Why I Don’t (Yet) Give a 13th Month Pay — and What I Do Instead for My Virtual Assistants
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This December, many virtual assistants will be receiving their 13th month pay. I’m genuinely happy for them — but I’ll admit, there’s a little part of me that feels sad too. It’s a bittersweet feeling because I’m not yet able to give that to my own virtual assistants.
There’s always that slight guilt that maybe I should have built this business differently — maybe from day one, I should’ve set it up in a way that allowed me to offer that same benefit. But if I’m being honest, it’s probably my own limiting belief that got in the way.
When I started this agency, I wanted to get at least a few clients onboard quickly so that I could also help a few of my team members right away. But at the time, I thought that if I priced my services similar to what clients were already paying in their own countries, I wouldn’t get any of them to sign. So, I decided to make our pricing more competitive — about half of what they would typically pay abroad.
And honestly, at the time, I thought it was the right move. I was still learning the ropes of running an agency — figuring out pricing, hiring, and how to manage everything when you’re building from the ground up, alone. There was no consultant or mentor to run to. I had to learn things the hard way.
I was in such a hurry. Maybe because I’d already promised people in my team that I’d help them find clients as soon as possible. So I moved quickly — maybe too quickly. But even so, I’d say I’m blessed.
Because along the way, I found some of the most talented, committed, and kind virtual assistants — people who are just as eager to grow as the clients they work with. Together, we’ve been building something special.
While we can’t yet match what bigger agencies and outsourcing companies offer, I’ve made it my mission to support my team in meaningful ways.
And this time of year — as I sit down, reflect, and look back — I feel inspired to make some changes. To revisit the benefits I offer, rethink my pricing structure, and envision what kind of workplace I want to build for Filipino VAs in the years ahead.
Understanding the 13th Month Pay — and Why It Matters
In the Philippines, 13th month pay isn’t just a perk — it’s a tradition that symbolizes gratitude and recognition.
Under Presidential Decree No. 851, employers are required to provide all rank-and-file employees with 13th month pay equivalent to one-twelfth (1/12) of their annual basic salary. It should be released no later than December 24 each year.
For example, if someone earns ₱30,000 a month, their 13th month pay would be ₱30,000.
👉 For those who want to learn more about the computation, here’s the official guide from DOLE:
How to Compute 13th Month Pay – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Now, most Virtual Assistants don’t fall under that law — because we’re technically independent contractors. That means companies or agencies that hire VAs aren’t legally required to provide a 13th month pay.
But just because something isn’t required doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be considered.
And that’s what I’ve been thinking about lately — how can we honor the spirit of that tradition, even if we can’t yet provide it in the same form?
Why Small Outsourcing Teams Can’t Always Afford It (Yet)
When you’re leading a small team, every business decision has weight. Every rate, every client negotiation, every contract — it’s all connected.
In the beginning, I had to keep our rates lean and budget-friendly because that was the only way to compete and attract clients. And that’s okay. That’s part of the growing phase.
But as I matured as a business owner, I realized that while you can’t give everything at once, you can always start somewhere.
Because when you’re leading a small team, what you lack in financial power, you can make up for in care, culture, and consistency.
And for me, that culture includes accountability, trustworthiness, and openness — where my team feels free to share their thoughts, aspirations, and challenges. I always remind them that nothing is insurmountable if we all work together.
I also mentor them to love the business of their clients as if it were their own. When you treat your client’s business with the same level of dedication you’d give to your own dream, you naturally attract growth, trust, and long-term success.
The Mental Wellness Break: A New Kind of Bonus
This is something close to my heart.
For my internal team, I’ve been offering a paid Mental Wellness Break every month — but for the VAs deployed through our agency, we only started implementing it this October.
It might seem small, but it’s a start.
They usually use it around long weekends — like this coming All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day — to either extend their rest or spend more time with family. And every time I see how much they appreciate it, I’m reminded why this matters.
I don’t want my VAs to be like me back then — working non-stop, saying yes to everything, and forgetting to pause.
There was a time when I was managing over 20 clients. I barely slept. My health suffered.
Eventually, I had to make a hard decision — to let go of those clients and focus on my recovery.
I felt so guilty. Some of my VAs had to be reassigned or released because of that shift. But that experience changed me. It taught me that rest is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
So now, as a leader, I want to create a culture where rest is encouraged, not feared.
Investing in Growth Through Training
Aside from rest, I also believe in investing in growth.
That’s why we have monthly and quarterly training sessions to upskill our VAs. We’ve done sessions on tools like Descript and ManyChat, and we’re planning to add more in the coming months.
What’s great about this is that clients also benefit.
When our VAs improve their skills, they can take on more tasks, adapt faster, and bring even more value to their roles — so clients don’t have to hire additional help.
It’s a win-win.
These training sessions remind our VAs that they’re not just “assistants” — they’re professionals who are growing their careers.
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A Creative Alternative: The Year-End Gift
One of my favorite practices came from an agency I used to work with early in my career.
Every December, that agency would reach out to each VA’s client and ask if they wanted to give a Year-End Gift — a voluntary monetary token to show appreciation for their VA’s work that year.
One of my clients, a U.S. solopreneur, gave me $100 that year. It wasn’t required, but I was so touched.
It made me feel seen and valued.
And I also appreciated the agency for setting that up. They had a process — a simple, respectful way of giving clients the opportunity to express gratitude.
That experience inspired me.
So, for next year, I’m planning to do the same — to include this as part of our new system and encourage our clients to participate if they wish.
My prayer is that by 2026, we can make this an annual tradition — one that strengthens the connection between VAs and their clients, while fostering a spirit of appreciation and generosity.
Rethinking What It Means to Reward and Recognize
Not every act of recognition has to be financial.
Sometimes, it’s in the little things — listening to your team, acknowledging their wins, celebrating their birthdays, or simply saying, “You did great this week.”
These things cost nothing but mean everything.
Because at the end of the day, people stay not just because of the pay, but because they feel valued, trusted, and supported.
Looking Ahead: Building Better for Filipino Virtual Assistants
I know one day we’ll get there — where I can finally provide a proper 13th month pay or even something better.
But for now, I’m proud of the foundation we’re building:
A culture rooted in care, accountability, openness, and personal growth.
A team that knows their worth and sees their leader walk the talk.
To my VAs who’ve stayed with me through all the ups and downs — thank you.
You are the heart of this agency. 💕
And to clients reading this, may we continue working hand-in-hand to build something meaningful — where businesses grow, and Filipino Virtual Assistants thrive.
Let’s build better opportunities for Filipino VAs together. 💻🌷
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