4 tips for hiring a foreign domestic worker

Hiring a foreign domestic worker? Here are 4 points to consider.

4 tips for hiring a foreign domestic worker

Countless questions have been raised by busy Singaporean employers who are keen to hire a foreign domestic worker (FDWs) for infant or children care. What are some considerations when entrusting our children to them for the first time?

Well, there isn’t a hard and fast rule on this because trust requires time to build. Indeed, there is also a fine balance when it comes to managing such employer-employee relationships. Here is a rundown of four of our main considerations:

1. Know your purpose for hiring a foreign domestic worker

Hiring an FDW is in fact, hiring help to assist in certain aspects of household needs. As opposed to some employers’ beliefs that FDWs should take over all aspects of the household.

As an aspiring parent myself, I fully support hiring a helper to alleviate the daily household chores. Such is a privilege so that I am able to spend less time on the chores after a long day’s work, and more quality time with my kids. However, do bear in mind that your FDWs are not here to fulfil the vital parental role that we sometimes neglect due to our hectic schedules.

2. Communicate basic house rules

Remember that your foreign domestic worker is coming into contact with your child for the very first time. For some FDWs, it could even be their very first time in an urban jungle like Singapore.

Our HDBs, condos or landed homes differ very much from the housing types back in their communities. Our parenting styles also differ vastly from our FDWs’ parenting styles back home. Never assume that your FDW understands your unique household requirements and mannerisms. Brief them on your basic home rules, eg. electricity usage, food preparations for your kids, what authority do they have when it comes to handling your kids or even washing of your family’s clothes.

A myriad of issues that we deem simple or "common-sensical" may not be all too familiar to them. Utilise hand signals, body language, simple English or even their language if you have that language advantage. Always Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.

3. Build mutual respect

I term the first few months of your FDW settling into your home as the "teething" phase. This is also the likeliest period that employers could inevitably end up frustrated when expectations are not met, fast. This is especially so when the household involves our children and loved ones.

What I suggest would be to maintain firmness with regards to your requirements but to always allow for open communication. This could include going through with her certain errors, if committed and also the reasoning behind it whilst maintaining mutual respect.

A positive reaction could generate a positive response, lift their spirits and serve as encouragement for taking care of your household and children well. Should mutual respect be bridged however, this could not only discourage your FDW but affect her physical and psychological state of mind and in turn her ability to perform.

She could even be afraid to ask questions or clarify on her tasks and commit further errors on the job. "For how long should I be patient with her?", asked an employer to me. To put simply, every individual has a different learning curve. The employer himself would have the best gauge on his foreign domestic worker's attitude. it is both parties responsibility to jointly building up that trust.

4. Acknowledge their work

Just as every person likes to be valued for their work, the same goes for your foreign domestic worker. However, do not pamper them or get into a habit of giving out small "rewards" for a job well done as this could in turn garner unrealistic expectations from them and turn into a habit. Instead, encourage them and draw the line clearly.

Written by

Melody Tham

maidsdomestic workerHiringforeign policies