Are You A Good Boss?

Are You A Good Boss? | HelperChoice

(Published on April 9, 2024)

Table of Contents

In Hong Kong, foreign migrant domestic workers (FDWs) are primarily employed by private households to carry out domestic tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare. The employers of these workers can be broadly classified into several types based on the nature of the employment arrangement and the specific requirements of the household. Here are the categories of employers for foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong:

Individual or Family Employers: The most common type of employer, where a worker is hired by an individual or a family to work in their home. These employers may vary greatly in terms of their family size, their living arrangements (such as apartment size), and their specific needs (such as caring for children, elderly family members, or individuals with disabilities).
Expat Families: A significant number of expatriate families living in Hong Kong hire foreign domestic workers. These families may have different expectations or living standards, influenced by their cultural backgrounds, and often seek workers who can speak English or another specific language and are adaptable to different cultures.
Elderly Care: With Hong Kong’s aging population, there is a growing demand for domestic workers who specialise in elderly care. Employers in this category are specifically looking for workers with experience or training in caring for the elderly, managing medication schedules, and performing tasks related to healthcare support.
Professional Working Couples: Due to the busy work schedules of professional couples, there is a high demand for domestic workers who can manage household tasks efficiently, allowing the employers to focus on their careers. This type of employment often requires the worker to be self-managed and capable of running the household without constant supervision.
High-income or Affluent Families: High-income or affluent families may require a broader range of services from domestic workers, including but not limited to managing larger properties, cooking gourmet meals, driving family members, and overseeing other household staff.
Special Needs Families: Families with members who have special needs, such as disabilities or chronic illnesses, may hire foreign domestic workers with specific skills or experiences in special care requirements, including managing specialized diets, therapy routines, and providing physical assistance.

Are You A Good Boss?

Employers of foreign migrant domestic workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong can vary widely in their personalities and management styles, which can significantly impact the working environment and the domestic worker’s experience. So, let’s find out which type of boss you are:

Authoritative: Authoritative employers have clear expectations and rules that they expect to be followed strictly. They are often very hands-on in managing their domestic workers, providing detailed instructions and feedback. While they can be demanding, authoritative employers also recognise and appreciate hard work, often rewarding good performance.
Laissez-faire: These employers are more hands-off and give their domestic workers a lot of freedom to manage their tasks and schedules. They prefer to delegate responsibilities and may not provide detailed instructions unless there is a specific issue. This style can be beneficial for self-motivated workers but challenging for those who prefer more guidance.
Paternalistic: Paternalistic employers take a more familial approach, often treating their domestic workers as part of the family. They may be very involved in the personal lives of their workers, offering advice and assistance beyond the professional scope. This can create a warm and supportive working environment, but boundaries may sometimes be less clear.
Transactional: Transactional employers focus on the employment contract’s terms, treating the relationship as a straightforward exchange of services for compensation. They may be less interested in building personal relationships and more focused on ensuring that all job requirements are met efficiently.
Perfectionist: Some employers have very high standards and pay close attention to detail, expecting their domestic workers to maintain these standards consistently. This can be challenging, as it may require a significant amount of time and effort to meet their expectations, often with meticulous instructions and possible re-dos.
Supportive: Supportive employers are understanding and empathetic, recognizing the challenges foreign migrant domestic workers may face. They communicate openly, provide constructive feedback, and are willing to provide support for professional development or personal issues.
Dynamic: Dynamic employers may have varying requirements and a fast-changing household environment, possibly due to their work, social engagements, or family activities. They need domestic workers who can adapt quickly to changing schedules and tasks.

The Type Of Employers Beloved By Domestic Helpers

The preference for employer types among domestic helpers can vary widely based on personal values, work style preferences, and cultural backgrounds. However, based on general feedback and studies from various support groups and organisations working with foreign domestic workers, the most beloved type of employer tends to be those who are supportive and treat their domestic workers with respect and dignity. Specifically, employers who exhibit the following characteristics are often highly valued:

Supportive and Respectful

Employers who are understanding, empathetic, and supportive of their domestic workers tend to be highly appreciated. This includes respecting their rights, providing a safe and comfortable working environment, allowing enough rest periods, and being considerate of their personal and emotional needs. Supportive employers also recognise the cultural differences and try to accommodate or respect these differences within their households.

