Five ways to build a positive working relationship with your helper

It’s a common dilemma: between working long hours and looking after your child, you’re left little time for household chores. Or maybe you’re a young couple that’s been contemplating bringing in extra help to look after the in-laws.

Either way, hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is a big decision to make. If you’re all set on it, these are five easy ways to ensure you build a harmonious working relationship with her.

1. Commemorate special occasions

For most families, celebrating birthdays means cake and good cheer. It’s a good idea to include your helper in these festivities by commemorating her birthday, whether with a small gift or meal. You could even consider giving her a red packet for Chinese New Year as a token of appreciation.

And when it comes to important religious holidays, remember to respect your helper’s beliefs by giving her time off for Christmas or Hari Raya, for instance. And if she plans to fast, you could consider allowing your helper to take on slightly less strenuous work.

2. Show genuine interest in your helper’s life

Does your helper have children of her own, and how many? Does she have siblings? These are some questions you might not immediately think to ask, but it can be thoughtful to foster a sense of closeness between yourself and your domestic helper.

Of course, it’s a fine line between being intrusive and showing genuine interest in her personal life, so finding the right balance is key. Open communication will ultimately create a healthier working environment for your helper.

3. Include, not exclude

It sounds obvious enough, but open communication also comes with treating your domestic helper as you would a loved one. That means ensuring her physical and mental health are well looked after.

Some ways to do this include lending your helper a listening ear, and checking in regularly to ensure she has a space to air her concerns, if any — but avoid forcing the upper hand. Mutual respect means listening and then discussing issues in a rational manner.

4. Reward your helper sufficiently

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) mandates that all helpers are allowed one rest day per week, so long as her Work Permit was issued or renewed after 1st January 2013.

Apart from her day off, consider other ways of improving your helper’s well-being. For instance, accommodating dietary restrictions or taking her with you along on holidays are small some ways of maintaining a healthy working relationship with to engage her and keep her motivated.

5. Give praise where it’s due

They say to treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Looking after a home, cooking dishes, caring for kids or the elderly: being a helper is ever-demanding, so be sure to express your appreciation for a job well done. On that, avoid taking out your anger on her for small mistakes — she’s only human, after all. Changing the tone a little: Where a mistake had been made, provide timely and constructive feedback that is fact-based and provide clear instructions on what correction is needed. Be sure to also hear her side of the story too. Don’t forget though, we’re all humans and humans make mistakes at times. Learning from the mistake is more important.

Covering your helper with maid insurance

In Singapore, all helpers are required to undergo a six-monthly medical examination (6ME) — and employers must bear the full cost, according to MOM. Thankfully, you could save on your helper’s check-ups with FWD Maid Insurance, which covers up to four tests for pregnancy and syphilis. It also covers your helper’s pre-existing medical conditions at no extra cost¹.

Find out more about the full benefits of FWD Maid Insurance here, and get a quote instantly!