You would probably observe in fast food chains that employees seem to be working like machines. This means that anything they do is highly programmed, following a strict routine. There is really nothing wrong with this. In fact, this is probably the best organizational routine that will work for such business. However, for outsourcing businesses, that kind of working set-up is just not healthy. This is probably the reason why most outsourcing firms, especially in the Philippines are known to have the most youthful working environment. For such kind of business, it always important to strive to make the organization as ‘human’ as possible.
Clients should also know the kind of organization structure that is being practiced by their offshore company partner. It would give them the clearest idea on how the company handles their Virtual Assistants, and how it strives to push the VAs to become productive.
So, how does a ‘humanized’ organization look like?
- Unconventional Working Spaces – while most companies prefer to isolate their employees through cubicles, most outsourcing companies these days prefer to arrange their staff in a more interactive way, like through long or round tables. This is important in building better camaraderie among the employees.
- Working in teams – the term team basically implies that there is lesser touch of bureaucracy within the company. A team is basically a group of people who work together to achieve a specific goal. The only hint of hierarchy in this kind of working set-up is the minor supervision being done by a team coordinator. This is why, most outsourcing companies are also looking for applicants who are good team players.
- Incentives and Recreation – compared to other companies, companies, especially outsourcing companies pamper and motivate the employees through attractive incentives and company-wide recreational activities. These little things are helpful in minimizing the work-related stress of the employees, and would give them something fun to look forward to.
- Proper Utilization of Professional differences – a company is most likely to succeed if it is able to tap the potentials of its employees to the fullest. A good company management allows each individual to do what they do best. This is actually one of the assets of offshore leasing companies because they cater to highly specialized tasks.
- The “little things” – too much rules can apparently strangle employees, and may not even be good for their productivity. A more human workspace may even allow employees to use their mobile phones moderately, take a nap, listen to music, and talk to their colleagues. Other companies also do not impose strict dress code that may only make the workers uncomfortable during the whole duration of their work.
