Some regular employees of BPO companies were reportedly being put on "floating status" after coming into contact with Covid-19 patients and after offshore accounts pulled out their Philippine operations due to the global economic downturn.
It is not business as usual yet in the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) space, but the sector continues to open job opportunities amid the pandemic, industry group IBPAP said.
Call center operator Alorica said it needs close to 4,000 jobs by end of July, saying the BPO industry continues to provide essential services even during a post-pandemic scenario.
Sen. Franklin M. Drilon warned that to treat POGOs as part of the BPO industry will be detrimental to the country's efforts to collect franchise tax owed to the government in 2019 by majority of the 60 licensed online gaming operators.
BPO firms were largely unprepared for a total work-from-home model, and had to overcome challenges related to Internet access, equipment transfers, and clearance requirements from clients.
The circular also provides work-from-home (WFH) arrangements, urging BPO companies to transfer the necessary equipment to facilitate WFH arrangements within the lockdown period.
By 2022, the industry is expected to generate revenues around $29 billion to $32 billion while full-time employees will increase to about 1.42 million to 1.57 million.
xpanding by 70,000 square feet across the two locations, iQor has modernized its current center with a new recruiting space and expanded breakroom and game area.
