5 incredible reasons to work in the BPO industry
The business process outsourcing sector is one of the largest industries in the Philippines. It has helped the country’s economic status and provided jobs to thousands of people.
It is also one of the fast-growing industries where many people would love to work in.
Currently, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) reported that around 1.7 million Filipinos work in the BPO sector.
The BPO industry is not a dead-end job; many people dream of joining it as it gives them hope for a better future.
What is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)?
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is a business practice where companies delegate specific non-core tasks or processes to external service providers.
These processes can range from customer support, technical assistance, data entry, accounting, and human resources.
In the BPO model, a company identifies certain non-core functions that external specialists can perform more efficiently or cost-effectively.
These specialists, often located in different geographic regions, handle the outsourced tasks using their expertise and resources.
What are the different types of BPO?
BPOs can be classified according to the following:
Back office outsourcing
This type of BPO involves internal business functions that aren’t directly customer-facing. It includes tasks related to administrative and operational support.
Front office outsourcing
Front office BPO services are customer-centric and involve direct interaction with clients or customers.
Services in this category include customer support, technical support, sales, marketing, and help desk support.
Knowledge process outsourcing (KPO)
KPO involves outsourcing high-value, knowledge-based tasks that demand specialized expertise and analytical skills.
Services in this category often include market research, data analytics, legal services, healthcare services, engineering design, and research and development.
IT outsourcing (ITO)
This type of BPO focuses specifically on information technology-related services.
It includes software development, application support and management, infrastructure management, network operations, cybersecurity, and IT help desk services.
5 reasons to work in the BPO industry
Here are five amazing reasons to work in BPO companies:
1. Competitive salary
BPO companies offer a higher take-home pay compared to other jobs in the Philippines.
Usually, employees can get at least US$500 per month for entry-level employment.
There are lots of success stories from BPO employees, from sending their siblings and children to private colleges, traveling to foreign countries with parents, or even just finishing off a debt.
The BPO industry has been a great source of income for many Filipinos.
2. Better benefits
BPO industries are well known for providing the best benefits for their workers.
BPO employees can get generous perks from:
- Life insurance
- Premium health benefits
- Scholarship programs
- Family day
- Movie treats
- 14-day paid leave
- 13th-month pay and a lot more.
It covers not only the BPO employees but also their family members, which assures employees about wellness.
3. Career advancement
Contrary to popular belief, BPO employees are well-rounded, fast-learning, and flexible individuals who are always ready to step up in their careers.
In fact, after being regularized in the company, which is six months, an employee can apply for supervisory, managerial, or other support roles.
Application for different roles is open to everyone, depending on your skill set and work history.
4. Great amenities
BPO company buildings are situated in the heart of the city most of the time.
They are created with state-of-the-art designs and amenities that are well-thought-out to address the needs of the employees.
Most buildings have sleeping quarters for agents with night shifts, pantry areas, game rooms, gyms, and training rooms.
These are designed to fit the fast-paced life of the BPO employees and to give comfort and convenience to the employees.
5. Work-life balance
A BPO company requires employees to work at least nine hours a day for five days per week.
Employees get to enjoy two rest days, giving them time with their families while taking care of errands and chores at home.
They even have extra time to spend with their colleagues after work or even on one of their rest days.
Most of the BPO employees or teams would usually plan for dinner or lunch after their shift.
BPO companies also have occasional team buildings where they choose to go out of town or to a nearby place to relax and have fun with their colleagues and families.
Jobs in BPO companies
Many people think that BPOs usually connote to call centers.
Contrary to this belief, call centers are only a part of what the industry has to offer.
BPO employees can get hired according to their expertise and skillsets, allowing them to practice their professions better.
At the same time, the industry is also open to entry-level employees looking for a stepping stone in their careers.
Some of the job opportunities found in BPOs include the following.
Accounting work
Nowadays, outsourcing is not just about repetitive business processes.
For cost efficiency, clients look to outsource more complex functions, such as accounting, to offshore countries such as the Philippines.
Customer-related services
Applicants with good communication skills and strong empathy are needed in customer-facing roles such as technical support.
While the majority of support services still involve answering calls, agents can still apply for non-voice processes such as chat and email.
Human resources
Companies outsource human resource processes as a way to manage their teams better. HR professionals can utilize their expertise in the industry by getting HR-related roles in BPOs.
Back office
Lastly, back-office roles such as data entry and payroll processing are also delegated to improve the business operations of a firm.
Back office roles are the most preferred entry-level work for fresh graduates and professionals looking for a shift in career.
Why do companies outsource?
BPO has become a global industry with companies outsourcing tasks to locations where labor costs might be lower, such as the Philippines, India, and various Eastern European countries.
This practice allows businesses to access skilled labor, improve efficiency, and focus on their core competencies while reducing operational expenses.