House Rules for Maid
Having a domestic helper is a necessity for many families in Singapore because of our busy lifestyles. It is a relationship that many cannot live without today, yet we see people taking it for granted. Having a non-family member stay with you 24/7 requires adjustments and most of all respect, from both ends. To preempt problems, it is good to address cultural differences early by setting guidelines for everyone to minimise miscommunications.
As every family and domestic helper have their traditions and habits, setting house rules can help align both parties' expectations and create a conducive working and living environment. However, joining your family and getting used to your requirements and expectations will take some time to get used to, even for the more experienced maids. So, be patient with her so she can adapt to your lifestyle quickly. Most importantly, both parties should be willing to have an open discussion and show patience and understanding.
Work Conditions and Rest Days
Although there is no regulation on working hours, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has provided some recommendations. As an employer, you should provide your domestic helper with adequate rest and breaks during working hours.
It would be unreasonable to expect her to be tending to household chores continuously throughout the day. But, on the other hand, neither is it fair to the employer if the domestic helper takes excessive breaks. To align on this, discuss what's a reasonable number of breaks with your domestic helper and adapt as things move along.
Accommodation, safety and privacy: As much as possible, provide your maid with a well-sheltered and ventilated room of her own. Be sure to keep it away from dangerous equipment or unsafe structures that might cause harm to her.
Motivate your maid by making her living conditions as comfortable as possible by providing the necessities, including a bed, toiletries and cabinets. You must not deduct the costs of these items from your maid’s salary.
If you do not have a spare room to offer, you can get your maid to share a room with a family member or allocate a space in your home for her to sleep. No matter the living arrangements you make, always consider her privacy and modesty by ensuring no CCTVs or video recording devices directed at her designated sleeping, changing and showering spaces. If you have such devices in your home, you must inform her of where it is.
Meals: The Ministry of Manpower requires an employer to give the domestic helper enough food to carry out daily activities. She should have at least three nutritious meals per day and sufficient hydration.
If your foreign domestic worker (FDW) has specific food requirements, be sure to accommodate this. It could be by providing her money to buy her food or allowing her to cook a separate portion for herself.
For more information, refer to MOM's official guidelines here.
Rest Day Arrangement
Your foreign domestic worker should have a weekly rest day to get enough mental and physical rest. The FDW and employer should mutually agree on the day of the week to take the rest day. To prevent future disputes, it is best to have this agreement in writing.
If for whatever reason you require your FDW to work on her stipulated rest day, you must compensate her with either 1) at least one day's salary (in addition to her basic salary) or 2) a replacement rest day that she can claim within the same month.
It is also common for employers to have concerns about what their domestic helpers do on their rest days. If you are concerned, communicate this with her openly and talk things through.
Find out more on rest day requirements, read this press release on weekly rest days by MOM.
Public Holiday Regulations
Foreign domestic helpers are not entitled to Public Holidays in Singapore.
However, employers can decide if they want to offer public holidays to their helpers following the Employment Act of Singapore. If that is the case, the contract should mention that the employer allows the helper to the 11 paid public holidays in Singapore.
Usage of Mobile Phone and Internet
Under the house rules for your domestic helper, include control on the usage of mobile phones and the internet, but be reasonable. Setting a clear timetable for your maid when she can and can't use it will ensure she stays focused during work hours. You and your family should also respect the time allocated for her to use her phone.
After all, giving her time to call back home, whether on the house phone or her mobile phone, can put her mind at ease, improve her work attitude and ensure her mental and emotional health is taken care of.
Housework Rules
Here are some examples of standard house rules and guidelines regarding housework that you can consider adding to the job description:
- Exercise care when doing any housework.
- Try to remember each family member’s food preferences.
- Do not be afraid to ask us if you do not know how to do or are unsure of doing anything
- Do not leave sharp objects and dangerous substances within reach of children.
- When cleaning the exteriors of windows, please do not do it alone as it can be dangerous.
- For groceries or household items that are about to finish, note it down so we can buy it or give you money to replenish it.
- When grocery shopping, keep receipts or note down the expenses.
Home Security and Privacy
The safety of your helper and family is of paramount importance. Therefore, spend some time explaining to your domestic helper how she needs to play her part in keeping the home safe for everyone. For example, remind her to keep the house keys properly and away from opened windows along the main corridor, bolt the door or lock the additional padlock.
If you prefer her to close all the house windows when she leaves the house to buy food or run errands, do inform her.
There could also be instances when your friends or extended family visit your home unannounced or when you are away. Let her know what she should do in such circumstances - can she invite them in or wait for you to return home or call you for permission. If you do not want her to invite her friends over, be clear from the start to avoid misunderstandings.
Observe Proper Behavior
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Respect Employers
Show your domestic helper respect and expect the same in return. Encourage her to approach you directly if she has any concerns. If your helper feels safe and happy with her job, she will likely stay with you for some time and put in more effort into her work.
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Treatment of your children and members of the family
Define how she should treat your family. For example, does she need to call you "Sir" or "Madam", or is it acceptable to address you by your first name?
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Loaning and borrowing money
If she has financial difficulties and needs to send money back home urgently due to family emergencies, encourage her to speak to you first instead of borrowing from money lenders or loan sharks.
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Attitude
Let her know the kind of attitude you expect from her, whether it is honesty, punctuality or no foul language.
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Personal hygiene and appearance
Encourage her to maintain basic hygiene such as showering and brushing her teeth twice a day or keeping her room clean. After all, your domestic helper's appearance is also a reflection on you as an employer.
Some of these house rules may seem like common sense to us. Still, it might not necessarily be basic knowledge for domestic helpers from different backgrounds and cultures — having some ground rules from the start can prevent misunderstandings and reduce safety and health hazards.
If possible, discuss these rules during the interview to see if she's comfortable with them before hiring. You can then discuss the finer details when she joins your family. It is also an excellent practice to review these rules regularly to improve your working relationship with your helper.
House rules aside, ensure you have purchased adequate protection for your helper. In the event of accidents such as falls and burns, or illnesses which may require medical attention or hospitalisation of your maid, MSIG’s mMSIG'ssurance can safeguard both you and your helper.
