Filipino workers are renowned worldwide for their strong work ethic, excellent English language skills, and adaptability even to the most challenging working conditions. These qualities make them highly sought-after employees in various industries across the globe. However, some deeply ingrained Filipino values, while admirable, can sometimes leave them vulnerable to mistreatment or exploitation.
Let’s explore five such values and discuss how OFWs can protect themselves while maintaining their cultural identity.
Being Too Passive or Non-confrontational
Filipinos are often praised for their friendly and peace-loving nature. This non-confrontational approach can be beneficial in many situations, fostering harmonious work environments. However, it can also lead to potential issues such as hesitancy to speak up about unfair treatment or working conditions. They may also find it difficult to negotiate better working conditions or wage increase. Worse, they might be reluctant to report abusive behavior from employers or colleagues.
For example, a Filipino domestic helper working excessive hours without proper compensation may avoid discussing the issue with her employer to maintain a “smooth” relationship.
Being Overly Hospitable
Filipino hospitality is legendary, often extending beyond personal life into the workplace. While this trait is generally positive, it can sometimes be misinterpreted or taken advantage of.
It can translate to easily agreeing to take on extra work without proper compensation, and risking burnout by consistently prioritizing others’ needs before theirs.
One typical example is a Filipino nurse who might regularly volunteer for extra shifts or tasks, neglecting her own well-being and personal time.
Being Too Dependent on Others
The strong sense of family and community among Filipinos can sometimes translate into an overreliance on support systems. In their aim to keep their jobs out of financial dependence, they can be easily subjected to exploitation and abuse. Such mindset also keeps them from making independent decisions that could put their livelihood in jeopardy.
In this case, a Filipino construction worker might endure poor working conditions because he feels obligated to continue sending remittances to his family back home.
Being Too Emotional
Filipinos are known for their expressiveness and empathy, which can be valuable traits in many professions. This is one reason they are the preferred types of worker in healthcare and domestic work field. However, this emotional openness can sometimes be exploited. They become vulnerable to emotional manipulation by employers or colleagues and they open themselves for potential conflicts arising from misunderstandings.
For instance, a Filipino caregiver might become emotionally attached to their patients, leading to unpaid overtime or reluctance to address workplace issues.
Being Too Sensitive to Criticism
A strong sense of pride and self-respect is common among Filipinos. While this can drive high performance, it may also lead to difficulty in accepting constructive feedback, reluctance to ask for help or clarification or position themselves for potential misunderstandings or conflicts with supervisors. Filipinos have a strong sense of pride and self-respect and may be seen as being too sensitive or defensive when criticized. This can be seen in the fiery exchange of social media replies or even public fights.
An Filipino chef might struggle to adapt to a new cuisine or cooking style due to perceived criticism of his traditional methods.
Overcoming These Vulnerabilities
While these values are an integral part of Filipino culture, OFWs can take steps to protect themselves from potential abuse:
Develop assertiveness
Learn to express opinions and concerns respectfully but firmly. By effectively managing interactions and setting boundaries, assertiveness reduces stress and anxiety associated with confrontations and abusive situations. Assertive employees in the workplace can express their emotions in a balanced way, avoiding passive or aggressive responses that can escalate conflicts.
Set clear boundaries
Establish limits on work hours and responsibilities from the outset. Not only this prevents manipulation, it is also a sign of prioritizing one’s emotional well-being. In most cases, this promotes healthy working relationships.
Build financial independence
Create savings and have a backup plan to reduce dependency on any single employer. Earning and managing one’s own money can boost self-esteem and confidence, making it harder for those who are in position for abuse to manipulate or control them.
Maintain professional relationships
Balance empathy with appropriate workplace boundaries. When relationships are professional, there is a greater sense of accountability for actions, reducing the risk of abusive behavior. Also, maintaining professionalism helps protect one’s reputation, as engaging in or tolerating abuse can have severe consequences for one’s career.
Embrace constructive feedback
View criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. Being open-minded and understanding how others perceive your actions and behaviors helps in recognizing any inadvertent actions that might invite abuse. Handling a constructive criticism with grace develops emotional intelligence, aiding in managing emotions and reacting appropriately to potential abuse.
Seek support
Connect with OFW support groups or consular services for advice and assistance. Doing so confirms that the abuse is real and not the victim’s fault, which is crucial for mental health and connects individuals with legal, medical, and social services that can assist in protecting and supporting them.
Know your rights
Familiarize yourself with labor laws and regulations in your host country. Being aware of your rights can help you recognize and avoid potentially abusive situations before they escalate and helps you identify and access resources, such as legal aid and support services, that can assist in abusive situations.
By balancing these cherished Filipino values with self-protection strategies, OFWs can continue to be exemplary global workers while safeguarding their well-being and dignity. Remember, cultural values should enrich our lives, not endanger it. Let’s continue to be true to our Filipino heritage, without deprioritizing our safety and rights as workers abroad.