Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) is often thought to be the only solution to get extra hands to help around in the household. While FDWs play an extremely valuable role in many Singaporean and expat households – particularly by making it possible for breadwinners to strike a balance between their career and their personal life – they are hardly the only option.
Hiring a FDW should not be taken lightly. It is imperative that any employer-to-be takes time to think about everything hiring a FDW involves – i.e. spending time training your new employee, managing the relationship, coping with certain challenges that might arise (such as cultural and language barriers) or having someone you don’t know move in with you on a full-time basis. Because it works for many households in Singapore doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best solution for yours.
Hiring a foreign domestic worker involves more than filling a role. Employers should be prepared for:
While live-in helpers work well for many families, they are not always the best solution for households that prefer privacy, flexibility, or short-term support.
Taking time to assess your needs helps avoid rushed decisions and leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
If your primary need is household cleaning or basic chores, hiring a legal part-time domestic helper may be a suitable option.
In Singapore, many local domestic workers offer part-time services through licensed agencies or platforms. This option is ideal if:
Part-time domestic help allows households to receive assistance without the responsibilities that come with employing a foreign domestic worker.
For families whose main concern is childcare, there are several alternatives to live-in helpers.
Part-time babysitters can care for children during working hours, after school, or on specific days. This works well for families who need support only at certain times.
Enrolling children in licensed childcare or daycare centres provides:
This option suits families who prefer educational support alongside childcare.
When caring for an elderly parent with medical or mobility needs, specialised care options may be more appropriate than general household help.
Consider:
These options can offer focused care while reducing the workload placed on a single live-in helper.
For families with children who have special needs, specialised care is often essential.
Possible alternatives include:
These programmes provide structured environments with trained professionals and personalised support.
Every household is different. Some families ultimately find that hiring live-in helpers or foreign domestic workers remains the best solution. Others discover that part-time help or specialised services better match their needs.
Before deciding, employers should:
If you do decide to hire a foreign domestic worker, taking the employer role seriously and building a respectful working relationship from the start is key to long-term success.
At HelperChoice, we provide resources and guidance to help employers make informed, ethical hiring decisions—whether that means hiring a helper or exploring alternatives.ng-lasting helper-employer relationship.
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