Do you need a contract with a VA?
No
Do you need a NDA with a VA?
No
Will they steal your info if they don’t sign an NDA?
Extremely unlikely
Is a contract helpful?
Yes
Is a NDA helpful?
Yes
Are either contracts or NDAs enforceable?
Not really…but that’s not the point.
I’ve hired people in the Philippines since 2006 (yes, 20 years).
I’ve never used a contract.
Is that the right way to do it? Probably not.
Filipino VAs like having a contract. They like the formality of it. They like that it sets expectations.
Culturally, the Philippines is an authority abiding culture. If they sign a contract, they want to follow it.
Signing an NDA lets them know the gravity of the situation with your data. They now know how important it is to keep it safe.
Is signing a contract going to make up for poor management?
No
Is it going to make them not disappear because you forbid it in the contract?
No
Is signing a contract going to prevent them from getting another job?
No
A contract is for setting expectations. It’s for showing them you care about them and about them succeeding in their job with you. It’s for laying out PTO and holidays and payment schedules.
It’s not for dictating behavior like, “You’ll show up for work every day at X hour”.
An NDA doesn’t prevent them from stealing data.
Their culture does.
And you treating them well does.
But the NDA makes it clear how important this is.
Contracts and NDAs are now included with an OnlineJobs.ph Premium ($99) account.
Along with
– Philippines employment norms
– an Independent contractor Handbook
– Policies and Procedures
– Code of conduct
John