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In the ever-evolving landscape of remote jobs, skills that were in demand yesterday may become obsolete tomorrow. One thing is clear: the ability to adapt and upskill is your passport to staying competitive. Nowhere is this more relevant than remote work, where opportunities abound for those willing to invest in themselves. 

As Filipino remote workers, we understand that continuous learning and skill development are the keys to staying ahead of the game. In this blog, we’ll explore the power of upskilling and how it can be a game-changer for your remote job journey! 

How to start upskilling?

1. Identify your goals

Start by identifying the skills you want to acquire. Consider your career goals and the skills in demand in your industry. Whether it’s digital marketing, coding, graphic design, or project management, pinpoint the areas you’d like to develop.

2. Online Courses & Resources

There’s a wealth of online courses and certifications available. Websites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer a wide range of courses, many of which are free or affordable. These resources cover many skills and industries, empowering you to upskill quickly.

3. Networking & Mentoring:

Connect with fellow Filipino online communities and forums related to your industry. You can find valuable mentorship opportunities that provide guidance and insights to help you excel.

4. Time Management

Upskilling is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous learning process. Dedicate time each week to learning and honing your skills. It’s nice to set aside a specific time for your self-improvement. 

5. Showcase your skills

Once you’ve acquired new skills, don’t forget to showcase them. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your newfound expertise. Share your accomplishments and land new opportunities.

Filipino remote workers are highly valued because of their work ethic, adaptability, and proficiency in English, making them a unique advantage when it comes to upskilling. Combine these with your willingness to invest in skill improvement. 

Upskilling is not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about staying relevant, opening doors to new opportunities, and ensuring job security. Embrace the power of upskilling, and you’ll not only stay competitive but also enjoy a more fulfilling and prosperous career in the world of remote work.

As a remote professional, your work knows no boundaries – including the boundaries of time zones. Balancing meetings, deadlines, and personal time across different parts of the world might seem like a puzzle, but fear not – you’re equipped with the tools to solve it. 

Let’s dive into practical strategies that empower you to harmonize your schedule and maximize productivity while embracing your work’s global nature.

1. Meeting Marvels:

To ensure smooth collaboration across time zones, use scheduling tools (Google Calendar, Worldtimebuddy.com, Calendly & many more) that display meeting times in multiple time zones. Consider adopting a “core hours” approach, where team members overlap for crucial meetings, accommodating the majority of time zones.

2. Unified Calendars:

Sync your schedule with your team using digital calendars, allowing you to view multiple time zones. This ensures everyone knows each other’s availability, facilitating smoother communication and collaboration.

3. Time Zone Etiquette:

Set clear expectations for response times in your virtual communications. Open communication about availability and response windows prevents misunderstandings despite time differences.

4. Time Blocking:

Designate specific blocks of time for focused work, especially during overlapping hours with your team. This way, you maximize productivity while maintaining a sense of teamwork.

5. Virtual Breaks:

Set regular breaks to stretch, rest, and rejuvenate. These moments boost productivity and help you align with colleagues during their active hours. 

7. Embrace Flexibility:

Embrace a flexible mindset that allows you to adjust your routine when needed. Sometimes, it might mean an early morning meeting or a late-night brainstorming session.

8. Mindful Communication:

Opt for collaboration tools that consider time zones, making it easier to schedule tasks, meetings, and deadlines in a way that respects everyone’s working hours.

9. Personal Priorities:

Dedicate specific periods for personal pursuits, family, and relaxation by marking them on your calendar. Setting these boundaries ensures a healthy work-life balance.

As a Filipino remote worker, you’re not just managing time zones – you’re a global collaborator, a time zone maestro, and a testament to the adaptability of remote professionals. Embrace the challenges, leverage the opportunities, and let your mastery of time zones elevate your remote work journey.

Your dedication to staying connected across borders reflects the resilience and versatility Filipino remote workers bring to the virtual table.

We all know the remote work revolution is in full swing, and nailing virtual interviews has become vital for career success. We are here to help professionals like you excel in virtual job interviews. 

With proper preparation and a touch of formality, you can confidently enter the virtual spotlight and showcase your skills to potential employers. 

