Riding the pace of the global industry, the Philippines contact center sector is forecasted to rebound this year.

“The Philippines is rebounding together with the market but because we are highly differentiated, no other country could do contact center better than the Philippines. We are enjoying faster growth than the global market and fueling our business growth is the creation of jobs,” Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) Chairman Benedict Hernandez said during the virtual Contact Islands ’21 happening from September 27 to October 1.

CCAP said revenues of the local industry will increase by 9 percent this year, higher than the 7 to 8 percent global growth.

Full-time employment of Philippine contact centers will also grow by 8 to 9 percent, outgrowing the global growth of 6 to 7 percent.

Among the growth drivers for the local industry include Covid-19 vaccine rollout, positive business sentiment, digital acceleration, pent-up demand, rising cost optimization requirements, and potential fiscal stimulus across demand geographies.

Hernandez said contact center workers continue to work amid the pandemic whether on-site or at home.

During the pandemic, 59 percent of workers choose the work-from-home arrangement while 49 percent are still reporting to their offices.

The industry has supported employees and provided incentives for on-site contact center workers, including temporary housing, transportation arrangements, and Covid-19 screening.

CCAP president Jojo Uligan said the current situation still presents uncertainties for the industry, however, the increasing delivery of Covid-19 vaccines in the country brings optimism to industry players.