Tips for Onboarding your Helper
Setting right expectations about the living situation and job requirements is the first step to happy employment. As an employer, you should be open and transparent about your household situation and needs when you talk with a potential helper in an interview.
Next, building mutual comfort and trust is the key for a happy relationship with your helper. It does take some efforts. Remember you’re hiring a new family member who you will see 24/7! Here’s some tips for when your helper arrives at your house.
- Do not ask her to start with the domestic chores on the day she arrives; let her get to know the family instead.
- The first few days might be frustrating; your helper may not know how to use every appliance in your home. Teach her with patience and you will see her respond with interest and dedication.
- English is often not a helper’s first language. Talk slowly and clearly and, as far as possible, use words and terms that she is familiar with.
- Discuss what you and your family members will call her and how she should address you. You can also ask for your helper’s preference. Minor things like this often bring misunderstandings later on.
- Provide her with clean, well-ventilated and comfortable accommodation. It shows that you care for her comfort and she will care for your family in return.
- Be clear about your expectations: Provide these preferably in writing. Utilise tools such as: a schedule, check-list, house rules list, cooking recipes.
- Make & communicate practical arrangements: Set a weekly rest day, any breaks for the day (particularly important if the helper needs to wake up at night time for your baby).
- Discuss food arrangement: Many employers choose to share their meals, make sure to clearly communicate how the sharing will work. This needs to include the when, where, what and how much. Keep in mind that you may need to ask your worker if she has any allergies or religious diet restrictions. Many domestic workers experience hunger because the worker does not have a clear understanding of what household food they are allowed to eat. If you’re not allowed the helper to share your house’s food, you will have to pay a minimum of $1,121/ month to the helper (as of rule set by the Government in September 2019) as food allowance.
