Frequently Asked
Questions

We want to make it as easy for you as possible to manage, so we organise for our workers to match those of your Australian team. This typically means we set up our workers to work 8am - 5pm AEST. Prefer a later start and finish? Or based in a different state? No problem we match our outsourced construction workers to the hours that best suit your business.

One of the ways we attract the best talent and the most experienced offshore construction estimators is by offering the best work-life balance, and that starts with our workers working from home. Manila has some of the worst traffic in the world, with the average commute to work taking over 1.5 hours, imagine losing over 3 hours a day to travel. By not having a central office location, we can also attract the best applicants from the whole of the Philippines and not just those within commuting distance to the office.

However, we understand some clients who use Platform to connect them with Philippine construction staff prefer a traditional office setting. We can certainly accommodate this request and can arrange for an office location at an additional cost. Feel free to discuss your preferences with us, and we'll explore the most suitable option for your needs.

Platform Outsourcing prioritises the security of your confidential information. We take a multi-layered approach to ensure your peace of mind:

• Employee Confidentiality: Our onshore and offshore philippine construction staff

are bound by strict confidentiality clauses within their employment agreements. This ensures they understand and uphold the highest ethical standards regarding client data.

• Contractual Safeguards: Our service agreement includes a robust confidentiality clause that legally protects your information. This agreement clearly outlines the responsibilities of both parties regarding data security.
• Optional Non-Disclosure Agreements: For an additional layer of protection, we offer the option for your designated offshore team members to sign a separate, binding non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This NDA further strengthens your control over sensitive information.

By combining these measures, we create a secure environment for your confidential data. We are committed to delivering a risk-free experience of outsourced construction for our valued clients.

Employment law in the Philippines is comprehensive and highly protective of workers’ rights, and in many ways, it’s even more stringent than Australia’s. Platform Outsourcing ensures full compliance with all legal requirements, from fair remuneration and benefits to working conditions and leave entitlements.

Beyond compliance, we go further. Our team conducts regular one-on-one reviews with our Philippine construction staff, monthly check-ins, and 360-degree feedback sessions to strengthen communication, address concerns early, and maintain a healthy employer–employee relationship. This proactive approach ensures both you and your team of outsourced Estimators or Designers feel supported and engaged.

No, our team of philippine estimators and construction staff are fully equipped with their own professional home-office setup, including a reliable computer, additional monitor, headset, and high-speed internet connection.

Suppose you prefer your offshore construction staff to use specific equipment or software for security or performance reasons. In that case, we can either coordinate the purchase on your behalf or provide them with company-issued hardware for an additional cost. Our goal is to make setup easy and flexible to suit your business needs.

It depends on the staff you engage and the systems your business is already using. At Platform, we make sure our outsourced Estimators already have hands-on experience with your preferred tools—so they can hit the ground running from day one. Currently, we have clients that use software such as Cubit, Bluebeam, CostX, PlanSwift, Groundplan, and even Excel-based estimating templates. Since all our offshore Estimator candidates have worked on Australian projects before, they’re already familiar with the workflows and standards you use, so you won’t have to start from scratch.

This is also the same for our offshore Drafters and Designers. We ensure we find you the experience and software you need. From 2D Autocad programs to 3D BIM modelling, we have workers who can use Revit, Tekla, 12D, ArchiCAD, Solidworks, ProSteel, Advance steel, Camel, SketchUp and Bluebeam to name a few.

Most of our clients give use a virtual desktop to control what their workers can access. If they need software like Cubit or CostX, they log in through the virtual desktop—so your drawings never leave your server. You also decide which folders they can access, keeping everything secure and in your control

Yes, they can be. Many of our clients have staff handling calls daily, whether that’s customer service, estimating support, or administrative tasks. As an example, many of our Outsourced Estimators need to speak to suppliers and clients. To make communication seamless, we can set up VPN access and VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems that integrate directly with your existing phone lines.

This means your offshore team member can make and receive calls using your Australian company number, ensuring consistency for your clients while keeping your communication costs predictable and under control.

