Welcome

It is understandable that domestic helpers would feel anxious and nervous on their first day of work. To help them cope and adjust to this new transition smoothly, it is recommended that employers should spend more time and effort to introduce their family members and their habits, family background, scope of work and show them the premise of the neighborhood such as the nearest MTR station, supermarkets etc. Employers should explain in details their expectation and re-emphasize their scope of work. Domestic helpers need clear guidance to orientate them.

Food

Many employers have overlooked the arrangement of meal time. Many employers want the helpers to have meals after they have finished. To achieve mutual respect, employers should arrange the same meal time as their domestic helpers although you could arrange different dining areas. Also, employers should keep in mind the different cultural background, religious belief, and diet habits of their domestic helper. If the helper’s work requires a lot of physical labour such as looking after babies or elderly, employers should ensure they have a well-balanced and high-energy diet to cope with daily tasks.

Praise

Everybody needs recognition, so do your helpers. Compliments or even rewards can be given to helpers generously when they make improvements and are able to complete a job well. It can come in many forms like year-end bonus, red packets during Chinese New Year. Little gestures such as a little gift on birthday can surely increase their sense of belonging to the family.

Privacy

Privacy is especially important to domestic helpers. Staying at employer’s home does not mean they are on call 24/7. Freedom and leisure time should be given to them after a whole day of work to allow them to engage in personal activities such as calling home, listening to music or watch drama shows on their own laptops or DVD players.

Communication

“Don’t let problems get out of control”

No one likes to be criticized or scolded. Not only will this affect domestic helper’s daily performance, but it will make them feel depressed when they see their employers are unhappy. To prevent this from happening, employers should be open and frank to discuss the problems with them.

Knowing more about Domestic Helpers

Ultimately, trust and respect can avoid unpleasant events from happening. If employers are not satisfied with their performances, employers should communicate tactically without personal attacks.

“Be patient for new domestic helpers, especially the first few months”

New domestic helpers need time to cope with the new working environment and lifestyle. If their work is not up to satisfaction, employers should try to spend some time to teach them, and remind them important points. Furthermore, employers can listen to their feelings and understand them.

Knowing more about Domestic Helpers

Helpers can take the initiative to ask about their work and whether there is room for improvement.

Be flexible when things do not go the way you expected

Domestic helpers may have personal matters to attend to and employers may want the helpers to work during holidays. Both parties should be flexible and sensible to maintain a harmonious relationship.