Employment
Dejan Tornjanski
8 min

Filipinos in Croatia: Experiences and tips for successful cooperation

Published:
April 6, 2023

If you are an employer looking for quality and reliable workers for your company, Filipinos are a great option. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the biggest challenges of working with Filipinos and tips on how to achieve successful cooperation with them. In addition, we will also discover the many advantages of hiring Filipinos in Croatia and give concrete advice for all employers who want to hire this valuable workforce.

Who are Filipinos in Croatia?

The background to the arrival of Filipinos in Croatia is not simple and varied. Many came for work, but some of them also moved here after marrying locals or studying at Croatian universities. According to statistics, the majority of Filipino workers in Croatia work in the healthcare and tourism industries.

Filipino workers are known for their high qualifications and skills that meet the needs of many Croatian companies. They have patience, diligence and flexibility and often speak English, which prevails as the international language of business communication. However, it is important to consider that there are differences between Filipino and Croatian cultures that can affect cooperation between employer and worker. For example, Filipinos value family values more than Croats do and prefer direct access to communication instead of implicit messages or ambiguities.

Challenges of working with Filipinos

Filipinos are popular among Croatian employers as quality workers who work hard and faithfully. However, language barriers can be a big challenge for cooperation, so it is recommended to organize Croatian language courses for Filipino workers. Also, it is important to have an understanding and respect for cultural differences for successful cooperation.

Filipinos are quality workers, but language barriers can be a challenge. It is recommended to organize Croatian language courses and understand cultural differences for successful cooperation. Flexible work schedules help balance the private and work life of Filipino workers resulting in better productivity at work.

Establishing clear expectations on the part of employers regarding work and the environment and open communication with Filipino workers facilitates their adaptation to the new country and culture. In addition, allowing flexible work schedules can help balance the private and work life of Filipino workers resulting in better productivity at work.

Cultural differences and language barriers

Communication is key in any work environment, but cultural differences can affect its course. Filipinos are known for their indirect approach to communication, while Croats tend to be more directive. It is important to understand these differences to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts.

Hierarchy and authority are also important when working with Filipino workers. They have a deep-rooted respect for older colleagues and superiors and expect the same from others. The difference in the hierarchy can lead to embarrassment or lack of motivation to work.

Gestures and facial expressions can also vary significantly between cultures. In the Philippines, some gestures that a Croatian considers acceptable, such as pointing a finger or hands in their pockets, may be offensive or inappropriate for a business context. It is necessary to be careful and to make sure that the messages are interpreted accurately so that the cooperation is successful regardless of cultural differences.

Different expectations of the job and work environment

When it comes to working with Filipino workers in Croatia, it is important to keep in mind the different expectations from the job and work environment. Filipinos usually have a need for clear instructions and work procedures in order to feel safe and ready to carry out their tasks. They also appreciate the flexibility in the work schedule and regular breaks during the day that allow them to relax and recharge with energy for further work.

The approach to teamwork varies among individuals, but most Filipino workers lean toward a collective approach. However, it is important to respect individual differences in approach and enhance collaboration through activities such as team meetings or after-work get-togethers to build a trusting relationship with each other. In addition to these tips, Croatian employers could facilitate cooperation with foreign workers such as Filipinos.

How to achieve successful cooperation with Filipinos?

When you want to achieve successful cooperation with Filipinos, it is important to have an open dialogue and good communication. It is necessary to express your expectations in a clear and precise way and make sure that they are understandable to the opposite side. Also, Filipinos should be given the opportunity to express their opinions or concerns in order to make it easier to understand each other.

Appreciating the culture and customs of the Philippines is key to establishing good interpersonal relationships. It is important to respect their values, traditions and their way of life in Croatia. This will create trust with Filipinos which will consequently contribute to a better working atmosphere and increase the productivity of the company.

The importance of open dialogue and communication

Regular meetings to monitor the progress of the project are key to successful cooperation with the Philippines. An open door for questions, suggestions or complaints is also important to avoid misunderstandings and dissatisfaction in the business relationship. The exchange of ideas and feedback allows a better understanding of the needs of both parties and facilitates the achievement of common goals. Therefore, open dialogue and communication is a key factor for a successful partnership with foreign workers such as Filipinos.

It is important to emphasize that in the process of cooperation with Filipinos, their culture and customs must be taken into account and given clear instructions on what is expected of them in the business. By respecting diversity, a positive atmosphere can be created that will contribute to productivity in the workplace. Although certain adjustments may be necessary, respecting a different cultural perspective can lead to new ideas that will improve the company's operations.

Appreciation of diversity and understanding of the culture and customs of the Philippines

Sensitization programs about Filipino culture in the workplace can be of great help in understanding and respecting the customs of the Philippines. It is important to educate ourselves about their culture to avoid misunderstandings and inconveniences at work. Also, adjusting the work environment may include allowing time for prayer or other customs that are important to Filipinos.

Allowing Filipinos to maintain ties with family in their homeland should also be considered. It is possible to give them flexibility when working or allow video calls while they are on break to communicate more easily with their relatives. This will improve their job satisfaction which can lead to better productivity and successful collaboration with other employees.

Giving clear instructions and expectations in the job

A detailed job description with all tasks, goals and deadlines is key to successful cooperation with Filipinos. It is important to ensure a good organization of work to facilitate their finding in the new environment and work process. It is also recommended to further explain the terms that are specific only to the Croatian market and provide the necessary information about the culture and customs in the company.

