Strategies for New Zealand Employers to Attract Filipino Talent
Filipino talent has proven its worth globally, and several industries have witnessed a surge in demand for their expertise. Filipinos have consistently excelled in many industries, including healthcare, tourism, construction, IT, engineering, and customer service.
As New Zealand faces a shortage of workers in certain sectors, employers can turn to the Philippines to fulfil their workforce needs. Hiring Filipino talent can increase productivity, help employers meet their bottom line, and foster an inclusive work environment that thrives on diversity and perspectives.
Moreover, the contributions of Filipino professionals to the national and global economy are invaluable, further solidifying the partnership between the Philippines and New Zealand in the pursuit of economic prosperity.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the hiring strategies and benefits that New Zealand employers can leverage to attract top Filipino talent and build dynamic and thriving teams that drive success in the ever-evolving landscape of the global job market.
Understanding the Filipino Talent Market: What You Should Know
Hiring Filipino workers is not as easy as posting a job ad on Philippine job sites and waiting for candidates to flock in. You must understand the country’s talent market to create an efficient recruitment strategy. Here are some things you should know about the Filipino talent market.
In demand
A 2023 survey found that the Philippines is proving a top market for the global workforce as companies worldwide embrace remote or hybrid work arrangements and prefer Filipino talent because of their English proficiency and integrated mindset and skillsets. The survey also revealed that 81% of Filipinos are optimistic about new job opportunities in their sectors, while 56% are changing jobs this year.
High English proficiency
As previously mentioned, one of the Filipino job market’s prominent characteristics is workers’ English proficiency. English is one of the official languages in the Philippines, leading to a workforce with strong communication skills and making Filipinos sought after in industries with a global clientele.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
OFWs significantly influence the Filipino job market, with 1.83 million recorded as of 2021. Many Filipinos seek employment opportunities abroad to support their families back home. As a result, their remittances play a vital role in the Philippine economy and contribute to the growth of various sectors. They also uplift Filipino talent, making foreign employers hire more workers from the Philippines.
IT and BPO sector growth
The IT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industries have experienced substantial growth in the Filipino job market. The country has become a hub for outsourcing services, attracting multinational companies due to its skilled workforce, cost-effectiveness, and excellent English communication. As a result, the BPO industry particularly contributes nearly $30 billion to the Philippine economy each year, with services oriented to the United States, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The country also accounts for up to 15% of the global BPO market. For other in-demand industries, check out our recruitment services coverage.
Emphasis on continuous learning
In today’s fast-paced job market, Filipinos place significant importance on continuous learning and upskilling. Professionals actively pursue further education, certifications, and training to stay competitive and adaptable in the rapidly evolving global job market. The Philippine government even promotes technical vocational education and training (TVET) to further help Filipino workers improve their employability and productivity.
Aside from the mentioned expertise above, here are other valuable Filipino qualities that make them a great addition to New Zealand’s workforce.
How to Attract Filipino Employees
Attracting Filipino talent requires a strategic approach that values diversity, recognizes individual potential, and fosters a welcoming work environment. Here are detailed employer strategies to help you successfully attract Filipino professionals.
Build a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
Filipinos appreciate workplaces that embrace diversity and promote inclusivity. Demonstrating a commitment to creating a welcoming environment where different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds are celebrated will resonate positively with Filipino talent.
As such, foster a culture that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for growth and success. For instance, allow Filipinos to celebrate some of their national holidays to continue upholding certain traditions. You can also study their work culture to communicate and collaborate with them more efficiently.
Offer competitive compensation and benefits
Offering competitive compensation and benefits packages that align with industry standards is essential to entice top Filipino talent. You can provide benefits such as healthcare coverage, paid time off, and career development opportunities.
Not only will these perks encourage your Filipino employees to stay in your organisation, but they’ll also enhance your overall appeal as an employer. Your current employees will likely send you referrals should you have more job openings, further streamlining your employee recruitment strategies.
Create clear career progression paths
Career growth and development opportunities often motivate Filipino professionals. As such, outline clear career progression paths within your organisation to show potential candidates how they can or will excel over time.
Committing to nurturing and investing in employees’ career aspirations will make your company stand out among other employers in your industry.
Establish strong employer branding and reputation
Building positive employer branding for recruitment is crucial when attracting talent from overseas. Utilise various platforms, such as social media, company websites, and professional networks, to highlight your organisation’s values, work culture, and employee success stories.
For instance, you can post a video showing how you gave a working father paid time off to care for his children or sponsored a young professional for a business trip or workshop. You can also incentivise employees to give referrals to show that you value their judgement of candidates who can contribute to your organisation.
A strong employer brand communicates trust and credibility, appealing to prospective Filipino candidates.
Partner with recruitment agencies specialised in Filipino talent
Collaborating with recruitment agencies for New Zealand employers with expertise in sourcing and connecting with Filipino talent streamlines the hiring process. These agencies understand Filipino professionals’ unique needs and expectations and can help match them with suitable opportunities in New Zealand.
Their insights and networks can also be invaluable in identifying and attracting the right candidates.
Hire the Right People
Looking for a recruitment agency for New Zealand employers? Work with Staffhouse International Resources. Our expertise in sourcing top-notch candidates, deep understanding of Filipino culture and aspirations, and commitment to matching the right talent with the right opportunities make us the ideal partner for your recruitment needs.