1. Test your technical requirements

To avoid technical glitches during the interview, ensure your internet connection is stable and your webcam and microphone work flawlessly! Being tech-savvy and well-prepared speaks volumes about your ability to adapt to remote work settings. 

2. Be punctual! 

The golden ticket to virtual interviews? Punctuality! Log in a few minutes early to test your setting and compose yourself. Being prompt demonstrates your respect for the interviewer’s time and enthusiasm for the opportunity. 

3. Dress professionally

Even though you’ll be interviewing from the comfort of your home, virtual job interviews demand the same professionalism as in-person interviews. Remember, first impressions count, even in the virtual world! So – dress professionally. It also demonstrates your commitment to your potential employer. 

4. Set up a clean space

Your virtual background should be an appealing canvas, not a distracting mess. Pick a quiet spot to ensure no distractions will disrupt the conversation. 

5. Prepare yourself for common interview questions

There is no difference between traditional and virtual interviews, as you must prepare for common interview questions relevant to the position you are applying for. Research the company and its value, and be ready to showcase how your skills align with their needs. 

6. Embrace the remote mindset

If you have prior remote work experience, flaunt it during the interview! You can demonstrate your ability to adapt to remote work challenges. Showcase your remote-ready skills and reveal how you’ve managed time management, communication, and staying productive in a virtual setting. 

7. Ask thoughtful questions

At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask thought-provoking questions about the company, its culture, and the expectations for the role. Engaging in meaningful dialogue reveals your enthusiasm and passion to be part of their remote dream team.

8. Confidence is key! 

The vital ingredient for success in virtual job interviews is your confidence! Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and let your personality shine through the screen to establish a genuine connection with the interviewer. 

Remember, it’s not just about acing the interview; it’s about showcasing your unique skills and personality that make you the perfect candidate for the role. 

Here at Virtual Coworker, we believe in empowering talented professionals like you to embark on successful virtual job interviews with the utmost confidence. Armed with these excellent tips and tricks, you are ready to conquer the virtual job interview world with a dash of pizzazz!

Working from home doesn’t have to mean being stuck in one place all day. Embrace an active lifestyle and infuse your WFH routine with stimulating activities that will keep you on the move and maximize your productivity.

In this blog, bid farewell to the sedentary lifestyle and say hello to an energizing work-from-home experience. Get ready for 7 dynamic and enjoyable strategies that will help you stay active and vibrant within the cozy confines of your home office. Let’s dive right in!

1. Desk Stretches

Start your day with invigorating stretches that awaken your body and boost blood circulation. Stretch your arms overhead, touch your toes, and gently roll your neck. These simple exercises will release muscle tension and enhance your focus.

2. Stand and Conquer

Banish prolonged sitting by doing more standing breaks into your day. Invest in a standing desk or create makeshift setups using books or sturdy boxes. Standing improves posture, burns calories, and keeps you alert and engaged.

3. Outdoor Escapades

 Embrace the flexibility of WFH by stepping outside for some fresh air. Seize the opportunity to go for a brisk walk, jog, or bike ride during your lunch break or after work. The change of scenery and physical activity will rejuvenate your body and mind.

4. Circuit Thrills

Create your mini-circuit routine right at home. Select a few exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks. Dedicate 15 minutes to a quick circuit training session that elevates your heart rate, torches calories, and leaves you energized for the rest of the day.

5. Mindful Bliss

Infuse your routine with mindfulness practices that reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Take a few minutes daily for deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. These mindful moments will anchor you, fostering focus and calm amidst a bustling work schedule.

6. Dance It Out

Who says work can’t be fun? Incorporate quick dance breaks between tasks to shake off stress and boost your mood. Turn up your favorite playlist and groove to the music. Not only will it improve your mood, but it will also fuel your creativity. Let go and embrace the rhythm!

7. Stair Climbing

If you have stairs at home, consider them your fitness allies. Use them for climbing activities and work out your heart and leg muscles. Challenge yourself by increasing speed or conquering a few extra flights. Feel the burn and relish the sense of accomplishment. Don’t have stairs at home? No worries! Alternatively, you can still stay active and energized during your WFH days. Jump rope is a fantastic cardiovascular exercise that increases your heart rate and improves coordination, agility, and endurance.

