onboard the best talent effortlessly.

Virtual Assistant Benefits

By hiring through Global Squirrels, you gain access to numerous virtual assistant benefits, including compliance assurance, cost efficiency, and scalability. Our platform streamlines every aspect of offshore hiring, so you can focus on your core business operations.

Conclusion

Hiring Virtual Assistants from the Philippines offers a powerful way to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and scale your operations. Whether you’re exploring freelance options or prefer to hire full-time Virtual Assistants, Global Squirrels provides the tools and support needed to make this process seamless.Ready to elevate your business? Request a demo today to see how our innovative solutions can help you hire Virtual Assistants while ensuring compliance, minimizing risks, and maximizing efficiency.