In the fast-paced world of business, finding affordable solutions without sacrificing quality is always a challenge. That’s where Yempo comes in. With a tagline of “Your Employees Offshore,” this innovative company, based in the Philippines, offers small and medium enterprises a game-changing option. Beyond just saving money, Yempo stands out for its commitment to core values, making it more than just a service provider; it’s a trusted partner in business growth.

Yempo goes above and beyond, building lasting relationships based on trust and success. Whether a business needs one employee or a whole team, Yempo’s staffing solutions cover a range of industries, from IT to finance, with top-notch efficiency.

With offices strategically located in Manila and Cebu, Yempo buzzes with innovation and collaboration. Amidst these bustling cities, Yempo connects global companies with the rich talent pool of the Philippines. With a focus on excellence and respect for local culture, Yempo tailors solutions to each client’s needs, ensuring they get the best value without compromising on quality.

In an exclusive interview with CIO Bulletin, Michelle Fiegehen, the dynamic CEO of Yempo, shared how her company is propelling the growth of IT, finance, and accountancy firms by providing access to the expert skills their clients demand.

Interview Highlights

Q. What drove you to establish Yempo, and how does its founding story reflect the company’s core values today?

Yempo’s founders spent decades working for large global corporations, many of which had offshore outsourcing arrangements. Yempo’s CEO, Michelle Fiegehen, was dispatched by her former employer, a global investment bank, in 2009 to the Philippines to build an IT Engineering department. During this time, her colleague, Ian Parkin, was consuming those same services. When they both left the bank, they realized they had a complete end-to-end view of the offshore outsourcing experience and how to make it successful. They decided to start a new company, one that didn’t begin as a call center, to service the B2B sector that typically works with large enterprises.

Q. What specific products and services does Yempo offer to its clients, and how do they address their outsourcing needs?

Yempo focuses on high-caliber senior talent. While many offshore businesses bulk up quickly with “cheap” offshore staff, such as outbound sales or virtual assistants, Yempo offers talent such as Full Stack Developers, Systems Engineers, and Automation Testers in the IT space, and Management Accountants, Bookkeepers, and Financial Analysts in the finance space.

Q. Can you elaborate on Yempo’s specialization in IT, Finance, and Accountancy outsourcing and how it sets the company apart in the industry?

Yempo differs from its competitors in two key ways. Firstly, its founders had long careers in corporate settings, so they are accustomed to working at a high level of professionalism with a focus on continuous improvement. Most of Yempo’s clients serve the corporate sector, so the high-quality offerings and responsiveness are highly regarded. Secondly, Yempo did not start as a call center. Why is this important? Because senior talent does not want to work in a call center environment, and companies with call center functions tend to be highly process-driven, monitored, and regulated. Yempo’s culture is empowering, relaxed, and trusting, which drives high productivity and loyalty.

Q. How does Yempo attract and retain top talent in a competitive market, and what steps are taken to ensure long-term employee satisfaction?

From the moment an applicant decides to consider a role with Yempo, their experience is different. Yempo’s philosophy is to treat everyone like a customer, including clients, employees, and candidates. The Talent Acquisition team uses custom-built tools and automation to provide the best candidate experience. Next, Yempo offers at least fair market rates to candidates, and usually well above market rates. Proactive annual salary reviews, performance bonuses, and other incentives that drive loyalty are embedded in Yempo’s People & Culture practices. Yempo also partners with local service providers to offer exceptional benefits to employees.

Q. With the increasing prevalence of remote work, how does Yempo adapt to accommodate various client and employee preferences, whether for office-based or remote setups?

At the onset of the pandemic, all Yempo employees were immediately dispatched to work from home with their full set of IT equipment. Long-tenured clients are happy with the arrangement and have experienced no drop in productivity or commitment. New clients are asking for office-based staff or hybrid models, and Yempo can accommodate all of these preferences. With flexible and cost-effective offerings, Yempo can craft the best solution for both clients and employees.

Q. What measures does Yempo take to maintain professionalism and compliance with local laws in its operations?

Yempo’s administration team is comprised of senior local leaders. While many businesses are staffed with hundreds of junior employees doing busy work, Yempo’s leaders are mature, responsible, and empowered to make decisions in their roles. Legal advisors are consulted on any changes to local laws and how they may impact operations, or changes to Yempo’s practices to ensure they align with local laws.

Q. Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects Yempo is excited about that will further strengthen its position in the market?

In ongoing efforts to streamline operations, reduce costs for clients, and continue to provide highly responsive services, Yempo has built a Process Automation team to systematically remove manual processes from the business. In the first six months of operations, this team has already delivered quantifiable and qualifiable benefits to clients, employees, and candidates.

About | Michelle Fiegehen

Michelle Fiegehen, the visionary CEO at the helm of Yempo is an Australian senior director who now calls the vibrant Philippines home. With decades of experience, Michelle has honed her expertise in building multi-disciplinary delivery teams of offshore staff, spanning across the dynamic landscapes of the Philippines and India.

Her journey isn’t confined to borders—Michelle has adeptly managed and integrated geographically diverse teams in the US, UK, South Africa, Australia, and across Asia. This global perspective has endowed her with a profound understanding of cultural nuances, enabling her to navigate and bridge differences effectively, fostering productive and cohesive relationships wherever she goes.

Michelle’s leadership is characterized by her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, driving Yempo towards operational excellence while ensuring cost-effectiveness for clients. With her vision and extensive experience, Michelle continues to steer Yempo towards new heights, empowering businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.

“From the moment an applicant decides to consider a role with Yempo, their experience is different. Yempo’s philosophy is to treat everyone like a customer, including clients, employees, and candidates.”