Working from home should never confine you to a stationary desk. The possibilities for movement are endless, from dance breaks to desk exercises to outdoor escapades. Embrace the energy-boosting benefits of an active lifestyle, and witness the positive impact on your physical health, mood, and productivity.

Unlock the joy of staying active in the comfort of your own home and experience the WFH life at its vibrant best!

Working from home has become the new norm for many of us, and having a dedicated and well-organized workspace is key to maximizing productivity and achieving success. It’s time to transform your home office into a space that inspires productivity and success.

Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just starting your work-from-home journey, here are some tips to help you set up your workspace for maximum awesomeness! 

1. Find your perfect spot

Start by identifying a dedicated area in your home that can serve as your workspace. Choose a spot with ample natural light and minimal distractions. It could be a spare room, a quiet corner in your living room, or even a well-organized nook. Ensure your space is comfortable, functional, and conducive to focus and creativity. 

2. Ergonomic essentials

Invest in ergonomic equipment and furniture to support your physical health and well-being. Choose an ergonomic chair that provides proper lumbar support and promotes good posture. Consider adjustable desks or standing desks to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. Use a keyboard or mouse that reduces the strain on your wrists. 

3. Keep it clutter-free

Cluttered workspace? Then, expect a cluttered mind! Stay organized with storage solutions like drawers, shelves, or even cute desk organizers. Keep your essentials within reach and maintain a tidy workspace for a clear, focused mind. 

4. Personalize your workspace

Make your workspace feel like your own by adding personal touches that reflect your personality and inspire creativity. Hang up artwork, motivational quotes, or photos of loved ones. Incorporate plants or flowers to bring a touch of nature indoors and create a calming ambiance.

5. Tech-savvy setup

When working from home, you should have a strong tech game. Invest in a reliable internet connection, set up a dual monitor if needed, and have all the necessary tools at your fingertips. A well-equipped tech setup will boost your productivity and make tasks a breeze. 

Remember, your home office is more than just a desk and a chair – it’s your sanctuary where you can unleash your productivity and creativity. By following these tips and customizing your workspace to your needs, you’ll create an environment that inspires both creativity and professional growth. 

So, set yourself up for success by optimizing your office and watching your productivity soar! 

2023 has brought significant changes to the way people work. With remote work becoming the norm, Filipinos have found themselves with a plethora of work-from-home (WFH) opportunities.

The pandemic has forced businesses to adopt remote work, creating a growing demand for WFH jobs. If you’re wondering what kind of jobs you can do from home, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top WFH jobs that you can consider in 2023:

1. Virtual Assistant

Want to help businesses run smoothly from the comfort of your own home? As a Virtual Assistant (VA), you’ll handle administrative tasks like managing schedules, responding to emails, and making travel arrangements. It’s an excellent job for multitaskers who love organization! 

2. Social Media Manager

Are you a social media savvy person? Do you have a knack for crafting posts that are eye-catching and engaging? Then, a Social Media Manager career might be right for you!  Social media is now an integral part of every business. You’ll manage social media accounts, develop content, and run campaigns to grow a brand’s online presence. 

3. Content Writer

Did you know Filipinos are known for their excellent English skills, making them popular for content writer jobs? That’s right! If you have a way with words and love creating content, you can become a Content Writer. You’ll write articles, blog posts, and other online content for websites and social media platforms.

4. Web Developer

Do you have a talent for coding and design? A career as a Web Developer might be your calling! You’ll create and maintain websites, develop features, and ensure they are user-friendly. Technical skills are required, but the satisfaction of making a fantastic website is worth it!

5. Graphic Designer

Filipinos have design talent, and many are self-taught, making them a reliable option for businesses looking for graphic design services. Graphic Design might be your perfect career if you have a creative soul and an eye for aesthetics! You get to whip up visually stunning designs that will make businesses stand out, from logos to website design and marketing materials.

These are just some exciting WFH jobs you can pursue in 2023. And the best part? With Virtual Coworker, you can find the perfect job that fits your skills and lifestyle. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the world of remote work and find your dream WFH job today!

Working from home has its challenges, and managing your time may be one of them. With proper structure and routine, it can be easier to track time, and you can easily be distracted by personal obligations.

