Why Colombia is More Than Just a BPO Hub

Introduction

When Over Easy Office (OEO) expanded globally, choosing Colombia as a key hub wasn’t just about time zones, skilled professionals, or competitive costs. Those factors were crucial, of course, but for us—former restaurant operators, chefs, and restaurant controllers—it was also about something deeply personal: the food. Colombian cuisine, with its vibrant flavors and rich traditions, became an unexpected but delightful factor in our decision.

Here’s a look at why Colombia’s customer service expertise, cultural compatibility, and culinary heritage made it the perfect location for our new office.

Colombia: The BPO Powerhouse

Beyond Time Zone Convenience

Colombia's alignment with North American time zones ensures seamless real-time communication for customer service and call center operations. This logistical advantage is complemented by an environment conducive to efficiency and collaboration, making the country a top choice for BPO services. Businesses considering expansion should explore LATAM nearshoring to understand the full benefits of outsourcing in the region.

Skilled and Multilingual Workforce

The bilingual (Spanish and English) capabilities of Colombia’s workforce enhance its appeal. Professionals are not only fluent but also culturally attuned, making them effective at delivering high-quality customer experiences. This talent pool is particularly valuable in client services, inventory management, and accounting, areas where precision and human connection are key. Many businesses are also leveraging virtual accountants to streamline their financial operations with remote expertise.

Cultural Alignment

Colombians are naturally hospitable and service-oriented, attributes that make them exceptional in customer-facing roles. For us at Over Easy Office, this cultural alignment means we can confidently extend the level of care we are known for to our clients around the world.

Cost savings.

Colombia offers significant cost savings—up to 50% compared to U.S. labor costs—without compromising quality or efficiency. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their operations while maintaining high standards.

The Culinary Connection: Colombia’s Captivating Flavors

How Food Shaped Our Decision

At Over Easy Office, food has always been at the heart of what we do. Founded by restaurateurs and chefs, we see the world through a culinary lens. When we explored Colombia, we didn’t just assess the business environment—we also experienced its rich food culture. From hearty ajiaco in Bogotá to seafood-rich cazuela de mariscos on the coast, Colombia's cuisine reflects the diversity and passion we value in our work.

Regional Highlights

• Andean Highlands: Home to comforting dishes like ajiaco santafereño and cheesy arepas boyacenses, these meals resonate with our appreciation for hearty, satisfying food.

• Caribbean Coast: Sweet coconut rice (arroz con coco) and twice-fried plantains (patacones) reflect the region's bold flavors and tropical flair.

• Pacific Coast: Coconut-infused stews and tamales wrapped in banana leaves showcase the inventive use of local ingredients.

For more culinary insights, follow our podcast, OverSeasoned, where we discuss flavors and cultures from around the world.

A Celebration of Culinary Tradition

Colombia’s food culture mirrors its approach to work—thoughtful, inventive, and rooted in tradition. This alignment of values made the country a natural fit for our global operations.

Overcoming Common Challenges with Colombian Expertise

Scalability and Consistency

Colombian call centers and customer service teams are renowned for their ability to scale operations without compromising quality. This capability is crucial for growing businesses like ours that manage fluctuating workloads and diverse client needs.

Multichannel Support

Today’s customer service landscape demands communication across phone, chat, email, and social media. Colombian BPO teams excel in handling these channels, ensuring seamless experiences for clients and their customers.

About over easy office

Over Easy Office has built a remarkable global team, combining strong leadership in the U.S. and an extensive operational force in Manila, Philippines. Our U.S. team consists of approximately 20 experienced professionals with deep roots in the food scene across New York, Philadelphia, Florida, and Reno. In the Philippines, over 400 skilled professionals are trained in restaurant accounting, operations, and data entry, forming the backbone of our services. Recognizing the need to expand further, we have now extended our operations to Colombia.

Our operations in Colombia

We’ve been listening to the feedback from the hospitality-focused accounting firms we support, and one recurring theme emerged: the need for daytime assistance. Clients wanted their account managers to avoid spending time on hold or sifting through emails for simple answers. That’s when the opportunity arose to establish a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operation in Colombia, enhancing our global reach.

Today, our Colombian team has grown to nearly 50 dedicated collaborators.

Xavier Mariezcurrena, Managing Partner

“The beauty of working with our Colombian team lies in the combination of great infrastructure, comprehensive training, and exposure to various software systems. You’re not just gaining a team for day-to-day processes; you’re accessing a robust, cross-trained workforce ready to support your operations.

For example, if a new 20-unit restaurant opportunity arises and you need additional support, we’ve got you covered. OEO provides an experienced team with the infrastructure, mentors, and managers necessary to seamlessly integrate and assist with new projects or clients. Whether you need help managing day-to-day operations or scaling up for a new contract, we ensure you never have to say no to growth opportunities.”

Experiencing Colombia: A Reward Beyond Work

The Markets and Festivals

The vibrant markets, like Paloquemao Market in Bogotá offered us a window into the country’s culinary soul. Events like the Festival de la Arepa and Bogotá Wine and Food Festival highlighted how Colombians celebrate food and community, reinforcing why we felt at home here.

Immersion in Culture

From cooking classes to traditional eateries, every experience in Colombia deepened our appreciation for the country. It wasn’t just about doing business—it was about connecting with a culture that values flavor, hospitality, and authenticity.

Conclusion

Colombia is much more than a practical choice for business—it’s a place that inspires. With its talented workforce, cultural compatibility, and unforgettable cuisine, it’s no surprise that we chose Bogotá as our newest hub. At Over Easy Office, we believe in combining expertise with passion, and Colombia embodies both. Contact us today to add virtual staff from Colombia to your business operation.