HELPERS: 6 Key Questions

Struggling to juggle the career, cooking and kids? Happily, there are diligent and conscientious women living in Singapore and working to support their families in their home countries who can lend you a hand. Here are some key things worth knowing about helpers and how to hire them.

1 “HOW MUCH DOES A HELPER COST?”

Part-time helpers are available for between $10 and $20 an hour, and can be hired independently or through a company. Full-time, live-in maids cost between $450 and $750 a month, depending on their experience. Employers must also pay a monthly levy ($300, or $450 for a second helper) to the Singaporean government, plus a one-time security bond of $5,000 (not paid upfront but covered under the insurance scheme). Some deductions and wavers are available on the levy.

2 “WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN EMPLOYER?”

Employers are responsible for providing accommodation, insurance, food and medical care for their maids, in addition to hiring costs, airfares for bi-annual home leave, transfer costs and an annual bonus. First-time employers or those who’ve changed helpers frequently must complete a compulsory Employer’s Orientation Programme that provides a basic understanding of role and responsibilities (three hours, $30); visit mom.gov.sg for details.

3 “HOW MANY DAYS OFF SHOULD I GIVE MY HELPER?”

Most expats give their helper every Sunday and public holidays off, plus a two-week holiday every two years to their home country. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) mandates that all employers must give helpers one day off per week (or fairly compensate them, should they be required to work).

4 “WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO HIRE A HELPER?”

Fees vary, but for around $400 a maid agency will find you a maid, and will usually give you the chance to interview several. Alternatively, you can source a maid yourself and complete the paperwork on the MOM website. Some expats who are leaving Singapore help their maid to find work by advertising on noticeboards, Facebook forums or by word of mouth. Note: be wary of taking the word of an ex-employer if they are transferring a helper and changing to a new one; they can sometimes be generous with the truth in order to “move them on”.

5 “ARE THERE ENRICHMENT CLASSES MY HELPER CAN ENROL IN?”

Yes, Singapore has a huge variety of enrichment courses and classes for helpers, from cooking and baking, to sewing and first aid. Some are held during the week; others are subsidised through charitable organisations and take place on Sundays.

6 “I’M NOT REALLY USED TO HAVING AN ‘EMPLOYEE’. HOW CAN I BE A GOOD BOSS?”

While it’s not mentioned specifically in any employment agreement, it goes without saying that everyone should strive to be a good employer. To do this, try to put yourself in your helper’s shoes; they’re in a foreign country, away from family (often young children), working for a different family with different expectations and viewpoints. So, be understanding and kind. If there are bumps on the road, be calm and constructive; work through the issues like you would in a business relationship. Aim to do regular reviews, perhaps quarterly, to nip any potential problems in the bud. And be sure to ask feedback from your helper, too.