UPDATED August 23, 2024: The desire to work from home in the Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) industry skyrocketed after it became the norm during the height of the pandemic. Many employees opted to continue working from home, valuing the additional time it provides for family, friends, and personal activities.
To balance productivity with employee well-being, Staff Domain was one of the first BPO companies in the Philippines to implement a hybrid setup during the pandemic. This approach enabled us to meet the growing demand for outsourcing solutions from small and medium businesses worldwide, while also prioritising employee welfare. By doing so, we showcased the unique strengths of Filipino outsourcing—innovation, resilience, and a commitment to a supportive work environment.
Work from home and compliance
Working from home in a developing nation presents significant challenges. Infrastructure issues, such as inconsistent power and internet access, can impact productivity. Additionally, some employees may not have a suitable workspace at home, making it difficult to work safely and comfortably. Shared living spaces with families and relatives can further complicate maintaining productivity.
That is why Staff Domain developed a tailored approach to work-from-home jobs that addresses these challenges. This approach ensures our employees can work safely and comfortably from home, while clients benefit from access to top talent that might otherwise be unavailable.
We considered the following factors.
1. Assessing work-from-home eligibility
Staff Domain conducts thorough infrastructure assessments and internet speed tests, during recruitment. In most cases, no issues arise. However, if problems are identified, candidates are informed that working from home is not an option. They can still proceed with the recruitment process if they agree to work from the office.
2. Providing a safe, productive space
At Staff Domain, we ensure that every employee, whether working from home or onsite, can access the necessary tools for productivity and comfort. For those working from home, we provide laptops. Meanwhile, our onsite employees receive 24-inch dual monitors, ergonomic workstations, and spacious desks tailored to their office environment. We provide this equipment to maintain data security and allow us to monitor employee productivity effectively. Safety and security remain our top priorities, with all systems rigorously tested and implemented before work begins.
3. Ensuring compliance and productivity
To maintain productivity and support for remote workers, Staff Domain appoints a compliance officer to monitor all work-from-home staff. This officer measures productivity and provides continuous support to help employees overcome challenges. If an employee experiences ongoing issues, they are required to work in the office.
Clients receive weekly productivity reports, but the primary measure of success remains the deliverables and outcomes achieved.