Do you allow your domestic helper to use her smartphone during working hours? 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’s phone use during work, employers are torn between what is ‘practical’ and what is ‘ethical’. Experienced employers often discuss phone use during the interview ...
Read More
[Chinese version following English version] As the Hong Kong Labour Department is expected to announce the foreign domestic workers minimum wage reevaluation by the end of the month, HelperChoice analyzed the data of more than 2,000 job ads posted on its platform from 1 October 2017 to 31 July 2018. The study reveals a very encouraging trend: for the 2nd consecutive year, the average salary offered by employers located in Hong Kong increased ...
Read More
By law, employment agencies in Hong Kong are only allowed to charge foreign domestic helpers no more than 10% of their first month wage as placement fees. However, some agencies charge the domestic helpers illegal fees directly, and many employers have a limited knowledge of such practice because it causes no additional costs to them. Such practices place domestic helpers at risk of debt bondage and forced labour. While the Hong ...
Read More
Being worried about our loved ones when we are not around is natural. We all want – even feel the need – to make sure that they are safe and sound. It is comprehensible that some employers are choosing to install cameras to monitor how their loved ones are being treated by the helper they have hired to care for them when they are not at home. Installing a camera at ...
Read More
It's never easy to let someone else take care of your baby. Are you ready for your domestic helper to take care of your baby? In Asia, it is common practice for parents to let the domestic helper take care of their baby. Although everybody agrees on how convenient this arrangement is, it is often pretty tough for mummies to leave their little love to the care of a stranger - ...
Read More
As summer is looming, most of us are already dreading the hot temperatures. One of the main annoyances is definitely managing to sleep under elevated temperatures. Although the ideal sleeping temperature differs for each of us, research has shown that weather does affect sleep and hot temperature can cause more stress – of course, this varies greatly across individuals – resulting in sleeping disorders. Achieving a cooler room temperature is crucial ...
Read More
Improving your helper's skills is key to a smooth-running household Employers sometimes overlook the importance of upskilling their domestic workers. Some say it’s a waste of time, while others claim it’s not necessary. But not upskilling your helper before she starts to work can actually cost you more than you realise. So where do you begin? Here are some tips on how to properly train helpers. #1 Show them your cleaning style Cleaning ...
Read More
Reducing human carbon footprint has become a major concern for many environmentally conscious individuals. There has been an increased awareness of the necessity to develop green practices as things seem more pressing than ever. Many of us are making conscious efforts and doing our bit by operating lifestyle changes. Things are changing – undeniably – slowly, but they are. However, for our efforts to truly have an impact, it is essential that everyone ...
Read More
The year 1898 was a historic date for the Republic of the Philippines as it marked its independence from Spain. The Philippines have had a long history of being a colony as the nation was first under Spanish rule and then American influence – but also occupied for several years by the Japanese during World War II. After a few failed Spanish attempts to colonize the country starting in 1521 ...
Read More
Your summer holidays are getting closer and you are planning to travel with your family. Have you thought about your helper's activities when you are out of town? You may let her stay at home in Hong Kong, take her with you on vacation or give her the opportunity to enjoy her annual leave at her home country. In any case, you have to anticipate and make sure you will ...
Read More