(Published on November 15, 2023)
As of September 30, 2023, the government-set minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers (fdh) is HK$4,870 per month while monthly food allowance should not be less than $1,236 per month. However, the average salary offered by employers is higher, reaching HK$5,543 according to the annual salary survey by HelperChoice. This represents a significant increase of 4.85% compared to the previous year. Additionally, due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions leading to a shortage of local domestic helpers, the average salary in 2023 has increased to over HK$5,000 per month.
These figures indicate that while there is a government-mandated minimum salary, the actual earnings of foreign domestic workers can be higher, potentially due to market demand, the specific requirements of the job, or the qualifications of the domestic worker.
Factors Of Increasing Domestic Helper’s Salary
Deciding whether to increase a domestic helper’s salary involves considering various factors:
- Market Rates and Demand: If the salary for foreign domestic helpers (FDH) in the market has increased due to demand, it may be necessary to raise salaries to remain competitive and retain good domestic workers. This adjustment not only helps in attracting and keeping high-quality domestic helpers but also ensures that the employer is providing fair pay in line with current market trends. Additionally, staying attuned to market rates demonstrates an employer’s commitment to equitable employment practices, which can enhance the reputation of the employer and contribute to a more positive and respectful working environment.
- Cost of Living Adjustments: Due to global inflation, the cost of living is rising, leading to higher expenses both locally and in the home countries of foreign domestic workers. As a result, these workers may need to send more money back to their families, facing increased financial pressure. Increasing salaries can help domestic workers relieve their financial stress and manage their daily expenses more effectively, thereby ensuring that they can continue to support their families abroad without compromising their own well-being and job performance.
- Performance and Experience: If a domestic helper has demonstrated exceptional performance, reliability, and increased responsibility at work over time, a salary increase can be a fair recognition of their value and contribution.
- Duration of Employment: Long-term employees often receive periodic raises as a standard practice in many jobs. This also applies to foreign domestic workers (fdw), especially if they have been with the same employer for several years.
- Affordability for the Employer: Employers need to consider their financial situation. An employer’s ability to afford a salary increase is a key factor in the decision.
- Mutual Agreement: Salary discussions should ideally be a part of a transparent dialogue between the employer and the domestic helper. Both parties should feel comfortable discussing wages and any potential increases.
- Benefits and Other Compensation: Sometimes, instead of a direct salary increase, employers might offer additional benefits like bonuses, paid leave, or other forms of compensation that can be equally valuable.
- Comparative Analysis: Employers might want to compare what they are offering with what other employers in the area are paying their domestic workers, to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
- Inflation and Economic Changes: Inflation and other economic factors can impact the real value of a salary. Adjusting salaries to account for these changes is a common practice in many sectors.
Ultimately, the decision to increase a domestic helper’s salary should be based on a combination of these factors, considering both the needs and capabilities of the employer and the fair compensation for the domestic helper’s work.
If Your Helper Serves Your Family For A Long Time, Should You Increase Her Salary?
Yes, it’s generally advisable for employers to consider increasing a domestic helper’s salary if the helper has been serving the family for a long time. Here are some reasons why:
- Recognition of Loyalty and Commitment: Long-term service demonstrates loyalty and commitment to the family, as it reflects a domestic helper’s dedication to their role and willingness to be a consistent part of the household’s daily life. A salary increase is a tangible way to acknowledge and reward this dedication, reinforcing the value of their continued presence and contributions. This acknowledgment can significantly boost the helper’s morale and sense of belonging, further cementing a trusting and respectful relationship between the employer and the domestic helper.
- Experience and Skill Enhancement: Over time, domestic helpers often become more skilled and efficient in managing household tasks and understanding the family’s preferences. This increased proficiency can justify a higher salary, as it translates into a more streamlined and effective management of household duties, often leading to a higher level of satisfaction and ease for the family.
- Retention: Offering a salary increase can be a key factor in retaining a good domestic helper. It shows that their work is valued and that the employer is committed to a fair and rewarding work relationship.
- Positive Work Environment: Demonstrating appreciation through salary increases can contribute to a positive work environment. This can lead to better job satisfaction and a more harmonious relationship between the employer and the helper.
It’s important for employers to have open and transparent discussions about salary with their domestic helpers, considering the helper’s perspective and needs as well. This approach helps in maintaining a respectful and mutually beneficial working relationship.
Alternatives To Increasing Domestic Helper’s Salary
If directly increasing a domestic helper’s salary isn’t feasible or desired, there are several alternative ways to recognize and reward their work:
- Performance Bonuses: Offer bonuses for exceptional work or during times of increased workload, such as Christmas or Chinese New Year cash handout.
- Paid Time Off: Provide additional paid leave days. This not only gives your helper a well-deserved break but also shows appreciation for their hard work.
- Flexible Working Hours: If you cannot increase your helper’s salary, try offering your helper more flexible working hours, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Training and Development Opportunities: Invest in their personal and professional development by funding training courses or workshops that can enhance their skills. For example, HelperChoice is partnered with Enrich HK and provides FREE financial literacy workshop for foreign domestic workers (fdw) in Hong Kong.
See also: Free Classes For Foreign Domestic Workers In Hong Kong - Improved Living Conditions: If the domestic helper lives with the family, upgrades to their living quarters or amenities can significantly improve their quality of life.
- Health Insurance or Medical Benefits: Providing a comprehensive health insurance or covering medical expenses can be a significant benefit, especially if the helper does not already have this coverage.
See also: Mandatory Domestic Helper Insurance In Hong Kong - Travel Allowance: Offer to cover flight costs or provide an annual travel allowance, especially during Christmas season. Most foreign domestic helpers travel home for Christmas.
- Gifts: Gifts during holidays, birthdays, or as a token of appreciation can be meaningful. These could include household items, electronic gadgets, good food or vouchers.
See also: 7 Best Christmas Gifts For Domestic Helpers 2023
You might also be interested in:
- Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
- How To Hire A Domestic Helper Online?
- 10 Tips To Help Your Helpers Deal With Emotional Distress
- Relieve Shoulder Pain: Effective Stretching Exercises for Domestic Helpers
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 services specifically for Filipino maids. With a vast network, HelperChoice has successfully served over 75,000 employers in Hong Kong and Singapore, providing 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 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 information, please contact us via Whatsapp.
How To Hire A Domestic Helper On HelperChoice Platform?
HelperChoice offers a convenient online platform for foreign domestic helpers matching services. Employers can register an account and post job ads for free. Employers can also filter and review domestic helper profiles based on criteria like year of working experience, age, nationality, cooking skills, employment contract status (finished contract, break contract, terminated contract or overseas contract), current living region, any reference letter from the previous employer. Once you decide to hire a domestic worker, you may contact HelperChoice team to process helper’s employment contract and visa application for you at the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. If you apply for an overseas domestic worker’s visa, it will take around 3 months time to complete the process at the Immigration Department. If your domestic worker is already in Hong Kong and has finished employment contract, the visa processing time will be shortened to 6 weeks.