At HireSmart Virtual Employees, respect forms the foundation of successful cross-cultural communication. No one demonstrates this better than Nerrizza “Nerri” Nicor, who recently earned HireSmart’s 2024 “Core Value Award for Respect.”

“The word respect carries a very deep meaning for me,” said Nerri, a delinquency coordinator for a U.S. community association management agency. “I deal mostly with communications in my line of work, so when I draft an email, I go through it many times because I don’t want anything to translate rudely or unprofessionally.”

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When HireSmart Co-founder Anne Lackey read glowing client comments about Nerri during the company’s annual awards ceremony, Nerri found herself overcome with emotion.

“I felt like crying. I was trying to hold my emotion,” she said. “I was very happy, and I realized that throughout the year, my client has really appreciated what I do.”

Nerri’s client said she “is always incredibly quick to respond and does so eloquently and effectively.”

“She has integrated well with the team, always jumps to assist, and handles all her tasks with grace,” the client said. “She also has great work performance, and any project she is given is conducted successfully. 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, she can quickly develop her own method of completing that goal. It is quite a joy to work with such a great communicator who is also self-sufficient and driven.”

Building Strong Working Relationships

Nerri works closely with the head of accounting, who regularly assigns her tasks. She appreciates his supportive management style and the mutual respect that characterizes their working relationship.

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“He always makes sure he gives me the right instructions,” she said. “He tells me, ‘Nerri, I understand that you’re not familiar with this, feel free to ask questions.’ He always makes sure he comes back and circles back on it, so I’m not left in the air.”

The recognition comes on the heels of Nerri’s recent completion of HireSmart’s Leadership Class, where she gained valuable insights about success and leadership in the virtual workplace. The former civil engineer has discovered that leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about building bridges through communication and respect.

“I have more confidence now,” Nerri said of her leadership training experience. “Sometimes I think successful people just got there overnight. But when Anne shared her experiences, it wasn’t very easy from the beginning. There is actually a stairway that gets harder the more you go up. It was very humbling and also very inspiring at the same time.”

The Value of Agency Support

Nerri’s journey to virtual employment came through a friend’s recommendation to work with HireSmart rather than entering the competitive online job market alone. Her experience highlights the value of working with a reputable agency for both virtual employees and clients.

“Through an agency, everything has already been clarified with the client — what specific job I need to do, from what time to what time, and the work-life balance is greatly monitored,” she said. “Having an agency is like having someone protecting me.”

For U.S. clients, HireSmart’s comprehensive approach means access to thoroughly vetted, well-supported virtual employees who receive ongoing training and development opportunities. The agency’s commitment to core values like respect ensures that cultural bridges are built thoughtfully and professionally.

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When she’s not working, Nerri has discovered a peaceful hobby in paint-by-numbers projects.

“I have this weird attachment to colors,” she said. “When I see something colored in, it’s like having a harmony with colors — it makes me so happy and peaceful.”

Looking ahead, Nerri remains humble despite her recognition.

“For this year, I just want personal and professional growth and to keep my client happy with the work I’m doing,” she said. “If there are any processes I can actually contribute to the company, I would be happy.”

Why Choose HireSmart?

HireSmart’s success in connecting U.S. businesses with Filipino virtual employees comes from its comprehensive approach to supporting both clients and VEs.

For virtual employees, HireSmart provides comprehensive support, including free health and dental benefits and educational scholarships for their children. The company offers professional development opportunities like leadership training while fostering a supportive community among fellow VEs. Employees enjoy protection against common virtual employment pitfalls, with guaranteed timely payments and clear working hours that promote work-life balance.

For U.S. clients, HireSmart delivers access to thoroughly vetted, skilled professionals who receive ongoing training and support. The company is a cultural liaison to ensure smooth communication while handling all employment details, eliminating HR headaches. With a proven 98% successful placement rate, HireSmart enables cost-effective scaling of operations for businesses looking to grow.

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Nerri’s story exemplifies how respect, careful communication, and proper support can create successful virtual working relationships across cultural and geographical boundaries. Through HireSmart’s commitment to both its virtual employees and clients, the company continues to build bridges in the global workplace.

To learn more about bringing a thoughtful virtual employee like Nerri onto your team, click here to schedule a free consultation.