{"id":2322,"date":"2017-12-03T17:16:16","date_gmt":"2017-12-03T09:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.helperchoice.com\/?p=2322"},"modified":"2026-01-13T02:48:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T18:48:17","slug":"cannot-be-without-helper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/","title":{"rendered":"Why People in Hong Kong Can\u2019t Get by Without Their Domestic Helpers"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5><\/h5>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14509\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14509\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14509\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Why-People-in-Hong-Kong-Cant-Get-by-Without-Their-Domestic-Helpers.png\" alt=\"happy asian family\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14509\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Why People in Hong Kong Can\u2019t Get by Without Their Domestic Helpers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"After_having_employed_a_domestic_helper_many_employers_feel_like_they_cannot_be_without_helpers_If_youve_just_arrived_in_Hong_Kong_or_never_had_a_helper_find_out_why_so_many_people_swear_by_employing_one\"><\/span>After having employed a domestic helper, many employers feel like they cannot be without helpers. If you\u2019ve just arrived in Hong Kong or never had a helper, find out why so many people swear by employing one.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><!--more--><\/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-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#After_having_employed_a_domestic_helper_many_employers_feel_like_they_cannot_be_without_helpers_If_youve_just_arrived_in_Hong_Kong_or_never_had_a_helper_find_out_why_so_many_people_swear_by_employing_one\" >After having employed a domestic helper, many employers feel like they cannot be without helpers. If you\u2019ve just arrived in Hong Kong or never had a helper, find out why so many people swear by employing one.<\/a><\/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\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#1_It_makes_working_life_easier\" >1) It makes working life easier<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#2_Domestic_helpers_are_amazing_people\" >2) Domestic helpers are amazing people<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#3_Dont_be_a_stress_ball\" >3) Don\u2019t be a stress ball<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#4_Its_affordable_and_readily_available\" >4) It\u2019s affordable and readily available<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#5_An_extra_pair_of_hands_at_home\" >5) An extra pair of hands at home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#6_You_can_sleep_in\" >6) You can sleep in<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#7_Your_house_is_always_clean_well_almost\" >7) Your house is always clean, well almost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#8_You_can_enjoy_life_AND_spend_time_with_the_kids\" >8) You can enjoy life AND spend time with the kids<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#What_Makes_a_Good_Employer-Helper_Relationship\" >What Makes a Good Employer-Helper Relationship<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#Set_Expectations_Clearly\" >Set Expectations Clearly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#Respect_Legal_Rights_and_Benefits\" >Respect Legal Rights and Benefits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#Foster_Open_Communication\" >Foster Open Communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#Create_a_Positive_Home_Environment\" >Create a Positive Home Environment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/cannot-be-without-helper\/#Common_Concerns_%E2%80%94_and_How_Theyre_Addressed\" >Common Concerns \u2014 and How They\u2019re Addressed<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_It_makes_working_life_easier\"><\/span>1) It makes working life easier<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to rush home to make dinner or to pick up the children. And when your children are sick, you don\u2019t need to call your boss with an \u201cexcuse\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Domestic_helpers_are_amazing_people\"><\/span>2) Domestic helpers are amazing people<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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\u2019s a great quality for your children to grow up with.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Dont_be_a_stress_ball\"><\/span>3) Don\u2019t be a stress ball<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When you leave work, you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Its_affordable_and_readily_available\"><\/span>4) It\u2019s affordable and readily available<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_An_extra_pair_of_hands_at_home\"><\/span>5) An extra pair of hands at home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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\u2019s not as tough.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_You_can_sleep_in\"><\/span>6) You can sleep in<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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\u2019t need to wake up earlier to start cleaning or making breakfast.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Your_house_is_always_clean_well_almost\"><\/span>7) Your house is always clean, well almost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most helpers are very proud of the work they do and their ability to keep the house clean and tidy. It\u2019s not always easy with children, but with your helper around, things will be as clean as possible.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_You_can_enjoy_life_AND_spend_time_with_the_kids\"><\/span>8) You can enjoy life AND spend time with the kids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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\u2019t ever feel guilty for spending time with your kids!<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3554\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_a_Good_Employer-Helper_Relationship\"><\/span>What Makes a Good Employer-Helper Relationship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3556\" data-end=\"3692\">Having a helper can be life-changing, but the best outcomes come from respectful partnerships built on clear communication and fairness.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"3722\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Set_Expectations_Clearly\"><\/span>Set Expectations Clearly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3723\" data-end=\"3880\">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.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3882\" data-end=\"3919\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respect_Legal_Rights_and_Benefits\"><\/span>Respect Legal Rights and Benefits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3921\" data-end=\"3998\">In places like Hong Kong, helpers are legally entitled to conditions such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4000\" data-end=\"4167\">\n<li data-start=\"4000\" data-end=\"4053\">\n<p data-start=\"4002\" data-end=\"4053\">Minimum monthly wage, set by government standards<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4054\" data-end=\"4073\">\n<p data-start=\"4056\" data-end=\"4073\">Weekly rest day<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4074\" data-end=\"4167\">\n<p data-start=\"4076\" data-end=\"4167\">Paid statutory holidays and paid leave under local law<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4169\" data-end=\"4247\">Fair treatment leads to greater loyalty, dependability, and long-term harmony.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4249\" data-end=\"4278\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Foster_Open_Communication\"><\/span>Foster Open Communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4280\" data-end=\"4403\">Encourage helpers to share questions, concerns, or suggestions they have. Regular check-ins help prevent misunderstandings.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4405\" data-end=\"4443\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_a_Positive_Home_Environment\"><\/span>Create a Positive Home Environment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4445\" data-end=\"4597\">Kindness and appreciation strengthen trust and commitment. A helper who feels valued is more likely to bring care, diligence, and stability to her work.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4604\" data-end=\"4650\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Concerns_%E2%80%94_and_How_Theyre_Addressed\"><\/span>Common Concerns \u2014 and How They\u2019re Addressed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4652\" data-end=\"4711\">Even with all the benefits, families sometimes worry about:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4713\" data-end=\"4819\"><strong data-start=\"4713\" data-end=\"4731\">High turnover:<\/strong> This often happens when helpers feel unclear about duties or unsupported in their work.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4821\" data-end=\"4922\"><strong data-start=\"4821\" data-end=\"4846\">Cultural differences:<\/strong> Talking openly about preferences and learning from each other bridges gaps.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"5050\"><strong data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4945\">Workload balance:<\/strong> A balanced schedule that respects rest days and personal time boosts long-term satisfaction for helpers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5052\" data-end=\"5176\">When employers approach these challenges with patience and fairness, the working relationship becomes strong and meaningful.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not always sunshine and butterflies with a helper. But when it is, it is so nice. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/hong-kong\">Find the right match for yourself<\/a> and find out why so many employers cannot be without helpers. What are you waiting for?<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After having employed a domestic helper, many employers feel like they cannot be without helpers. If you\u2019ve just arrived in Hong Kong or never had a helper, find out why so many people swear by employing one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"From work\u2013life balance to family time, discover why so many Hong Kong families rely on domestic helpers\u2014and how HelperChoice supports ethical hiring.","title":"Why People in Hong Kong Can\u2019t Get by Without Their Domestic Helpers - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-you-and-helper"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2322","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=2322"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14511,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2322\/revisions\/14511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}