It’s not her, it’s you!
Or, well, partly you. It takes cooperation between helper and employer to have a positive working relationship. Maid service agency 121 Personnel shares their tips.
Perhaps your helper’s performance isn’t up to your standards, or maybe she’s lost her mojo for the job. This is when you should give your management style some consideration.
Most agencies would recommend keeping things professional instead of being emotional. Some agencies can even arrange counselling sessions for the both of you.
Your helper comes from a different culture than yours and likely has a different personality, communication style or world view from you. So don’t simply assume that she will behave or do things exactly as you would.
Talk to your helper openly and inform her that you’re always available to talk if she needs help or clarification about her work. Remember that an open channel of communication is the key to a healthy relationship.
This is a very common problem in many households.
For instance, some employers may expect the maid to take care of their baby’s feeds throughout the night and still perform her daily chores with minimal rest. On the other hand, some helpers may expect every public holiday to be an off day.
Failing to clarify what constitutes as an off day may result in your helper assuming that her home country’s holidays are also included. Both helper and employer must follow the Singapore Ministry of Manpower’s rules and regulations with regard to work hours, rest days, medical coverage and more.
Furthermore, always practise the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.