We provide all of our philippine construction staff with well above market remuneration, private health care, sick leave, annual leave, and performance incentives. Our offshore staff also enjoy regular company events & team building activities. This has made Platform Outsourcing an employer of choice, for philippine estimators, Designers, Drafters, and general construction staff ensuring our employees stay for the long term.

Our philippine construction staff receive 20 leave days annually, encompassing both annual leave and sick leave. Planned absences will only be granted with your prior approval to ensure smooth workflow management. We're happy to discuss this further and help you establish a clear leave approval process that works for both you and your Offshore construction team members.

During the Christmas shut down, our Philippine construction staff take annual leave in line with your business schedule.

If you require coverage through the Christmas break, we can plan ahead to ensure continuity. For example, by staggering leave or arranging backup support. We’ll work closely with you to align your offshore team’s schedule with your Australian operations.

Our offshore Philippine construction staff follow the same public holiday schedule as your Australian state. This means if your business is closed on a particular public holiday, your offshore team member will also take that day off to maintain full alignment with your operations.

Both our fee and employment costs are reviewed each year. We reserve the right to review at an earlier interval in response to significant market changes. However, at Platform Outsourcing, we prioritise transparency. We'll always provide you with clear and advanced notice of any potential fee adjustments.

In general, employment costs do increase annually to track with inflation and ensure we are fairly remunerating our talented Philippine construction staff. This, in turn, allows them to maintain a high quality of life and continue delivering exceptional service for your business.

As an example, Think of your outsourcing construction estimating team member as your own employee because that’s exactly how we structure it. You’ll manage them directly, just as you would any member of your Australian team. You’ll have full visibility over their workload, communication, and performance.

We recommend regular check-ins and start up meetings via your preferred communication tools (Teams or email), ensuring you stay connected and aligned. Platform Outsourcing remains in the background to support you with HR, payroll, and performance management  so you can focus entirely on day-to-day operations and results.

Unlike a outsource estimating services or QS service where you have limited control or contact with the person doing your work. With our Offshore solution our offshore philippine construction staff is an extension of your business, so integrating them is much like onboarding any new employee. We’ll guide you through the onboarding process, ensuring your new hire has all the access, tools, and communication channels needed to work seamlessly with your Australian staff.

Most of our clients introduce their offshore philippine construction staff member through virtual team meetings, shared project management platforms, and regular one-on-one catchups. We’re always available to offer advice on best practices and proven integration strategies that help build strong, long-term working relationships.

Quality is at the heart of everything we do. Every candidate undergoes a rigorous screening and testing process including skills assessments, reference checks, and interviews focused on communication and problem-solving.

Once onboarded, our Philippine construction staff member is monitored through structured performance reviews, feedback sessions, and KPI tracking. We stay closely involved to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. You’ll always have full visibility into performance, with the reassurance that Platform Outsourcing is there to support your standards every step of the way.

Absolutely! You’ll have complete control over the selection process. After we shortlist qualified candidates who meet your specific job criteria, you’ll have the chance to interview them directly, just as you would when hiring locally. We will also organise for your preferred choices to complete a skill assessment.

We believe in transparency and fit. You get to meet, assess, and choose the right person for your business. Once you’ve selected your preferred candidate, we’ll handle all employment, HR, and setup logistics on your behalf.

While it’s rare, we understand that sometimes things don’t work out as planned. In such cases, Platform Outsourcing steps in to make the process simple and stress-free.

We’ll first mediate and assess any performance or compatibility concerns, offering support to help resolve the issue. If replacement is needed, we’ll begin sourcing a new Philippine construction candidate immediately to minimise disruption. Our goal is to keep your operations running smoothly with the right people in place.

Once you’ve selected your preferred candidate, setup typically takes between one to four weeks, depending on existing notice periods.

We handle all employment documentation, and help support onboarding, and IT setup during this time to make the transition smooth. Our aim is to get your offshore team up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible, without compromising quality or compliance.