Here are five time management strategies that Filipino remote workers can use to optimize their productivity and stay focused:

1. Set a Schedule

A calendar or planner is essential to schedule your time for the day or week. Filipino remote workers can use calendars or time-tracking apps (e.g., Google Calendar, Tweek,  or Friday). You can set your daily routine or block specific times for work-related tasks and personal obligations. Don’t forget to include short breaks to avoid burnout!

2. Set Priorities

Stay on track by creating lists of tasks you need to prioritize so you won’t get overwhelmed. Focus on the essential tasks firsts, so you can avoid getting bogged won by less critical tasks.

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique

Some Filipino workers may not be familiar with it, but the Pomodoro Technique is a well-known time management strategy that can help to stay focused and balanced. This procedure involves breaking down work into short, concentrated intervals of 25 minutes, followed by 5-minute breaks. Applying this can maximize your productivity and even stay on task. 

4. Minimize Distractions

Distractions can be a productivity killer for remote workers! Though distractions might be inevitable, we can eliminate distractions by turning off notifications, creating a distraction-free workspace, or using noise-canceling headphones to block background noise. And this is why it’s essential to have the right equipment when working from home.

The Virtual Coworker recommends having the right tools to minimize distractions and maximize productivity. 

5. Take Regular Breaks

Recharge your mind by taking short breaks to stretch, a quick walk, or do something you enjoy. Taking short breaks throughout the day is essential to avoid burnout and stay focused when returning to work. 

When you want to achieve a healthy work-life balance, the first step is learning how to manage your time effectively. By implementing these 5 time management strategies, you can optimize your productivity and stay on track to meet your goals. Time management is not a one-day implementation, and it takes practice! So don’t rush yourself; you’ll get there!

New Year, New Goals! It’s time for a work-life balance year, which should be on top of your lists this 2023. It can be challenging as the lines can get blurry because of the need to be constantly connected and the need for physical separation between work and home. 

Now the big question is, how do you have fun and enjoy life while working from home?

To ease your stress and worries about where to begin, keep reading for some simple tips to regaining the much need work-life balance in your life. 

1. Begin your day with a healthy routine.

Unwind, clean up your mind, or exercise – you need to make a routine that will continue to assist you with achieving peace of mind. This routine ought to be more about emotional well-being, and taking care of oneself can keep your mind moving for the day, diminish pressure and work on your psychological and actual state.

2. Set your priorities for the day.

Be realistic about your deadlines! Utilize your time and energy better than ever by writing down a list of your priorities for the day according to your needs and allocating adequate time for each critical task. 

3. Build designated space for work.

Did you know that having a working zone will help your brain to focus better? Yes, you heard it right! Having a specific space for work can trigger your brain to be productive. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or big, and you must be clear about isolating your work and personal space. 

4. Log off – give yourself a break!

Don’t let stress get in the way of your work-life balance. Sometimes, you will neglect to rest or enjoy some time off, which is undesirable! We’re all human and deserve a productive break time – it may be for an hour or more. It’s fundamental for keeping your brain revived and less stressed so you don’t feel worn out from work.

And don’t forget this: SET A TIME FOR YOUR FOOD BREAKS! 

5. Communicate effectively.

Having doubts? Communicate. Overwhelm? Communicate. Struggling with deadlines? Communicate. When working remotely, communication is essential. Effective communication will let your boss or coworker know what you’re going through. Remember that they will not have the option to see what you feel behind the screen.

If you’ve made it this far, you either already have a healthy work-life balance or wish to pursue one this year! No rush; there is no such thing as a perfect balance between career and self. Make practical plans depending on your situation, and keep pushing forward.

Keep thriving – and you’ll find yourself balancing things and getting through life!

By: Kat Crucena (Virtual Coworker- Recruitment Specialist)

Did you know that on average, employees spend a total of 90,360 hours of their lives working? That’s a lot of time! A 40-hour workweek can feel like a lifetime if there’s no harmony in the workplace. When there’s friction between employees,
this may lead to low morale, diminished work productivity, and unprofessional behavior. The good news is, there are many ways to promote harmony in the workplace. Some of the simple things every employee can do are as follows:

First, Say Thank You. These two little words may be the most powerful when it comes to creating happiness and harmony. May it be big or small wins, people will feel valued if we take time to acknowledge their accomplishments. So, let’s offer a genuine Thank You every day.

