What to consider when hiring a co-worker for a domestic helper

Do you have an 印傭 as your main maid and think of hiring an additional helper? The main reasons that would make you consider hiring a helper for your maid include:

• Workload increase because of changes in the lifestyle in the household
• A new child or a parent who is elderly into the household
• They are fulfilling a specialization like childcare, cooking, or elderly care.

With a co-worker, there will be some relief in the home. But you have to remember that, when you hire an extra maid, the dynamics of the household will greatly be affected. Having to manage a co-worker maid team will come with its own challenges. It is recommended that you consider the alternatives of just going for a part-time local domestic helper.

When making the hiring, you will need to remember the following points:

Financial implication 

When you hire two workers, it means your financial capacity will automatically double. Before hiring another 印傭, you will have to prove your financial capability to employ a second domestic helper. 

The justification why you need a second hire

As an employer, you will have to write a letter to the department of immigration with reasons why you need two foreign domestic workers. The letter has to be accompanied by documents that are required for visa processing. The letter has to provide information on the needs of the household that your second helper for domestic will be fulfilling separately. 

Accommodation 

Because the foreign domestic helpers are supposed to work and live in your home,  that is, in the address that was stated in the immigration department, as an employer, you have to ensure that both foreign domestic helpers have accommodation that is suitable.

The difference between a co-worker position and an independent domestic helper?

Domestic helpers, mostly those who have the experience, tend to prefer working independently. The position of a co-worker is one that seems less desirable. The common concerns of such a position are:

• Day off arrangements and accommodation: The chances are that, as a co-worker, one has to share a room, and there will be alternating day-offs.

• Being able to get along with the other domestic helper: As a co-worker, you will be living and working closely. There might be communication that is not effective, especially when it comes to problems.

The way you will manage co-workers as an employee is very important for a successful working team.  Being the manager, you will have to:

• Provide a fair division of duties: You can do this through quantity, specialization, or a schedule that is rotating. Let them be aware that, in case of any clarification, they can come to you.

• Have a clear command chain: You might arrange your team so that the worker who is more experienced leads the entire team. Or you can let them have different domains.  Ensure they know how you want to give instructions, receive questions and feedback or their concerns.

Encourage a relationship at work that is healthy: Let you must ensure the team can find a way of working well as a team and solving their problems.