Virtual Assistants in Latin America vs Asia
“In recent years, many U.S. companies have been opting to hire Virtual Assistants in Latin America over the Philippines.”
This shift can be attributed to several factors that make Latin America a more attractive talent hub for American employers. Despite being a significant outsourcing location for more than 20 years and estimated to hold 15% of the global outsourcing market, the Philippines has been losing its appeal against Latin America. More and more business owners are starting to consider recruiting virtual assistants in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, and other Latin American nations to find better hiring opportunities.
The rise of outsourcing in Latin America has prompted many U.S. companies to expand their operations in the region, especially in the BPO outsourcing sector. As a result, there has been increased economic growth, more job opportunities, cost reduction measures, and the preservation of companies through the financial crisis caused by the pandemic. Latin America has undoubtedly become the world’s jewel thanks to its rapid development.
If you are considering hiring remote teams in either the Philippines or Latin America, this article will be of great help. We will provide you with five important factors to consider when making your decision.
1. Time Zone
One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing between Virtual Assistants in Latin America vs Asia for outsourcing is the time zone difference.
During the summer months, the Philippines is exactly 12 hours ahead of the US East Coast, making it challenging for American employers to have teams operate in their time zone without forcing them to work odd hours.
On the other hand, much of Latin America is on Eastern Time, which can be either one hour ahead or one hour behind, giving LATAM a significant edge for most job types. Choosing Latin America as your outsourcing destination can provide you with more flexible and convenient time zones that align with your business needs.Virtual Assistants in Latin America
2. Staff Turnover
Although it may sound ironic, we discover that the BPO industry’s main drawback as an employer is the Philippines’ and Asia’s highly developed BPO sectors. Although there is a sizable population of people there who are willing to work remotely, and some of them are hard workers and highly skilled, the area is so developed that everyone is looking for a job there.
This supply and demand situation is good for the employee, but it leads to a situation where the most skilled people are job-hopping, changing jobs every few months in quest of a marginally higher wage or a different perk. The BPO sector is not nearly as advanced in Latin America. Because of this, it may be occasionally difficult to fill specialist positions; however, it is far simpler to maintain low staff turnover and build long-lasting working connections with individuals who stay on your team for many years.
According to a Forbes article by the Forbes Communications Council, “Outsourcing; the key to the next generation of business success“, outsourcing may be the key to the next generation. In particular, the article notes that outsourcing to less developed BPO sectors in Latin America may help companies avoid the high staff turnover rates that can be a challenge in more developed BPO sectors like the Philippines and Asia.
3. Cultural Connection
When it comes to cultural connection, Latin America is the clear winner. Latinos share many similarities with Americans, Canadians, and Britons, making it easier to communicate and get along with them. Our experience has shown that Latinos are proactive individuals who take initiative and think outside the box to solve problems, making them valuable assets in the workplace. While Filipinos are also kind, they tend to be a bit introverted at work.
Virtual Assistants in Latin America have a better understanding of American culture than their Filipino counterparts. This cultural connection is critical for effective communication and teamwork, resulting in better outcomes for businesses.
4. Competitive Prices
One of the main reasons for outsourcing is cost savings, and both Latin America and Asia offer significant advantages over hiring local remote workers. Our experience has shown that while the two regions have comparable costs, Asia tends to be slightly less expensive than Latin America.
However, Latin America often provides better worker quality, making up for the slight price difference. When coupled with other benefits, such as cultural connection and ease of communication, Latin America can be a more attractive option for businesses.
5. English Level
English fluency is essential in hiring remote workers. Although neither Latin America nor the Philippines speaks English as a first language, individuals with higher education in both regions generally have a good grasp of the language. By employing effective filtering and recruitment methods, it is possible to find individuals who can speak English flawlessly.
The Philippines has an advantage because of its history as a US colony, and the language is widely spoken there. However, in Latin America, many young, educated individuals speak English fluently and improve their language skills by watching American TV shows and movies. Additionally, Latin American English speakers often have less pronounced accents than Filipino English speakers.
6. Education and Skillset
Education is a crucial factor when it comes to hiring virtual assistants. Both the Philippines and Latin America have an abundant supply of educated and skilled workers. However, the education system in Latin America, particularly in countries like Argentina and Brazil, is generally more rigorous, with a greater emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Latin American workers tend to be creative problem solvers, adaptable, and quick learners, making them well-suited for outsourcing jobs that require critical thinking and technical skills.
7. Infrastructure and Technology
Infrastructure and technology are critical to the success of any remote work arrangement. The Philippines has been a major outsourcing hub for more than two decades, and its infrastructure and technology have evolved to meet the needs of remote workers.
However, many countries in Latin America, such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, are making significant investments in infrastructure and technology to attract more foreign investment and create more job opportunities. As a result, Latin America’s infrastructure and technology are improving rapidly, making it an increasingly attractive destination for remote work.
In conclusion, Latin America offers significant advantages as a destination for outsourcing and hiring virtual assistants. By considering factors such as time zones, staff turnover, cultural connection, competitive prices, education and skillset, and infrastructure and technology, it is clear that Latin America has become a top choice for companies looking to enhance their productivity and reduce costs.
At WOW Remote Teams, we specialize in providing high-quality remote teams from Latin America that are college educated, fluent in English, culturally compatible with clients, and in a convenient time zone. Our team members possess the necessary skills and experience to help companies achieve their goals and maximize their efficiency.
If you’re interested in taking your productivity to the next level, contact us today to learn more about how our services can benefit your business.