Second, Keep an Open-Door Policy. Be open to suggestions, complaints, or discussions without judgment. We should understand individual differences and realize that everyone has their own way of looking at things. By listening, we can understand what others see from their point of view instead of our own. Early conflicts can be resolved when people are able to
express their feelings openly.

And Third, Create a Team Environment. Aside from holding regular meetings, it’s also nice to get outside of the stressful workplace and have fun together with the team. We should take our work seriously but engaging in team-building activities (virtual or physical) once in a while will help build harmony and create opportunities to connect with each other. We will be happily surprised to discover new things about our colleagues.

 “Teamwork makes the dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team.” (John C. Maxwell, 2002)

Whether you’re new to remote work or you’ve been a work-at-home superstar for years, adding kids to the mix is a whole different ball game. Productivity has been turned on its head as parents try to strike a balance between work and home life. And while you want to enjoy having the family together under the same roof all day, you also know that not working isn’t an option.

The struggle is real, but these five tips can make every day feel like less of a battle:

1. Maintain a Routine
When kids are home from your school and you’re working remotely, all bets are off when it comes to a routine. Maybe you’re all sleeping later or eating at odd times of the day. And then you wonder where the time went when you didn’t get all your work finished!

Your kids can benefit from a routine just as much as you do. Try to stick to a normal schedule, especially when it comes to eating and sleeping. Break up the day with specific activities, such as doing all chores in the morning or taking an afternoon walk at 2:00 every day. This not only creates something to look forward to but can help everyone maintain a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world.

2. Teach Your Kids to Do Household Chores
Household chores are a win/win: kids get to learn responsibility and you get to check off some items from your own to-do list. Even kids as young as age 2 or 3 can lend a hand around the house.

For example, young children can take charge of making their own beds, putting toys away, tidying the living room, or carrying dishes in the sink. Older kids can take out the trash, put away their laundry, and clean off the kitchen table or countertops.

3. Sneak In Some Learning on Screen Devices
Most parents try to limit their kids’ screen time, but for the time you do allow, try to maximize its impact by making it educational. For example, you could allow screen time only if the kids are playing certain games on their tablets, such as spelling, math, or other learning games. Or, you could let them watch a documentary instead of mindless cartoons on Netflix.

4. Let Them Be Bored (It’s Healthy!)
Bored children might be a thorn in your side if they’re vocal about their boredom, but it’s actually good for kids to be bored occasionally. Boredom is an opportunity to let creativity thrive. In fact, you could even go so far as to take away toys, video games, and screens and encourage them to find new ways to entertain themselves.

5. Plan for Quality Time
Most importantly, work-from-home parents should go ahead and plan on being less productive during the workday. Know that kids are going to interrupt your train of thought more than once per day, no matter what parameters you put into place.

If you can’t beat them — join them! Plan to take extended breaks to play games, read stories, and spend time together. Once they’ve had some of your attention, they’ll be in a better position to entertain themselves while you continue working.

And if you’re worried about losing productivity, consider hiring a virtual assistant that can lessen your workload and fill in the gaps.

We’re here to help and provide many more tips and tricks for working remotely. Our experts are available to help anytime and our Recruitment Specialists are ready to connect you with your ideal virtual coworker.

For more information, book a free consultation with our Team.

The way we interact with coworkers, family, and friends has forever changed. Interesting times with the current situation around the world. Many companies are having to adapt and make the decision to move their staff from office space to working remotely. Some companies already have structures in place for this but most do not. Working virtually is no longer an option, it is currently a requirement for every organization. Luckily, we live in a time when technology helps businesses thrive virtually.

Fortunately, virtual coworkers are nothing new and their services are required more than ever. Understanding how to leverage virtual staff during this time is essential to business growth.

Streamlining communication is critical for virtual teams to thrive. A number of free software applications are available that allow all types of virtual meetings. Zoom allows participants to video chat, share screens, and conduct presentations. It also helps schools break up classrooms with Break Out rooms. Google Drive is one of the top shared document platforms. A business can essentially run off google documents and sheets and allows for a centralized space in real-time for you and your virtual employees to collaborate. Skype is a favorite when it comes to remote working, which allows for video, audio and screen sharing.

