For Leah P., ethics and integrity are the foundation of everything she does, both professionally and personally. This unwavering commitment earned her HireSmart Virtual Employees’ 2024 “Ethics and Integrity Award” at the company’s annual Christmas celebration.

“It’s always been integrity as my personal core value — doing the right thing without anyone looking,” said Leah, who serves as a community association management client.

Leah’s dedication to ethical behavior is particularly evident in her approach to virtual work.

“Your client won’t be able to see you completely for the eight hours working,” she said. “So, it’s very important to be honest about what you’ve been working on.”

Her client praised Leah as “the glue that holds our department together,” noting that her integrity manifests not just in her work but in how she elevates others. When Leah noticed colleagues struggling with performance issues, she didn’t ignore the problem or simply report it — she took action to help.

“I taught them in a way they would understand and grasp,” she said.

Tasks That You Can Delegate to a Virtual Employee

Leah, a psychology graduate with over 20 years of customer service experience, believes ethical behavior starts with transparent communication. She maintains clear documentation of her work and availability, responding promptly to all communications.

“If there’s a message, I respond right away,” she said. “If there’s an email, I respond right away. If a task is done, I let them know. If you’re not able to finish something on time, just be very honest. Communication is very important.”

This commitment to integrity has earned deep trust from her clients. One supervisor felt confident enough to take his first vacation in five years, knowing Leah would manage operations ethically and effectively in his absence.

For Leah, a mother of three children – Stephen (19), Stephanie (18), and Rafi (7) – integrity extends beyond the workplace.

“I teach that to my children too,” she said. “Do the right thing without anyone looking. Your integrity is something that no one can buy. Whatever may happen, your integrity is something you can be proud of wherever you go.”

There is No “Box” When Hiring in Today’s World

Her client emphasized how Leah’s ethical approach strengthens the entire team.

“She is instrumental in providing accurate training, output review and work correction with other team members,” her client said. “I truly could not have accomplished any of our end-of-year wins without her direct involvement.”

Rather than focusing solely on her own success, Leah believes in contributing to the greater good.

“My goal is what I can do for the company, not what the company can do for me,” she explained. “In the long run, you will benefit from it. Take care of the company, and the company will take care of you.”

After more than two decades in the workforce, Leah has found her ideal position with HireSmart, where she can fully apply her principles of ethics and integrity.

“I’m inspired to go to work,” she said. “Even on days off, I message asking if they need me to work.”

This dedication to doing what’s right — not just when it’s convenient, but all the time — makes Leah Perez a model of ethics and integrity in the virtual workplace. Through her actions, she demonstrates that true integrity isn’t just about following rules — it’s about lifting others up while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

For Leah, working with HireSmart provides stability and support that independent virtual work cannot match.

“Being with an agency, especially with HireSmart, we are well taken care of,” she said. “If you do it yourself as a virtual employee, there are things you cannot take care of, like the training. You don’t know where to get resources. With HireSmart, they already have everything in place. These benefits are not found if you do it yourself.”

At HireSmart Virtual Employees, such quality assurance isn’t left to chance. Only one percent of Filipino applicants pass HireSmart’s extensive screening gauntlet, which includes verbal and written tests, personality and technology assessments, background checks, and problem-solving skills evaluations. This selectivity translates into a 98% successful placement rate of virtual employees with U.S. businesses.

Want More Shining Lights on Your Staff?

HireSmart removes common headaches from the already extensive stress list for business owners. Employee taxes are handled on the Filipino end. Clients pay a flat, low rate to HireSmart and are free from legal and tax worries related to their VE’s employment. This proven virtual hiring environment means companies can create a burnout-free workplace for their staff, with VEs like Leah handling their current employees’ most burdensome tasks while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

To learn more about bringing ethical, dedicated virtual employees like Leah onto your team, click here to schedule a free consultation at your convenience.