Dancing, laughter, and heartfelt celebrations filled screens as the HireSmart Virtual Employee (VE) family gathered online December 7 for its annual Christmas celebration, marking another year of remarkable growth and achievement for the company’s dedicated team of Filipino professionals serving U.S. businesses.

The festivities began with trademark HireSmart enthusiasm as Co-founders Anne and Mark Lackey welcomed their global team — with the party starting at 8 p.m. in the Philippines and 7 a.m. EST. The celebration marked a year of tremendous growth, with the company far exceeding its projections to reach over 1,000 virtual employees.

This expansion reflects the outstanding work of HireSmart’s VEs and the high satisfaction levels they consistently deliver to clients. The company plans to maintain this strong growth trajectory in 2025, driven by the continued excellence of its virtual workforce.

The celebration was a testament to HireSmart’s proven success in connecting talented Filipino professionals with U.S. businesses while providing meaningful careers with comprehensive benefits.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

VEs participated in three breakout sessions where small groups shared their gratitude, aspirations for 2025, and desired skills for professional growth. It was also a chance for co-workers to make connections and get to know one another.

Anne made the sessions even more interactive and fun by holding up two closed hands with hidden prizes written on strips of paper. VEs who talked to the larger group about their small-group discussions chose between right and left hands for their surprise. Participants received various rewards, including headsets, power banks, and neckbands.

A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

In a major announcement, Anne revealed that after three and a half years of careful planning, HireSmart will introduce a retirement plan for VEs in 2025. This comprehensive program will include financial planning assistance, marking another significant step in the company’s mission to provide meaningful, sustainable careers for its virtual employees.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS

HireSmart received 177 nominations for Top VE, each accompanied by glowing endorsements from clients.

Ner Jan “Nerry” R. emerged as the 2024 Top VE, with her client praising her “unwavering dedication, exceptional performance, and ability to consistently exceed expectations.” The nomination continued, “Her contributions have significantly streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Whether tackling complex challenges or assisting with daily tasks, she approaches every responsibility with a can-do attitude and a strong commitment to excellence.”

Nerry was additionally recognized as “Referral Queen” and awarded a power bank for her role in helping grow the HireSmart family by referring the most new VEs to the company.

Lucy R. won the Top Newbie VE Award, earning enthusiastic praise from her client: “Lucy is fantastic,” her client said. “She has provided the absolute best administrative support I have ever had. She is always positive, supportive, helpful, willing to learn, and an absolute Godsend to me. I am blessed to have her as my teammate.”

Both top performers received their choice of a new laptop or a travel voucher of equal value.

CELEBRATING YEARS OF DEDICATION

Theriza L., who marked her 10th year with the HireSmart team, was recognized as Mark and Anne’s first virtual employee. Theriza holds a special place in HireSmart’s history. “She is the reason you are all here,” Anne told the gathered VEs, explaining how Theriza’s exceptional performance convinced them that their virtual employee business model could succeed.

The celebration continued with recognition of other long-term team members. Hannah A. and Sheena Grace L. were honored for eight years of service, while Christy Clyde S. and Katrina Ann A. celebrated their seventh year with the company.

Six-year service awards went to Jamye S., Julie Ann B., Benesa G., Geryll G., Carla Andrea de A., and Khira Renel C. Each received a power station in recognition of their dedication.

The five-year milestone was achieved by eighteen team members: Rebecca A., Raquel Vincenta E., Irishiela R., Jonalyn C., Nica Joyce L., Rachel Acosta-D., Rosario A., Vanessa T., Crislyn Joyce M., Michael Martin G., April Joy M., Raisina Yolene E., Charlene G., Richan N., Kristy Mae T., Mary Anne T., Ma Isabel L., and Bonibel P.

CORE VALUE AWARDS

HireSmart’s “SMARTER” core values — Service, Mindfulness, Availability, Respect, Teamwork, Ethics and integrity, and Relationships — continue to guide the company’s operations and culture. This year’s core value award winners each received a back massager in recognition of their exemplary work.

Blessed “Hope” G. received the Service Award, with her client’s endorsement highlighting her exceptional dedication: “Hope truly goes above and beyond her job duties. She is always on top of her workload and helps us whenever we request assistance. We’ve never had any issues with Hope, and I truly think she is the epitome of an amazing VE that you can truly trust to get their job done without having to micro-manage them, especially since we are in different time zones.”

Tony G. earned the Mindfulness Award for his remarkable adaptability and dedication. His client shared, “Tony took on every new job with a smile on his face! He has not only done his job this year, but he has improved upon almost all of the processes that we had in place. He works hard and takes ownership of everything that he does. He has tackled every new thing we have thrown at him this year and works hard at everything that he does.”

Jessica A. won the Availability Award, with her client praising her as “extremely responsive, professional and helpful! She will always go the extra mile to help in all ways possible!”

Nerri N. received the Respectful Award, with her client noting that “Nerri is special as she can turn even esoteric instructions into concrete plans and action. She is great at self organizing, and once she knows the intention of a project can quickly develop her own method of completing that goal.”

April Joy L. secured the Team Award, earning high praise from her client: “April exhibits our core values every single day. She always shows up 100 percent. She’s a joyful person that brings delight into any Zoom room she enters. She is a true pleasure to have in the (company) family.”

The Ethics and Integrity Award went to Leah P., recognized for her instrumental role in training and supporting fellow team members. Her client shared, “Leah is the glue that holds our department together. She is instrumental in providing accurate training, output review and work correction with other team members. I truly could not have accomplished any of our end of year wins without her direct involvement.”

Ina B. earned the Relationships Award, with her client emphasizing her dedication to customer service: “Ina is always on top of her game. Our Google reviews are a testament to that. Even when they are dissatisfied, Ina will follow up to provide resolution. Ina is overall one of the strongest assets to our team and company.”

LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH

Four VEs — Ner Jan “Nerry” R., Naizel L., Nerriza N., and Karla (Kai) M. — were celebrated for completing the SMARTER Leadership program, demonstrating HireSmart’s commitment to developing its talent from within. Anne will offer leadership training again in the summer of 2025.

INVESTING IN EDUCATION AND FAMILIES

HireSmart’s dedication to education remained strong through HireSmart Cares, which provided 23 scholarships to children of Filipino virtual employees in 2024. Anne announced this number will increase to 28 in 2025, further expanding educational opportunities for VE families.

SUPPORTING VE SUCCESS

Anne encouraged VEs to utilize the HR team’s support and reminded them of her open-door policy, noting that one-on-one appointments could be scheduled through meetwithanne.com.

As the celebration concluded, the message was clear: HireSmart’s success continues to be built on its commitment to its people, whether through professional development, comprehensive benefits, or building a supportive global community. With the upcoming retirement program and expanded educational opportunities, 2025 promises to be another year of growth and achievement for the HireSmart family.

If you’re interested in learning about how HireSmart’s top-notch virtual employees help your team thrive in 2025, click here to schedule a free consultation at your convenience.