Like most people considering outsourcing, you probably have a bunch of things you want to know. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked.

About Cloudstaff

How long have you been operating?

Cloudstaff was founded in 2005 by Australian Internet pioneer Mr Lloyd Ernst, who identified outsourcing for small and medium businesses as a boom industry with a very positive future.

Why the Philippines?

A number of factors make the Philippines the right choice for outsourcing.

  • Typical cost savings of up to 70% on salaries in most cases.
  • English is the primary language for government, business and education.
  • Culturally compatible with Western countries.
  • A focus on higher-level education and training.
  • Large workforce (over 40 million)
  • Strong economy (around 6.5% GDP).
  • Stable government.
  • Good infrastructure and amenities.
  • Good geographic location.

Find out more about why the Philippines is the best location for outsourcing.

How are you different?

Cloudstaff is the fusion of great people, innovative technology and a positive company culture that delivers real business benefits for our customers and staff.

Key differentiators:

  • Simple, successful outsourcing solutions.
  • An innovative platform and custom technology and tools to simplify team management.
  • Solutions tailored to your exact needs.
  • Rapid deployment.
  • No lock-in contracts.
  • Simple pricing model.
  • Completely scalable.
  • Modern, fully-equipped workspaces.
  • Customizable work environments (branding, layout and security).
  • Staff retention programs that deliver industry-leading staff retention.
  • Staff training programs.
  • Strict code of ethics and behavior.
  • Community and social outreach programs.

Find out more about why Cloudstaff is the right outsourcing provider for your business.

Where are you based?

We are an Australian company based in the Philippines.

Registered Head Office:
Sydney (Australia)

Primary Operations Centre:
Clark (Philippines)

Our other locations include:

  • Brisbane, Australia
  • Mumbai, India
  • London, United Kingdom
  • Dover, Delaware
  • Houston, Texas

What experience do you have?

Cloudstaff was founded over 10 years ago. Our team is led by Australian Internet pioneer and award-winning entrepreneur Mr Lloyd Ernst.

One of the key elements in our success is our experienced, multicultural management team. By ensuring a balance of local and international management, we have been able to bridge the cultural gap and get a better understanding of the needs of local staff. This has allowed us to deliver workforce services and solutions that are truly world-class.

The success of our management is reflected in our continual growth and success in terms of both client and staff satisfaction.

What’s the #1 Workplace?

The Number One Workplace” is not an award. It’s a way of thinking, a way of working, our commitment to continual improvement. It’s a promise to our staff and a guarantee for our customers. It is what has made us the leading provider of outsourcing for business and one of the most desirable places to work in the Philippines.

Find out more about the Number One Workplace.

How does the interview process work?

Our Account Managers work with you to identify your specific requirements. Recruitment Services will present candidates who meet your criteria and encourage you to interview them.

When choosing candidates, we look for a number of attributes including skills, experience, attitude, cultural fit, career goals and passion.

Once you have selected the appropriate staff, it is just a matter of choosing a start date.

What is the setup fee for?

We have a one-off setup fee for the preparation of your staff’s workspace (desks, chairs, equipment and software). It also includes the costs of backend administration needed to start your new staff member (system accounts, email setups, PC setup and software installations).

Find out more about our service offering.

Can I choose the OS on my PCs?

You can configure your staff’s PCs to your exact needs. Ubuntu is the default OS for standard systems since we have found it both powerful and reliable. However, we understand that you may have specific OS requirements for your business software.

Your account manager will coordinate with our on-site Technical Support team to change the OS on your staff’s PCs.

About Our Services

How long does it take to build a team?

The time it takes to build a team can vary depending on your requirements. A simple team could be up and running in as little as 7 days, but typically it takes 14-30 days from initial contact to team-ready.

  • Initial Brief (1 Day)
  • Review Candidates (1-14 Days)
  • Interview Candidates (1-2 Days)
  • Engage Candidate (1-30 Days)

How do I get started?

Getting started with Cloudstaff is really easy, but first, we need to fully understand your needs.

An account manager will contact you to discuss your needs and goals. By building a profile of your company, we can better tailor your solution to your exact requirements and find the candidates who suit your required skills and the culture of your company.

Connect with one of our Outsourcing Specialists to find out how to get started.

How hard is it to scale my team?

Cloudstaff understands that circumstances can change rapidly, so we have developed an engagement model that is both fair and flexible.

Scaling your team
The process of adding staff can commence as soon as we receive notification of your intention. We will start sending you candidates as soon as we know your requirements. You simply choose your new staff member and select a suitable start date.

Disengaging staff members is also a simple process but usually requires 90 days notice.

How do I contact my team?

Because your staff member becomes a part of your local office environment, we encourage the use of the standard communications methods that the rest of your staff use. Your account manager and our technical staff will assist with the integration if required.

Cloudstaff supported messaging includes:

  • Email
  • Skype
  • VoIP
  • Google Hangouts
  • Yammer
  • Cloudstaff communication tools

Are my staff dedicated to me?

Your staff are dedicated to you only.

We provide talented, dedicated staff that actually become a part of your company.

We believe the foundation of any great company is its staff and the relationships formed by working closely together. Efficiency comes from understanding the people you are working with.

Am I locked into a long-term contract?

We do not have long-term lock-in contracts, but 90 days notice is required when disengaging staff. This gives them a reasonable notice period and allows us to plan their career transition.

What software is on my staff’s PC?

Typical staff PCs are configured with open-source software including:

  • Ubuntu
  • Ubuntu standard utilities and tools
  • Skype
  • Chrome
  • Google Suite (optional)
  • Open Office (optional)
  • Inkscape (optional)
  • GIMP (optional)

Other software can be installed by request.

How does your pricing model work?

Cloudstaff has a very simple and transparent pricing model.

Staff salary + Cloudstaff Fee + Hardware rental

Cloudstaff does not charge a markup on the direct salary of the staff member. If you were to set up your own company in the Philippines and employ staff directly, this is the cost you would pay.

The Cloudstaff fee is used to pay for the staff’s workspace (including power, networking and environmental systems), office and technical support and staff benefits (social club, retention programs, free drinks and food, entertainment, medical insurance).

The Hardware rental fee allows customers to get the exact hardware they need for their roles without a large capital outlay.

Find out more about our pricing.

What hours will my staff work?

You choose the hours your staff work, including the holidays they observe, start times and break times.

Typically staff work a standard 8-hour day, 5 days a week with two 15-minute breaks and 1 hour for lunch.

We comply with all local labor laws and pay penalty rates as required.

If you need your team to work afternoon or night shifts, just let us know, we will help you find the appropriate staff.