A partnership between Dumaguete-based remote staffing company WrkPod and Australian firm Super SideKick is creating more virtual employment opportunities for Filipinos, particularly in the health and wellness industry.
Kody Thompson, WrkPod founder and chief executive officer, said during a press conference in Dumaguete City on Friday that the partnership initially aims to create 300 jobs in Dumaguete City, which are now filling up.
“They (SideKick) coach gyms and studios all over the world, and so we partnered with them to create jobs here in Dumaguete, with 300 jobs available in 18 months,” Thompson said.
“I’m excited to tell you that four months in, we already have created 70 jobs,” he added.
Andrew Handoza, co-founder of Super SideKick, said the company’s virtual assistants, known as “sidekicks,” are attending a two-day summit in Dumaguete to enhance their skills in strategic communication, marketing content, social media management, and other services that help clients grow their businesses.
The Filipino workers provide administrative and operational support to gyms, fitness studios, and other health and wellness businesses overseas.
Their tasks include member onboarding and retention, gym check-ins, customer retention campaigns, executive assistance, scheduling, billing, booking, sales, and customer relationship management.
They also handle content creation and marketing services, including video editing, graphic design, and social media management for fitness brands.
By outsourcing these responsibilities to virtual assistants, overseas clients can focus more on serving their members and growing their businesses, Handoza said.
He explained that applicants do not necessarily need prior experience or a background in sports and fitness, as the company provides the necessary training. More importantly, candidates must possess the right values, work ethic, and willingness to learn.
Handoza also noted that the relatively young workforce, composed largely of millennials and Generation Z workers, can establish effective working relationships with their overseas counterparts because of their familiarity with digital communication and online work environments.
Thompson, meanwhile, expressed admiration for the communication skills of Filipino virtual assistants, particularly their proficiency in English.
He credited local universities for helping develop a pool of qualified workers with strong English communication skills, which he said are essential in serving international clients.
The partnership is also expected to expand beyond Negros Oriental, with more virtual assistants to be deployed through WrkPod’s other offices, including its operations in Bacolod City.
Thompson emphasized the importance of recruiting people who value hard work, are eager to develop their skills, and are committed to building long-term careers in the remote staffing industry.
WrkPod has continued to expand its operations, with about 1,500 seats already occupied across its growing network. The company is also extending its presence to Bacolod City, Cebu City, and Iloilo.
The partnership with Super SideKick is expected to further strengthen Dumaguete’s position as a source of skilled Filipino remote workers serving international businesses, particularly in the growing health and wellness sector.*PNA
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