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Culture shock - Many domestic workers are not
used to staying in a city as they usually come from a rural area. They
may also have difficulty in understanding and communicating in the
language you use at home. Therefore they would need some time to be
familiar with your household habits. Common difficulties include using
appliances like microwave ovens and washing machines as well as
adjusting to living in high rise buildings. She would also be used to
different practices in child-minding. In the first few months, it would
be a good idea to spend time to orientate and train your maid.
Open communication - Your maid comes from a very
different social, cultural and even religious background. She could be
feeling homesick and lonely. As the employer, help her by letting her
communicate with her family and friends back home, especially via mail
to help alleviate her homesickness and sense of isolation.
Family integration - As far as is practical,
integrate her into your family since she will stay in your home during
her employment duration. Try and understand her different background.
Exercising patience , tolerance and understanding will go a long way in
minimising any disputes and conflicts that could affect her performance.
General well-being - As an employer, you are
also responsible for your maid's general well-being including food,
accommodation, basic necessities and medical care. She should be treated
fairly and reasonably when you assign household duties to her. A happy
and well-treated worker will give you less trouble than one who is
unhappy.
Wages - You can either pay your maid by cash
or credit her wages into her bank account. To avoid any
misunderstanding, this should be properly documented and if a bank
account is used, you should let her keep the account book. If by mutual
agreement you are to keep the account book, she must be given access to
check that payments are credited regularly.
Bonuses - Where appropriate, this should be
considered because it acts as a good motivator. This could be in the
form of an annual bonus or an end of contract term gratuity. These
incentives may result in a maid who would serve her contract diligently
and effectively.
Medical care - As an employer, you are
responsible for the medical benefits of your worker. Should she require
medical treatment, including hospitalisation, you are required to bear
the full cost of medical care.
Accommodation - Where possible, your worker
should be given a separate room of her own. In the event this is
unavailable in your home, you should respect the need of the maid for
privacy and ensure that sufficient private space for sleep is provided.
Some examples of improper accommodation include making the maid sleep in
the corridor or living room or sharing a room with a male adult.
Rest - A well-rested worker is more
productive and better adjusted. Hence, you should ensure that your
worker has sufficient rest, especially during the night and sufficient
off days, which is mutually agreed upon between you and your maid. |
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