January has a different rhythm for many businesses, especially across Australia and New Zealand. Clients are on holiday, diaries are lighter, and meetings often wait until February. It’s a welcome pause in…

The Western and Filipino workplaces both bring their own unique strengths to a business. In general, we see businesses struggle when they expect their Filipino teammates to be more like…

When you are working with an offshore workforce, the difference between ‘good’ and ‘great’ often depends on how ‘onboard’ your team is. But how do you create this feeling of…

Building a team in the Philippines might be the best decision you ever make for your business. But to make it work, it’s important not to underestimate the cultural differences…

Let’s chat about something super important but often overlooked – the NBI Clearance.  Picture this: You’ve found the perfect candidate in the Philippines. Great skills, great personality. But how do…

When you are looking for new talent for your team it can be a challenge to get a real insight into how the “good on paper” candidates will perform on…

Building a connection with team members on the other side of the world can be a real challenge. The physical distance is one factor but add in some cultural differences…

Hiring the right teammates can feel like a ‘stab in the dark’. After all, despite candidates’ impressive resumes and well-honed interview skills, it can be tricky to get an insight…

When you have a remote team member, meeting online regularly to discuss your workflow and plan for the week ahead is a critical part of doing business. Having this meeting…

At 5 ELK we are blessed to work with and get to know some really great businesses. I believe that success leaves clues, and over the years, we have observed…