There are more than 50 million domestic workers worldwide and about 350,000 in Hong Kong. Hiring a nanny or helper is a viable option for many families. Here are our top 8 reasons why we cannot be without helpers.
You don’t have to rush home to make dinner or to pick up the children. And when your children are sick, you don’t need to call your boss with an “excuse” as to why you have to stay home again with your child. In fact, research has indicated that working professionals felt they were performing better in their jobs when they had helpers.
They are very often cheerful and willing to work hard. Sometimes it can be hard to believe that your helper is working long hours, missing her children and still smiling and singing through all of it. It’s a great quality for your children to grow up with.
When you leave work, you don’t have to stress to make it to the supermarket before it closes or to rush home to walk the dog. Rather, when you come home your children may have already eaten and are ready to be put in bed by you. After which, you and your partner can sit down to a relaxed dinner.
Employing a helper is quite affordable in Asia and there are many women who would like to work in Hong Kong. This makes it much easier to find the right fit for your family. And as we all know, having the right person means a world of difference.
Even if you are a stay-at-home parent, extra help at home is always welcome. You can dedicate all of your attention to your children while your helper is buying ingredients and cooking a dinner. You still have your work cut out for you, but it’s not as tough.
Not just on Sundays, but also during the week, you can turn around one more time before getting up. Your helper can help the children to get dressed, after which you can have breakfast together. Even if you prefer to get your children ready yourself, you don’t need to wake up earlier to start cleaning or making breakfast.
Most helpers are very proud of the work they do and their ability to keep the house clean and tidy. It’s not always easy with children, but with your helper around, things will be as clean as possible.
Having a helper means that you can just relax at home after work. It also means that you can spend your time differently. Instead of washing, ironing and folding clothes, you can take your child to the playground or you can go for a family picnic in the park. And don’t ever feel guilty for spending time with your kids!
Having a helper can be life-changing, but the best outcomes come from respectful partnerships built on clear communication and fairness.
Agree on daily duties, rest days, meal breaks, and preferred routines from day one. A clear domestic helper job description makes things easier for everyone.
In places like Hong Kong, helpers are legally entitled to conditions such as:
Minimum monthly wage, set by government standards
Weekly rest day
Paid statutory holidays and paid leave under local law
Fair treatment leads to greater loyalty, dependability, and long-term harmony.
Encourage helpers to share questions, concerns, or suggestions they have. Regular check-ins help prevent misunderstandings.
Kindness and appreciation strengthen trust and commitment. A helper who feels valued is more likely to bring care, diligence, and stability to her work.
Even with all the benefits, families sometimes worry about:
High turnover: This often happens when helpers feel unclear about duties or unsupported in their work.
Cultural differences: Talking openly about preferences and learning from each other bridges gaps.
Workload balance: A balanced schedule that respects rest days and personal time boosts long-term satisfaction for helpers.
When employers approach these challenges with patience and fairness, the working relationship becomes strong and meaningful.
It’s not always sunshine and butterflies with a helper. But when it is, it is so nice. Find the right match for yourself and find out why so many employers cannot be without helpers. What are you waiting for?
Whether you’re thinking about hiring a helper or you already have one, understanding the value of this role and nurturing a respectful work environment makes life better for both employers and helpers.
Updated on 19 January 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival also known as…
Every year, HelperChoice, Hong Kong’s leading ethical recruitment platform connecting…
(Updated on January 01, 2026) Statutory holidays are mandatory holidays…
10 Effective Tips To Communicate With Your Child (Published on…
The Pros And The Cons Of Getting a Domestic Helper…
(Published on July 13, 2024) In Hong Kong, there is…