The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly resulted in mass business closures due to a drastic decrease in consumer and economic activity. If businesses weren’t closing down, they were definitely taking a hit with employee layoffs and massive expense cuts. The Philippines’ BPO and outsourcing industry were no different during the first few months of lockdown, letting most employees work from home. But true to form, the country’s BPO and outsourcing industry have remained resilient and continued to weather through the pandemic, adapting their business operations to a distributed team setup. They also readily established stricter health protocols and social distancing procedures, as well as provided transportation services to employees living outside of business hubs.  

With many English-speaking college graduates, the Philippines has always been seen as an expansive marketplace for high-value jobs. As more and more companies are now on the road to recovery and have digitally transformed their operations, they can turn their focus to expanding their reach. 

Why should I outsource?

Building a virtual team for one’s workforce needs is the next best thing given the many challenges businesses currently face. Aside from being an effective way for businesses to streamline operations, it lets companies focus solely on business development. This takes specific tasks off their shoulders and diverts their attention to providing high-value services. Other advantages that are beneficial in the time of COVID-19 are: 

• Cost-effectiveness – businesses free themselves from other costs like operational expenses with their virtual team working from home and divert these savings to other critical areas.  
• Access to the newest technology – outsourcing companies utilize the latest technology to keep track of tasks and their employees easily. By partnering with a third party, other businesses get access to this, too, through HR software, timekeeping programs, or other apps.  

This speeds up a company’s digital transformation and efficiently utilizes everyone’s digital interactions. 

• Lookout for the right talent – with everything being done virtually, outsourcing has helped organizations pick from a wide talent pool of candidates and already have a rigid selection process.  

Outsourcing as a business continuity solution

All the benefits a distributed team offers virtually translate perfectly online and greatly use the work-from-home arrangement. This reduces the risk of needing to meet face-to-face, as well as provides the latest programs and tech to help manage one’s team. Outsourcing, at its essence, functions as a support system for clients that want to expand their business by focusing on core competencies.  

Businesses that choose to outsource are their way of adapting to the pandemic as the climate moves to an online-inclined business lifestyle. The need for an agile workforce is evident in pushing for business continuity. Despite business closures and job losses, consumers’ needs still grow, and businesses must find ways to supply that demand and stay competitive in the market.