How to find the best staff leasing company in the Philippines

How do you find the best staff leasing company in the Philippines?

To find the best staff leasing company in the Philippines, set a clear budget, use trusted channels, and pick a partner that shares your values.

• Fix your budget first, then match it to real market rates.
• Use vetted channels and referrals, not just review sites.
• Choose a stable, registered firm that plans for the long haul.

Outsourcing your business processes to the Philippines can feel daunting. Post one job online, and you scroll through hundreds of resumes that miss your criteria. So staff leasing is a top choice for SMEs and SMBs that outsource here. The trouble is, where do you start?

Finding staff leasing companies

It is hard to scout talent in a foreign country, and harder online. The good news is that staff leasing companies are booming in the Philippines. So you skip the hiring grind, and you deal with just one contact for everything.

Also, if you want to hire more than 10 people, it is often advisable to lease staff than to hire them one by one. When you want your staff in one city, you can set up a shared office for the whole team. If you are new to the model, it helps to learn how staff leasing works before you commit.

That is another story we will cover later. For now, here are the best practices that even Silicon Valley firms use when they look for Philippine staff leasing partners.

1. Fix your budget: know how much you are willing to spend

Lower operating cost is the main reason firms from the US and UK outsource. It is also a key factor when you choose a partner in the Philippines. So set your budget early.

Of course, you want to stretch that budget and get the best value. In addition, the Philippines stays one of the most affordable places to outsource. Still, some sharks lurk here, ready to use your gaps in knowledge. Take this from a Filipina who has worked with nearly every type of BPO in the country.

Weigh your budget against real overhead costs. You also want enough people on each project. For example, a thin digital marketing team can lead to weak results and needless stress on you and your staff.

People say quality over quantity. In the workforce, though, the two work hand in hand. Enough staff raises the odds of better output. So keep your budget and your expectations clear. It also helps to study average salaries in the Philippines before you set rates.

Did you know that staff in developing cities earn a different rate? You can cut down your operational cost to as much as 30%-40% in these areas. So if you want the most affordable leasing staff and overhead, look for firms based in developing provinces and cities.

Staff in large cities like Manila, Makati, and Quezon City earn more. Their higher cost of living drives that pay. On the other hand, firms in Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and Bukidnon run at lower cost. Their cost of living is lower too.

And yes, the internet is still fast and stable. The people are just as capable as those in Metro Manila.

2. Find the best staff leasing channel

Another key factor is the channel you use to find the best staff leasing company. So network with the right agencies that connect you to the right people. As a rule, these agencies should be Philippine-based. They should also run a clear database or CRM tool that is easy to access.

For example, one leading outsourcing agency in the Philippines is Outsource Accelerator. With its help, finding a staff leasing company gets easier and faster.

It uses a unique incentive system called BPO Rewards. As a result, you learn which prospects fit your needs best. The reward system also lets firms award points to staff who do great work. So you no longer hunt for the cream of the crop under a haystack.

The reward system pushes participating firms to perform their best. It acts as a great equalizer in the Philippine BPO industry. Because of this, every firm gets a fair chance to shine. Through that help, you learn what your competitors know and enjoy what they enjoy.

There are more platforms that link you with Philippine outsourcing firms. If you skip a mediator, you can lean on referrals from peers or review sites. However, review sites cut both ways. A firm always chasing new projects may be growing fast, or it may face high turnover.

There is no sure way to tell which is true. We also know some review sites can be gamed. As they say, it is not what you know, it is who you know.

3. Your priorities, values, and goals: find a staff leasing company that shares them

Finding an outsourcing partner is a bit like finding a spouse. So you need to know a firm’s values, mission, and vision.

A company with a vision has a future. As Warren Buffett said, someone sits in the shade today because someone planted a tree long ago. So if you want a long-term, profitable business, pick a partner who will stay for the long haul.

Many outsourcing firms in the Philippines are young startups. As a result, some may lack organized HR processes or regular staff. A few may not even have a proper office.

We do not want to scare off young startups, since they hold real promise. Still, SMEs and SMBs cannot risk their business on unorganized, brand-new firms.

>> Get started with outsourcing now: Read, or download, The Ultimate Guide to Outsourcing.

If experience is on your checklist, check the tools, people, and track record of each prospect. So you know the firm can handle its business and yours.

Start by looking at each prospect’s growth pattern. A firm that grows steadily may be doing something right. A firm with swings may still be learning. It also helps to understand staff leasing and seat leasing models before you sign.

Also, registering a business in the Philippines is costly. So some firms may operate without a legal permit. Signing a big contract with an unregistered firm is a clear no-no. Trust is a big word to place in such a shaky deal.

Top tips from a staff leasing expert

Again, take it from the Filipina who has watched Philippine outsourcing grow. As someone in the south, I can say Davao and its neighbor cities are changing fast. A thriving BPO industry drives that shift. Startups appear like mushrooms. As a result, the country built a new set of middle class while cutting the share of the urban poor.

One thriving firm in Davao City is Cubos3000. It grew from a humble office to a tower in the metro’s lifestyle center. So it shows what happens when a firm stays true to its people and its core values.

Staff leasing success

The Philippines remains a premier outsourcing destination worldwide. Many Fortune 500 firms, such as FIS Global, have moved their IT-processes in the Philippines. As a result, the country is a hub for customer service, tech, digital marketing, banking, and online English teaching.

The BPO boom also lifted the country’s standing with investors. In 2018, the Philippines topped one closely watched ranking. Writing for Business Insider, Sarah Jacobs placed it first among the best countries to invest in 2018, with 6.9% GDP growth, the highest in the top 20. Today the sector remains a magnet for global buyers seeking skilled, low-cost talent.

The Philippines has great people to work with. It is also a strong place to run your business offshore. To go deeper, see this guide to offshore staffing in the Philippines.

Another option for global businesses is ConnectOs‘s integrated resourcing solutions which give global businesses a better and simpler option to find remote talent while saving up to 70% costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is a staff leasing company?

A staff leasing company hires and hosts staff for you in the Philippines. You direct the work, while the firm handles payroll, office space, and HR. So you get a dedicated team without setting up a local entity.

How much does staff leasing cost in the Philippines?

Cost depends on the role, the city, and the provider. Staff in provincial cities often cost less than staff in Metro Manila. Many firms save up to 30% to 40% by hiring in developing areas.

How do I know a staff leasing firm is legitimate?

Check that the firm is registered and has a real office. Also review its growth pattern and client track record. A steady, transparent firm is a safer bet than a brand-new startup.

Is staff leasing better than hiring one by one?

For teams of 10 or more, staff leasing is usually simpler. You skip repeat hiring and deal with one contact. As a result, you save time and reduce risk.

Which Philippine cities are best for staff leasing?

Manila, Makati, and Quezon City offer deep talent pools. Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro offer lower costs. The best fit depends on your budget and your role needs.