If your entire recruiting process is going digital, there’s a good chance video interviewing will replace a large portion of your in-person interviews. All interviews are typically conducted via Video Chat on Skype, Zoom or Google Hangouts. There is a large pool of high-quality candidates looking for remote work these days. Finding the perfect fit can pose some challenges. When conducting a video interview it’s often a good idea to conduct a test activity with your candidate. Identifying required skills, attitude and relevant experience is important when it comes to bringing a new staff on board. Look for certain characteristics, some of which may be extroversion, bubbly personality, a sense of humor and having a trusting nature, this all flows through in the interview process. Communication is hugely important, you can have a great staff however if they don’t communicate well the engagement won’t be successful. Do they reply quickly? Are they able to finish their tasks in a timely manner? Develop a healthy working relationship with your staff by setting clear boundaries and KPIs and engaging them in the mission and vision of your company.

Finding high-quality staff in the Philippines will allow your company to delegate out time-consuming tasks, cut down on overhead, give you the opportunity to grow your business rather than working on it, and even work on your next great idea with you to help you reach your goals faster.

Is it time to hire a virtual assistant to help you scale and grow your business? Our expert Recruitment Specialists are ready to connect you with your ideal virtual coworker.

For more information, book a free consultation with our Team.

As the late great legend, Stan Lee, once penned back in 1962, “With great power, there must also come – great responsibility.” This is true of all great heroes & heroines, but here, in reality, it is also true. As an employer, you have a great responsibility to your vision, goals, and especially your employees. Without you, they would not have a job or be able to feed their families. You now have a great responsibility to get them trained, familiar & comfortable with their new workflow, up to speed, and set them up for success. This goes for local employees working in your office as well as your virtual staff members.

We’ve noticed a slight trend this year among entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. They’re excited to hire a virtual assistant, happily start the resume/interview process, find someone perfect to hire, and then after only a week or two let them go for poor work quality, miscommunications, or not learning fast enough. With the help of some superheroes, we’ll tell the tale of the newly hired virtual assistant and their Employer, let’s call her Captain Courageous.

Spider-Man Training
New virtual assistants are a bit like young Spider-Man. They’re entering a world they’re not familiar with and need training. Training is a part of any new position. Even if you’re a genius, there are things to get accustomed to and learn because every company, manager, and boss are different. Training takes time with any new employee, sometimes months. When working with a new virtual assistant it’s important to be patient while training. Positive encouragement is important. Becoming impatient and ununderstanding only pushes away their work ethic and interest in working with you. It’s best to grow a role focusing on their strengths and skills.

Hulk Communication
The Hulk does not communicate beyond a word or two but his alter ego, Dr. Banner is a genius and very articulate. Communication is key with virtual assistants. Not only might there be a language barrier but there might also be a cultural barrier. Become familiar with your virtual staff member, get to know them as a human and understand their culture. Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc. are all free and available anytime for quick catchups, calls, meetings, and screen shares. Make certain to be very clear, specific, and professional in all communications.

Thor Workflow
Thor is the ultimate. He’s a God, but he didn’t start that way, he’s over 1000 years old. Remember that when you begin working with your virtual assistant. Begin with one task at a time and manage each task so your assistant begins to understand how your company runs and what type of workflow is expected. Another excellent way to aide your virtual staff’s learning process is to include them on team meetings. These are essential to creating a team and rapport with one another. Motivation, praise, and advice from fellow team members will do wonders for any employee. Delegate tasks accordingly as to not overwhelm your virtual assistant. They might say they understand but ask in several different ways to make sure. That can save both of you lots of time. Before you know it, your virtual assistant will be lightning fast, leading the way, and exceeding your expectations.

Whichever role you hired your virtual assistant to help you with, make sure you give them a chance to learn and process everything. New jobs can be nerve-racking, especially if your employer is in another country. Be patient, use clear & constant communication, and take advantage of the free global platforms that allow the sharing of ideas, documents, and programs. Use your “great power” for great managerial responsibility. Excelsior!

They say, “There is no place like home”. However, it is vital for us to get out there and earn a living.Some of us have to live away from our families to work, or some need to travel for hours and endure traffic just to get to work.

