THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY PRACTICES OF SELECTED VIRTUAL SERVICE FREELANCERS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic's effects and the advent of the new normal, an escalating number of job seekers are looking for long-term income possibilities through innovative technology. Freelancing has emerged as a preferred desire, attracting employees that value autonomy, flexible work hours, and economic independence provided by means of remote setups. This examination centers on ensuring operational efficiency within the freelancing industry, leveraging the core standards of Six Sigma Methodology. The objectives embody waste reduction, quality improvement, customer satisfaction, productivity, and professional development. A comprehensive online survey was conducted, reaching 386 respondents through various Facebook groups comprising Virtual Assistant members, mostly former Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) employees, assessed operational efficiency through the use of the Six Sigma framework. The study underscores the use of the chi-square to identify significant relationships between demographic profiles and freelancers' assessments of operational performance in virtual service freelancing. To deal with operational performance concerns, three online training courses were devised: Quality Management Strategy, Product or Service Development Strategy, and Related Diversification Strategy. These courses equip freelancers with essential skills to effectively translate consumer feedback to improve performance, optimize operational processes, diversify service offerings, and ultimately improve operational efficiency and income potential. Recommendations entail collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for course implementation and a program evaluation six months after the certification to gauge the training's impact on freelancers' operational efficiency. Through this comprehensive approach, freelancers can bolster their competitiveness and thrive in the evolving landscape of remote work opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]