The Philippines has long been a preferred destination for outsourcing services, including customer support, tech support, and e-commerce services. This is due in large part to the country’s highly skilled workforce, favourable cost of living, and strategic time zone. However, it’s not just companies that benefit from outsourcing to the Philippines. Filipino workers also benefit from the favourable time zone of Australia versus working US hours. In this article, we will highlight why the Australian time zone is much more favourable to Filipino workers.
1. Work-Life Balance
Working in the Australian time zone provides Filipino workers with a better work-life balance. The Philippines is on the same time zone as Perth, hence only two hours difference for the East Coast, meaning staff can work during regular daytime hours, leaving their evenings free to spend with family and friends. This allows for a healthier work-life balance, which is important for overall well-being. Conversely, Filipinos working for US companies routinely start at 11pm and work through to 7am also known as the “graveyard shift.”
2. Better Health Outcomes
Studies have shown that night shift work can have negative impacts on health outcomes. Working in the Australian time zone reduces the need for Filipino workers to work night shifts. This, in turn, leads to better health outcomes for Filipino workers, reducing the risk of conditions such as sleep disorders, obesity, and depression.
3. Improved Productivity
Working during regular daytime hours in the Australian time zone allows Filipino workers to be more productive. Research shows that working during daylight hours leads to better performance and productivity. This can translate to improved business outcomes for B2B companies, as well as better job satisfaction for Filipino workers.
4. Cultural Compatibility
The close cultural affinity between Australia and the Philippines also contributes to a harmonious working environment. Australian and Filipino cultures have similarities in terms of work ethic, values, and communication styles. This cultural compatibility helps to create a more positive working environment, leading to improved job satisfaction for Filipino workers.
5. Better Career Opportunities
Working in the Australian time zone can also lead to better career opportunities for Filipino workers. As companies extend their business hours to cater to customers in different time zones, there is a growing demand for Filipino workers who can work during regular daytime hours. This demand creates new opportunities for career advancement and professional growth for Filipino workers.
In conclusion, the Australian time zone is much more favourable to Filipino workers, providing a win-win situation for both Australian companies and their staff. Working during regular daytime hours leads to a better work-life balance, better health outcomes, improved productivity, cultural compatibility, and better career opportunities. As companies continue to expand their operations and extend their business hours, Filipino workers can look forward to a brighter future with better job prospects, improved working conditions, and a healthier work-life balance.
Explore offshoring opportunities with PeoplePartners — where Australian businesses and Filipino professionals thrive together in perfectly aligned time zones. Contact us today to build a high-performing team that works when you do.
FAQs
The Philippines follows Philippine Time (PHT, UTC+8), which is the same time zone as Perth, Western Australia. For businesses based in Sydney or Melbourne, the time difference is usually two hours ahead, and three hours ahead during daylight saving time (from October to April). This minimal time gap allows smooth collaboration and real-time communication between Australian and Filipino teams.
The ideal working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (PHT). This schedule overlaps with regular business hours in Australia, giving teams plenty of time to communicate live without requiring late-night or early-morning shifts. It also helps Filipino employees maintain a healthy work-life balance, improving overall productivity and job satisfaction.
Using time zone management tools makes collaboration easier. Google Calendar lets you display multiple time zones and schedule meetings conveniently. Slack and Microsoft Teams offer features like scheduled messages, reminders, and automatic time zone detection. You can also use websites to quickly check and convert time differences.
To make meetings efficient, set them during overlapping hours, typically mid-morning in the Philippines and early afternoon in Australia. Send invitations in advance and include both time zones to prevent confusion. For recurring meetings, clearly label the time zones in your calendar to avoid mix-ups during daylight saving changes.
Philippine labor laws generally allow 8-hour workdays with at least a one-hour meal break. Any work beyond eight hours must be paid overtime, and night shifts (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) include an extra pay differential. To stay compliant, use time-tracking systems, publish schedules early, and rotate shifts fairly. Prioritizing balanced schedules not only keeps your team compliant but also improves retention and morale.