What if you don’t have to leave your “sanctuary” to work? Could that possibly be the best thing that can happen to a hard-working employee like you? Let’s discuss the perks of working from home, shall we?

• Goodbye EDSA traffic! Eliminating the stress of commuting/driving for hours is probably the best thing about working from home. You can always start your day feeling well-rested and ready to work.
• Since you did not start your day in a stressful manner, you are most likely to be more productive. There are less worry and distractions. As a matter of fact, studies shown that work from home employees are less stressed, happier, and healthier — hence, reducing sick days and absenteeism.
• You don’t have to worry about getting dressed or wearing uncomfortable shoes all day. Comfort comes first and nothing is more comfortable than wearing your house clothes (even your pj’s) all day long!
• You’ll save money. We work to earn money so we can pay our bills, sustain our way of life and to save. You’ll find that cutting out some expenses that goes along with working in an office makes a big difference in your bank account.
• It exercises your creative and critical thinking. Independence is important when you’re working from home. Your boss or co-workers can only do so much to assist you if you encounter any challenges. It is up to you to effectively think of ways to work around those challenges. In the end, you will feel a sense of accomplishment once you are able to come up of a solution.
• It allows you to have more freedom to spend time with friends and family. As you integrate those relationships into your more flexible workday, you will find that you have more control over your work-life balance.

In this day and age, work from home opportunities are at the tip of your fingers.Companies are catching on the trend and are employing more and more people in the tech sphere and looking for online employees of different skill set. If you want to take advantage of this trend and build a successful career online, join us! Be a Virtual Coworker today!

1. Be a Leader and Start with your Self

In the Pope’s message to the government leaders, he said “reject every form of corruption”. Being irresponsible and unreliable at work are forms of corruption. If you can’t or don’t want the job, don’t stay in it and corrupt the opportunity from others who can and will do it. As home based professional, you should be a leader to yourself. Set high standards for your work with discipline doing the best you can to “say NO to Corruption”.

2. Take responsibility

Pope Francis showed not only sympathy but also how to take full responsibility upon hearing that one of the youth volunteer in Tacloban died. He met with the father of the volunteer to personally condole him. This small act provided us a compelling example of how to take responsibility. It takes strong guts to say sorry, own up to the wrongs committed, and alleviate the damage.

Everyone commits mistakes as it’s easy to misconstrue instructions from clients who are a thousand miles away. But it takes a responsible home based professional to admit it and do something to correct it.

3. Do not just talk, Communicate

Pope Francis spoke “poor English” as he claims. But his smile amidst the heavy down pour and despite being so tired spoke directly to every Filipino’s heart.

As home based professionals, we could learn to communicate more through other means aside from just talking. Use tools, sheets, reports and management systems to help you relay work progress, status updates and anything you want your clients to know. After all, technology when used properly is a divine gift!

Across religions, personal beliefs and yes, even location, Virtual Coworker extends its invitation to all qualified and committed home based professionals to come and explore our new job opportunities. Through these new vacancies, may we become a blessing to you as you become one to others!

Starting a home based career is more than just having a comfortable working space and a functioning computer. You need to have the actual skills and tools for it to fully work smoothly. Online tools make home based careers more efficient and in fact easy. Here are some tools that will help you make your home based jobs a breeze.

1. Google Account

It is probably the most popular and handy tool to have. You simply have to have a Gmail account and you will get free access to a variety of tools Google has to offer, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Groups, and GTalk to name a few. On top of all that, you will have free access to having a YouTube account and Google+.

2. Skype

The most popular communication tool for home based workers. It is free, fast, easy to install and a very good call and chat platform. Navigating skype is a breeze even for non-technical people.

3. LinkedIn

Is the most professional Social Media platform a home based worker can join. Take Facebook and remove all the Spam postings, gather up all professionals and business entity in a single venue and you get LinkedIn.

4. Jing

Jing is a free tool for creating screen captures and instructional videos. Instructions are easily understood if you could actually see through the process. With Jing, you can capture what is exactly in your screen in image or video format while giving instructions or annotations along side.

5. Teamviewer

If you think Jing is amazing, wait till you get to try teamviewer. It has a paid premium account but you can play on and use their free service to create meetings or allow remote access to your computer.

