Hiring and Managing Filipino Remote Workers 101: A Practical Guide for Employers
Oct 21, 2025
Working with Filipino virtual assistants (VAs) can be one of the best decisions for your business — they’re loyal, hardworking, and adaptable. But managing them well means understanding a few cultural nuances and work-style differences. Here’s a quick guide to help you set things up right from day one.
💰 Pay
Q: How much does a Filipino remote worker need to earn to live comfortably?
It depends on their lifestyle and where they live:
🏠 Fresh grad or entry-level (living with parents): $400–$600/month
🏙️ Single, renting, living alone: $800–$1,200/month
👨👩👧👦 With family and kids: $1,500–$4,000/month
💡 Tip: It’s more expensive in Metro Manila and cheaper in smaller towns or provinces.
Q: How much should you pay?
Start with market rates — compare several applicants to get a feel for what’s fair.
If you find someone great and want to keep them long-term, pay slightly above market after a few months. This helps:
Keep them loyal
Discourage competitors from poaching them
Q: What is 13th month pay — and should I offer it?
In the Philippines, local companies are required to give one extra month’s salary in December (like a Christmas bonus).
If you’re not a PH-registered company, you’re not legally required to give it, and most VAs don’t expect it. Still, some employers offer it as a performance bonus or a “thank-you” for the year.
🎁 Benefits
Q: Should I provide benefits?
Not required — but it definitely helps with retention and loyalty.
Q: What benefits do Filipino remote workers value most?
Health Insurance (HMO): Covers doctor visits, ER, hospitalization.
Paid Leaves: Usually 10–20 days a year.
Holidays: Either follow your local country’s holidays or allow them to pick key local ones.
💡 Tip: The most important Filipino holidays are Christmas, New Year, and Holy Week (Thursday & Friday before Easter). Ask which ones matter most to them and plan ahead.
Q: How do I offer an HMO?
They can buy it directly, and you can reimburse or include it in their pay. Expect to budget around $500–$1,000 per year, depending on coverage.
🇵🇭 Culture
Q: How is Filipino culture different from Western culture?
Filipino values are a blend of Asian collectivism and Western influence. Here’s what that looks like:
Hierarchy matters – It’s common to address managers as “Sir” or “Ma’am.” Many will wait for seniors to speak first in meetings.
Non-confrontational – Most avoid open disagreement or negative feedback.
Pride & ‘saving face’ – Mistakes or public criticism can feel personal.
Always saying yes – They’ll often agree to things even when overwhelmed or unsure.
Ask-first mentality – Many prefer checking with peers before trying to solve problems alone.
How to manage this effectively
Clarify hierarchy and expectations early.
(“Here, everyone’s equal — please speak up anytime.”)Call on them directly in meetings.
(“John, what’s your take on this idea?”)Encourage constructive disagreement.
(“I hired you because you’re smarter than me at this — feel free to push back!”)Give feedback privately, not in groups.
Reassure them that mistakes are okay, as long as they learn from them.Always leave room for questions.
(“If anything’s unclear, ping me anytime or ask Sarah.”)Check workloads regularly.
(“Hey John, are you swamped? Need help prioritizing?”)Normalize clarifying questions.
Especially for new hires — it’s better they ask twice than stay confused.Promote autonomy gently.
Explain that you expect them to try solving first before asking for help — then guide them on how.
🤝 Other Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do: Ask about their personal life from time to time.
“Hey John, how’s your daughter doing? Feeling better now?”
✅ Do: Check in on their health if they’ve been sick.
“Are you fully recovered, or do you need another day off?”
✅ Do: Adapt your management style.
Every VA is different — some are highly independent, others need more structure. Get to know their rhythm.
💬 Final Thought
Filipino remote workers are some of the most loyal and capable teammates you’ll find. When they feel respected, appreciated, and secure, they’ll go above and beyond for you — often treating your business like it’s their own.
