Maid expectations: Onboarding your helper for a happy and productive stay

It’s all new to your new hire: your home, your estate, the shops and stalls, and transport links.

You might want to get a notebook for your helper. Like a company handbook, it can have guiding principles and expectations. You can write down notes for your helper, and she can add her own reminders along the way.

First steps

Introduce your home to her with a walkthrough: her own space, where things are kept. Tell her the general rules, such as no food in the bedrooms, lights off when not in use, and closing all windows when it rains. Introduce her to the members of your household, with a short description of their needs—for example, your elderly parent prefers quiet, so keep the noise level down.

Show not tell

It’s easier to absorb information when it’s shown, not told. For instance, go with her to the bus stop, market, and post office. Show her where to wait when picking up your son at school.

What time is it?

Draw up a timetable for preparing meals, vacuuming, mopping, and ironing.

Put the timetable up on the fridge door, so everyone is aware of her schedule. If Monday 10am is laundry time, then the items that need washing have to be in the laundry basket by then.

There are only so many hours in a day, so you have to decide what takes priority. If it’s most important for your elderly parent to exercise and socialise, accompanied by your helper, then there might be less time for house cleaning.

How to…

Modern life has many tools and gadgets that help us achieve tasks easily and quickly.

Get your helper up to speed with clear instructions. Those hefty instruction manuals might have too much information, so write down only what’s necessary. For example, switch on the main plug, pour one cup of detergent, and press the big button. You might want to supplement the machine instructions with reminders.

It’s important that you show her how things work, let her practise and show you what she’s learnt. Reinforcement will help her remember the instructions.

The language you use to communicate with her could be her second or even third language. So remember to slow down a little, and to speak clearly.

Check comprehension

Try not to give too many instructions at one go, as these might confuse her. An easy way is to ask her to repeat what you just said. And if you’ve shown her what she’s supposed to do, just ask her to demonstrate the same.

Give feedback, have regular reviews

Feedback is important. It lets her know if she is doing something right or not. When she makes mistakes or doesn’t match your expectations, stay calm and point out the areas for improvement.

You might share with her a list of the things she’s done well and things that need improvement. You can have a regular review with her, so she is aware of her progress.

As your helper settles in and carries out the tasks well, you can increase her responsibilities gradually.

After a good review, you can show your appreciation, perhaps with a small treat or an extra hour off, so that she is motivated to do well.

If you provide a conducive environment where your employee feels protected and encouraged, she will likely be more productive.

Getting enough rest

Housework requires physical energy, and caring for a young child or a frail senior requires mental and emotional strength. Your maid will need proper rest to carry out her duties well.

On work days, a minimum 8 hours of uninterrupted rest would help her recharge for the next day’s tasks.Your live-in helper is entitled to one rest day per week. And she is entitled to one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away. Read the details here.

Personal development

Motivation can be in the form of helping your maid’s personal development.

You may want to check out the skills training and social support offered by Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST), a non-government organisation that focuses on enhancing the well-being of migrant domestic workers. FAST training programmes include job skills such as infant and elder care; and life skills such as learning to manage money, or improving English.

Here are more ideas on how your helper can have a useful rest day.

Let your helper know early on that her health is important. The required six-monthly checkups ensure that she is not afflicted with any illness. Should she fall ill or require hospitalisation or surgery, she is covered by a medical insurance plan. As an employer, you can protect your helper with MSIG MaidPlus.

Our plan complies with the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) enhanced Medical Insurance requirements that came into effect on 1 July 2023:

• Annual claim limit of at least $60,000. The first $15,000 is paid by the insurer, after which, the employer pays 25% while 75% is paid by the insurer
• Bonus feature from MSIG: cover includes up to $3,000 for medical expenses such as dental treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment, and dengue fever
• Age-differentiated premiums in 2 age bands: (1) under 50 years old and (2) 51 - 60 years old
• 26-month plan to cover the 2-year employment contract

With a safe environment, thorough onboarding process, and continued communication and understanding, chances are that both employer and employee will have a happy, healthy and productive working relationship.

Learn more about MSIG MaidPlus here. From time to time, we have exclusive promotions on our insurance plans. View our latest deals here! Policy terms and conditions apply.