Fair and Reasonable

Domestic helpers often value employers who are fair and reasonable in their expectations and demands. This means setting clear but achievable standards for work, providing necessary guidance and tools to do their jobs effectively, and being reasonable about time off and rest periods. Fair employers also adhere to the legal agreements regarding wages, working hours, and benefits, without exploitation or abuse.

Open Communication

Employers who maintain open lines of communication and encourage feedback are often preferred. This type of employer listens to concerns or suggestions from their domestic workers and addresses any issues promptly and fairly. Open communication helps in building trust and ensures that both parties can discuss any issues openly without fear of retribution.

Personal Development

Employers who invest in their domestic workers’ personal and professional development, such as allowing them to participate in training courses during their free time, are also highly regarded. This not only benefits the workers by improving their skills and knowledge but also strengthens the employer-employee relationship through mutual respect and understanding.

Considerate and Family-Like

Many domestic workers appreciate employers who treat them as part of the family, showing care and concern for their well-being beyond the professional obligation. This can include celebrating their birthdays, including them in family activities, or providing support during personal emergencies.

The key to a beloved employer-employee relationship in domestic work, as in any job, is mutual respect, clear communication, and a fair and supportive work environment.

Benefits Of A Healthy Employer-Helper Relationship

Healthy employer-helper relationships in the context of domestic work are crucial for creating a positive and productive environment. Such relationships are beneficial not just for the domestic helpers and their employers, but also for the overall dynamics of the household. Here are some of the key benefits of fostering healthy employer-helper relationships:

1. Improved Work Performance

When there’s a positive relationship, domestic helpers are more likely to feel motivated and committed to their work. This leads to improved efficiency, diligence, and attention to detail in their tasks. Employers who communicate effectively and show appreciation for good work tend to see better results and higher standards of cleanliness, care, and management within their homes.

2. Enhanced Trust and Security

Trust is a cornerstone of any healthy working relationship. When employers and domestic helpers trust each other, it creates a sense of security and stability. Domestic helpers will feel more comfortable reporting issues or concerns, and employers can rely on them to take care of the household and its members responsibly. This mutual trust also reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts.

3. Increased Job Satisfaction and Retention

A supportive and respectful work environment increases job satisfaction among domestic helpers. This not only improves their day-to-day well-being but also makes it more likely that they will stay longer in their position. High retention rates are beneficial for employers as well, as they reduce the need for frequent hiring and training of new workers, which can be both disruptive and costly.

4. Emotional and Psychological Well-being

Healthy employer-helper relationships contribute to the emotional and psychological well-being of both parties. For domestic helpers, being treated with respect and dignity can alleviate the stress and isolation that may come from working in a foreign country away from their family and social network. For employers, a harmonious household environment can provide peace of mind and reduce stress levels.

5. Positive Impact on Children and Family Dynamics

In households with children or elderly members, the domestic helper often plays a significant role in caregiving. A positive relationship between the employer and the helper can have a beneficial impact on the children’s development and the well-being of elderly family members. Children can learn valuable lessons about respect, empathy, and cultural diversity from observing and interacting with a respected and valued helper.

In summary, the benefits of healthy employer-helper relationships extend far beyond the mere completion of household tasks. They contribute to a positive, respectful, and enriching environment for all parties involved, highlighting the importance of nurturing these relationships.

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Find A Domestic Helper In Hong Kong | HelperChoice | An Ethical Maid Agency

About HelperChoice

HelperChoice is a reputable maid agency that holds a valid license approved by the Labour Department Hong Kong. The agency offers an online platform for direct hiring of domestic helpers and facilitates visa processing service specifically for Filipino maids. With a vast network, HelperChoice has successfully served over 75,000 employers in Hong Kong and Singapore, providing employers access to a pool of more than 20,000 domestic worker profiles. The agency maintains collaborative partnerships with local NGOs, including Enrich Hong Kong, Help For Domestic Workers, and PathFinders, organizing workshops and webinars to support the welling being and the employment rights of foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids

Employers are required to renew the employment contract and visa for foreign domestic helpers every two years at the Immigration Department and the respective Consulate. If you need assistance with processing the contract and visa for a Filipino maid, you can reach out to the HelperChoice team via Whatsapp. Normally, the visa renewal takes around two weeks to complete. Most visa processing packages include a mandatory two-year insurance coverage for domestic workers. For more info, please contact us via Whatsapp.

Did You Know?

Premium Members (members who subscribed to the paid service on HelperChoice platform) can get a 10% discount on visa process service, including both local hire and overseas hire. Register now!

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