In starting a home based career, it is also important that you are technically ready to provide a professional level of service. It is therefore necessary to set-up a home office with all the essentials like computer, stable internet connection, working headset, and other necessities for a home office conducive for good working condition.

1. Home Office Space

A comfortable, quiet, and conducive for work, space in your home is important for a home based job to work well. Get away from daily disruption and work your way to success.

2. Working Computer

Invest in a computer or laptop or both. Working from an internet cafe is not acceptable. Aside from the noise, it is also very impractical and defeats the purpose of working from home.

3. Stable internet connection

The common minimum speed requirement is 1 Mbps but some clients might require a more stable speed. It is safe to go for 3 Mbps subscription.

4. Headset and web cam

Invest in a good headset and camera. Whether you are doing calls or not, it is an important means of communication with your clients.

There are countless of opportunities for you to work online but with the rise of opportunities comes a number of virtual employee wanting to get a piece of the pie. Thus, if you want to stand-out you need to be more than good, you have to be impressive.

Here are some tips for you to take when starting a career virtually.

1. Be attentive to Details

When given a task, listen to instructions carefully and ask questions if necessary. Common mistake is to pretend you understand just so you can impress your employer. Check all the needed details and deliver an impressive result.

2. Be Pro-Active

A good virtual employee would do as what they are told, but an impressive Virtual Employee is not afraid to give out ideas and suggestions if this will benefit the client in the long run.

3. Be Organized in All You Do

Manage your calendars properly, take note of important dates and deadlines, have a proper documentation, send reports on time. A great virtual employee is organized especially so that they are working separately from their employers.

4. Communicate

The key to a successful offshore relationship is communication. Keep your communication lines open and be responsive to your client. If they require reports, deliver them on time.

Working home based is an option many Filipinos are taking in to consideration nowadays. With the increasing demand for home based offshore workers, we are given more career options and alternatives to better our lives.

One common misconception about working at home is that it is an easy job. True! You get to work at the comfort of your own home but it is never easy in any way. It entails a lot of physical and mental conditioning. Needless to say, it demands a lot of dedication and hard work.

To get ready to work home based, one must need to prepare the following

1. You need room to work.

Set aside a defined space for you to work. Work away from distractions and anything that could hinder your productivity. A professional office space ensures a more productive output on work.

2. Invest in a good computer and reliable Internet connection.

The bread and butter of working home based is a good and conditioned computer plus high-speed internet connection. If you want to join in the bandwagon of home based industry, invest in these items.

3. Back-up Office

You don’t want to make a bad impression on your client. Knowing the condition of the Philippine Internet providers, one must have a back-up plan for working. As when the Internet fails or in times of power outage, where would you go? Consider the options you have in your location.

Extra Tip:

Prepare an impressive RESUME, build a good portfolio and dedicate yourself towards the application process. Working home based takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

Crooks have invaded the online industry and the most common target are the web users looking for home based jobs. With the desire to please prospective employers, most victims fall for whatever the scammers ask for. Don’t fall for the scam tactics; use these tips to help you avoid common scams.

1. Do your research and know who you’re dealing with

Resources online are your best defense. Do your research, Google is a friend you can count on when an offer from someone you don’t personally know arrives. Online jobs are basically a trust and confidence relationship between you and an employer from another country so be sure to make an educated decision.

2. If the job offer is too good to be true, it probably isn’t true

If you are offered 30,000 PHP a month to do data entry task for 2 hours a day, be very weary. An offer that is too good to be true is usually not true. If you are serious about considering a career online, equip yourself with proper knowledge and objective assessment of your skills and experience to avoid falling for bogus offers.

3. No sending of money

Con artist insists that applicants wire money. The money could either be for application processing, legal documentary stamp, or whatever purpose they could think of. Don’t give in to the bait no matter how small the value is. A potential employee asking for even a single peso is your biggest WARNING not to push through.

4. A decent online job undergoes a proper recruitment process

Keep in mind that online jobs are just like any other jobs. They need to qualify applicants to see if they are fit for the job they are applying for. If the screening process is skipped, no interviews are made, you are not asked to submit your resume, take this as a warning sign.