When giving clear instructions and expectations, it is important to be precise and concise so that Filipinos can be sure of what exactly is required of them. This will prevent possible ambiguities or misunderstandings that can lead to failures in the execution of tasks. In addition, an open dialogue with workers can help to understand their attitude towards the workplace and motivate them to better work engagement.

Benefits of working with Filipinos in Croatia

Filipinos in Croatia can be excellent workers for your company. They are known for their high level of motivation and commitment to the job which means they will do their best to achieve their goals. In addition, Filipinos are stocked with quality work that adapts to changes in the market and shows flexibility in adapting to new situations.

Note: As this assignment is specific to a single nation or grouping of people, please be extremely careful when writing the text to avoid any belittling or offensive content against the Filipino community.

High level of motivation and commitment to work

Family care plays an important role in Filipino culture, and also as a motivation for quality work. Filipinos are known for their high regard for authority figures and colleagues at work, which further increases their level of commitment. They stand out for their willingness to take on new tasks after completing existing ones.

  • Filipinos have strong family ties that encourage them to succeed in business for the benefit of the family
  • Great respect for superiors and colleagues in the workplace
  • They spontaneously seek new tasks after finishing with the current ones to demonstrate their value and contribute to the growth of the company

Quality work and flexibility in adapting to the job

The rapid adoption of new knowledge and skills, exceptional diligence leading to the improvement of the production process and flexibility in accepting changes in the work schedule to meet the needs of the company are characteristics that make Filipino workers ideal for cooperation with Croatian employers. Filipinos stand out for their willingness to adapt and are very committed to their work.

In addition, due to the specific situation on the job market in Croatia and the growing need for foreign workers, cooperation with Filipino workers can be an excellent solution for companies looking for talented employees who will contribute to the development of their company.

  • Rapid acquisition of new knowledge and skills
  • Exceptional diligence that leads to the improvement of the production process
  • Flexibility in accepting changes to work schedules to meet the needs of the company

Knowledge of English and knowledge of different cultures

I easily manage in an international environment and facilitate communication with foreign partners of the company. As a Filipina who has lived and worked in Croatia, I have a lot of experience working with hundreds of nationalities that are present in the Philippines, which leads to a high level of tolerance towards other cultures. With our ability to adapt to our environment without problems, we ensure a better relationship with colleagues.

My knowledge of English allows me to work more easily with business partners from all over the world, and my knowledge of different cultures makes me sensitive and open to other people and their customs.

  • Easy to navigate in an international environment
  • Facilitating communication with the company's foreign partners
  • Experience working with hundreds of nationalities that are present in the Philippines, leading to a high level of tolerance towards other cultures.
  • Ability to adapt to their environment without problems to ensure a better relationship with colleagues.

Tips for Employers Wanting to Hire Filipinos in Croatia

When planning to hire Filipinos in Croatia, it is important that you inform yourself about their culture and habits. Educating yourself about different cultural customs and values will help you create a more comfortable work environment and better collaborate with new hires.

Incorporating Filipinos into your company and community is a key part of a successful collaboration. Give them the opportunity to participate in team meetings, activities, and invite them to social events to feel accepted and integrated. Also, by promoting cross-cultural exchange, it can lead to new ideas for business.

By providing conditions for adequate integration into society and community, you provide Filipinos with basic needs such as housing, nutrition and health insurance. Providing such services shows how much you value new members of your company, which results in productive work and long-term cooperation.

Get informed about the culture and habits of the Philippines

Study Philippine history and influences on culture to better understand their values. Filipinos value family, respect for the elderly, and faith and stick to these traditional values within the family. It is also important to keep in mind that Filipino roots are strongly associated with Spanish colonization, which is reflected in their culture.

Learn about the traditions, customs and cultural differences that exist between Croatia and the Philippines. For example, Filipinos are often happy to share food with others as a sign of hospitality or as a gift of food when meeting new people. In addition, it can be useful to familiarize yourself with some specifics such as the general non-acceptance of delay or the careful choice of words in communication to avoid conflict. Understanding these kinds of cultural differences can help in a successful working relationship with a Filipino who has the potential to become a valuable part of your company or community.

Involve Filipinos in your company and community

Organize teamwork to involve them in your business process. Filipinos are known for their ability to work in a group and to collaborate with other people. Therefore, it would be wise to take advantage of this characteristic and organize teamwork that will allow Filipinos to feel included.

Encourage knowledge sharing between Filipinos and other employees so that everyone benefits. Filipinos bring with them unique skills, cultures and ideas that can be of great value to your company. By encouraging knowledge sharing among all employees, you can improve creativity, productivity and innovation and contribute to the growth of the entire community.

Build mutual trust by allowing them to voice their opinions and suggestions. Allow Filipinos to be open about their opinions without fear of condemnation or discrimination because of their cultural diversity. In this way, you will create a secure environment where they can integrate without problems and contribute to the success of your company.

  • Organization of teamwork
  • Sharing knowledge
  • Building Mutual Trust

Provide conditions for adequate integration into society and community

To enable adequate integration of Filipinos into society and community, it is important to provide affordable accommodations for those coming from other cities or states. In addition, support in obtaining the necessary documents such as work permits or residence visas will also be of great help to newcomers to Filpinas.

Organizing activities that will allow them to better integrate into the local community can be key to their success. For example, organize various cultural events so that Filipinos can get acquainted with Croatian culture and more easily fit in and adapt to the new environment.

All this support provided to Filipinos not only makes the integration process easier for them but also shows that they are valued as members of your company and community.

PARTNER program

Want to start a collaboration? Get in touch with our sales team

zapošljavanje

Looking for a job? Take a look at the jobs we currently have on offer