In our fast-paced and interconnected world, it’s crucial for businesses in Croatia to embrace the immense value that talented individuals from different corners of the globe can offer. To thrive in today’s global market and expand in operations internationally, companies must harness the power of diverse skill sets and fresh perspectives. This article delves into the importance of welcoming foreign employees, with a particular focus on the exceptional contributions that Filipino employees bring to the Croatian workforce. In the last quarter of 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Croatia, also known as Ministarstvo Unutarnjih Poslova (MUP), issued a total of 95,678 residence and work permits to foreigners. Out of these permits, 4,317 were granted to Filipinos, and it’s worth noting that 37 of them hold valid permanent residence status.
The Philippine Statistics Authority stated that there were roughly 1.83 million Filipinos deployed and working in various nations across the world in December 2022. It’s worth noting that this figure excludes Filipinos who work online for international corporations. This begs the question: What makes Filipinos more desirable to overseas companies in comparison to individuals from other countries?
English Proficiency:
Having a strong command of the English language is a notable benefit when considering Filipino employees for your workforce. The Philippines is well-known for being one of the world’s largest English-speaking countries. English is taught as a secondary language from an early age, resulting in a highly proficient workforce capable of engaging effortlessly with global clients and stakeholders. In the EF English Proficiency Index of 2022, the Philippines achieved an impressive rank of 22nd out of 111 countries when it comes to English proficiency.
Strong Cultural Alignment:
Filipino employees often share a strong cultural alignment with Western countries, including Croatia. The Philippines has a rich history of Western influence, including Spanish and American colonization. This cultural familiarity enables Filipino employees to quickly adapt to Western work environments, understand business practices, and build strong working relationships with colleagues and clients. Their ability to navigate cultural nuances and work effectively in cross-cultural settings enhances team dynamics and contributes to a harmonious work atmosphere.
Technical and Professional Skills:
Graduates from Philippine universities and vocational institutions consistently demonstrate remarkable proficiency in areas such as engineering, information technology, healthcare, finance, and business administration. The Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) business in the Philippines is particularly strong, with specialized skills in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and digital marketing. Healthcare workers in the nation are highly recognized globally, with a considerable number of Filipino nurses and medical practitioners working in hospitals and healthcare institutions across the globe. This wide range of skills and expertise creates a diverse and versatile pool of talent that Croatian companies can leverage.
Cost-effectiveness:
Hiring Filipino employees also offers a cost-effective advantage compared to employees from Western countries. The cost of living in the Philippines is generally lower than in Croatia or other Western nations, resulting in more competitive salary expectations. This allows Croatian companies to access highly skilled talent at a reasonable cost, maximizing resources and potentially increasing profitability.
Recognizing the power of global talent is essential in today’s interconnected world. Hiring Filipino employees brings numerous benefits to the Croatian workforce. Their abilities, characteristics, and work ethic make them highly sought after in a variety of businesses. Filipino personnel may greatly contribute to the success and growth of Croatian firms due to their English proficiency, cultural alignment, excellent work ethic, technological competence, and cost-effectiveness.
At PROFESIO, we understand the importance of sourcing talent globally. By recognizing the value of Filipino employees, companies in Croatia can tap into a pool of highly skilled professionals who bring an exceptional perspective and help drive their business forward in the global marketplace. Embracing diversity and leveraging the strengths of Filipino talent can lead to innovation, improved performance, and a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced and evolving business landscape.
If you have any inquiries or need assistance in hiring Filipino employees, please don’t hesitate to reach me at janette.milinovic@profesio.hr
