{"id":1583,"date":"2018-10-08T18:30:03","date_gmt":"2018-10-08T10:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/blog\/?p=1583"},"modified":"2026-01-13T03:52:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T19:52:37","slug":"smartphones-and-domestic-helpers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/smartphones-and-domestic-helpers\/","title":{"rendered":"Helpful Ways to Manage Your Domestic Helper’s Smartphone Use"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you allow your domestic helper to use her smartphone during working hours?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smartphones and social media have made it much easier for all of us, including domestic helpers, to be connected, but some employers see this as a curse. When it comes to the question of helper\u2019s phone use during work, employers are torn between what is \u2018practical\u2019 and what is \u2018ethical\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experienced employers often discuss phone use during the interview to make sure the helper understands their house rules. On the other hand, first-time employers may realise the smartphone issue only when their new domestic helper starts working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The difficulty lays in different mindsets and ways of thinking: The employer wants the helper to have full attention on her household and childcare duties. The helper has left her family behind and wants to speak to them when they are available \u2013 as this may not coincide with when she is free. For the helper, using the phone is not a problem as long as she finishes her work. The employer, however, may see this as defiance and evidence of the helper not doing her job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitting down with your helper to discuss phone usage during work may not be easy. How do you make sure you are fair when try to avoid your domestic helper using her phone excessively during work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have prepared you some house rule ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n