{"id":2231,"date":"2019-10-20T01:04:54","date_gmt":"2019-10-19T17:04:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.helperchoice.com\/?p=2231"},"modified":"2026-01-15T02:22:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:22:46","slug":"domestic-helper-cultural-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-cultural-differences\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with Domestic Helper Cultural Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weve_all_heard_about_cultural_differences_especially_in_families_with_domestic_helpers_But_what_are_common_cultural_differences_and_how_can_you_avoid_letting_them_turn_into_issues\"><\/span>We\u2019ve all heard about cultural differences, especially in families with domestic helpers. But what are common cultural differences and how can you avoid letting them turn into issues?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to varying upbringings, cultures and situational factors, people from different backgrounds do many things differently. Just as German and French people have different eating habits, so do we all have different habits around the house.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-6' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-6'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-6' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-6'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-6' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-6'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-6' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-6'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-cultural-differences\/#Weve_all_heard_about_cultural_differences_especially_in_families_with_domestic_helpers_But_what_are_common_cultural_differences_and_how_can_you_avoid_letting_them_turn_into_issues\" >We\u2019ve all heard about cultural differences, especially in families with domestic helpers. But what are common cultural differences and how can you avoid letting them turn into issues?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-cultural-differences\/#But_with_my_last_helper_there_were_no_cultural_differences\" >But with my last helper there were no cultural differences<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-cultural-differences\/#Cultural_differences_vs_Habits\" >Cultural differences vs. Habits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-cultural-differences\/#What_can_I_do_to_limit_the_impact_of_cultural_differences\" >What can I do to limit the impact of cultural differences?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-cultural-differences\/#Turning_Differences_Into_Understanding\" >Turning Differences Into Understanding<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>We have often heard about the big cultural differences, but it is especially the small ones that lead to frowned eyebrows and frustrated sighs. When it comes to cultural differences with your domestic helper, we mostly deal with the private household culture where cultural differences are often hidden. After all, you don\u2019t ask a visiting friend to clean the bathroom or pack the fridge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-345x230.jpeg 345w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-770x513.jpeg 770w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-370x247.jpeg 370w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-440x294.jpeg 440w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-570x380.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af-170x113.jpeg 170w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/photo-1573495804664-b1c0849525af.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"But_with_my_last_helper_there_were_no_cultural_differences\"><\/span>But with my last helper there were no cultural differences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Consciously or unconsciously, we benchmark our helpers against their predecessors, but this can be unfair, especially in the first months. In the first months you are really training your helper and building a relationship of trust. If you constantly compare your new helper with the old one who had more experience, it will probably never work with your new helper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give your new helper time to adjust. Your previous domestic worker probably was also not perfect at the beginning. She also had to learn your household\u2019s way of doing things. Every helper is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cultural_differences_vs_Habits\"><\/span>Cultural differences vs. Habits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When your helper does something, or does not, you may be baffled and perplexed by it at first. What you will have to find out is if it is a cultural difference or a habit. This depends on the duty but also her previous experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A helper who has worked over ten years in Hong Kong or the Middle East will probably know how to handle garbage or use the washing machine. In this case you are more likely to deal with different habits: did her previous employer separate the laundry on colour (not everyone does) or based on material? In this case you will have to clearly communicate your expectations and habits, but you are less likely to deal with cultural differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the helper is a first-timer she will probably face more cultural differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You don\u2019t understand why she always uses bottled water, even to cook spaghetti and wash the vegetables. She is not doing this to make you spend more money, instead she is doing this because she doesn\u2019t trust tap water \u2013 even when it\u2019s boiled. This may very well have to do with her upbringing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You don\u2019t understand why she uses so much salt and sugar when cooking. Your helper may do this because that is what she is used to back home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You don\u2019t understand why she doesn\u2019t use the fridge for all the same items you do. Perhaps this is because of different ways of doing things in her home country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-1024x680.jpeg\" alt=\"problems in the house, angry face on a woman\" class=\"wp-image-6813\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-1024x680.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-768x510.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-345x230.jpeg 345w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-370x247.jpeg 370w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-440x293.jpeg 440w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-570x380.jpeg 570w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a-170x113.jpeg 170w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/photo-1478380967566-2721c6568d8a.jpeg 1506w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_can_I_do_to_limit_the_impact_of_cultural_differences\"><\/span>What can I do to limit the impact of cultural differences?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be extremely frustrating for both the employer and helper to handle domestic helper cultural differences. But there is something that can be done to limit the annoyances and to understand each other better. After all, your household will be most peaceful when there are no conflicts and misunderstandings. &nbsp;In general, there are a few things you as an employer can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask yourself if your instructions were clear. Your helper is likely not a native English speaker so maybe she did not understand you clearly. Did you speak too fast? Did you use vague words? At the end of the day if she doesn\u2019t understand you, she will not be able to do her job as well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask her questions. Before you tell her to use any of your appliances, ask her if she knows how to use them correctly. She may never have used a food processor or slow cooker. If you are unsure, show her first how to use the appliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give clear instructions. Don\u2019t say: \u201cplease do the laundry today\u201d. Instead tell her: \u201cI want you to wash all the black and dark blue clothes on 40 degrees.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage her. If she does something differently from how you would do it, ask her why. She may tell you this is how it is done at her home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be approachable. Let her know that it is ok to make mistakes, but that she should come to you if she doesn\u2019t know how to do something the way you are used to.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be open to new ways. Your helper may do things differently, but that is not always bad. Perhaps her way of folding leads to less creases in your cloths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn cultural differences into positives. Easier said than done, but worth it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Turning_Differences_Into_Understanding\"><\/span>Turning Differences Into Understanding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cultural differences don\u2019t have to be a source of tension. When handled with patience and clear communication, they often become opportunities to understand each other better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At<a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/hong-kong\" title=\"\"> HelperChoice<\/a>, we believe that respectful dialogue, realistic expectations, and openness are key to building strong employer-helper relationships \u2014 especially in diverse households where cultures meet every day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ve all heard about cultural differences, especially in families with domestic helpers. But what are common cultural differences and how can you avoid letting them turn into issues? Due to varying upbringings, cultures and situational factors, people from different backgrounds do many things differently. Just as German and French people have different eating habits, so [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":2239,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Common cultural differences with domestic helpers and practical ways employers can reduce misunderstandings through clear communication and patience.","title":"Dealing with Domestic Helper Cultural Differences - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[544],"class_list":["post-2231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture-guide","tag-bridging-differences"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/DSC_0198-e1452758473193.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2231"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14613,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2231\/revisions\/14613"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}