I am getting this question a lot because we are seeing an increasing number of Online Filipino Specialists having multiple jobs, some having multiple full-time jobs.

This can be frustrating because you want your OFS to work for you exclusively. You want somebody loyal, hard-working, and motivated.

Here are 2 ways to deal with it:

#1 You can be super strict and have them on a time tracker. Monitor every hour they worked or didn’t work. Stalk them on social media. Check their Onlinejobs.ph to see if other employers approached them, etc.

Or

#2 Just make sure they did their work. Have them submit their daily reports. Assign them the tasks you want them to do. Don’t spend every waking moment obsessing over whether they worked or not.

Most people go with #1. But the better choice is actually #2.

Why?

Let’s be honest. If your OFS consistently delivers high-quality work.
– They’re contributing to the business.
– They rarely make mistakes.
– They’re rockstars.

If they deliver everything they’re assigned, does it matter what they do the rest of the time?

You’re paying for productivity and quality work. If you’re already getting that, what’s the point of obsessing over hours?

You already have so much on your plate.
Micromanaging your OFS just to make sure they’re not working for someone else is another job that’s not worth your time or peace of mind.

But John, I’m getting shortchanged if they finish their jobs in less than 8 hours!

Did they finish everything in less time? Great! That means they’re super productive and efficient.

If they’re taking that time to rest, spend time with their family, get a hobby, etc., isn’t that a good thing? They’re taking care of themselves so they can keep working for you.

If you’re not giving them enough work to fill those hours, that’s not their problem. That’s your problem.
Your job is to provide them with things to do; their job is to do those things well.

If they want another job, as long as they’re honest about it and their work doesn’t suffer, it shouldn’t matter.

And that’s the key: their work doesn’t suffer.
Often taking on another job makes the work quality at both places suffer.

If they’re lying about it and it’s affecting their work, that’s when you should call them out.
Ask them these questions,
– Who else are you working for?
– Are you having problems that are affecting your work?
– What can I do to help them focus on working for me?

Make your OFS take accountability for their work.
Prioritize quality work over quantity and hours logged.

If you’re really intent on making sure that your OFS only works for you, make it worth their while.

Encourage them to take more responsibility and incentivize it. Give them a better title or a bonus or a raise or benefits (or all of these).

They’re working more to get more. If they can already get that from you, why would they look elsewhere?

Worrying about whether your OFS secretly has another job and looking over their shoulder are distractions.

Focus on creating a culture of honesty and trust.
That’s how you get rockstars.

Now…I realize that what I’m saying here doesn’t cover all situations.  I’m sure your situation is different. Realistically, I see a situation that’s different…occasionally.

But usually…the OFS is taking on more jobs because they’re not getting paid enough and they’re not being kept busy enough. In the end, this is usually a management problem.

Not always.
But usually.

John