Author: Mahee from HelperChoice

Alternatives to Hiring A Foreign Domestic Worker

Should I go for a foreign domestic helper? Foreign domestic helpers have become part of our everyday life and definitely contribute to making our lives easier and make it possible for many of us to have a full-time job in Hong Kong. No matter how convenient it is, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the leap. Ask yourself: What are my needs? How much do I ...

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Educating Your Helper on Healthy Cooking Practices

Diet-related diseases are on the rise and have become a global problem. The good news is that many of us are increasingly more conscious that adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial (by paying extra attention to what’s on our plates among other things). Preparing our meals from scratch undeniably makes it easier to control what we – and our loved ones – are eating. But for many of us, that ...

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Can I Add More Domestic Worker House Rules After I Have Hired Her?

It is important to set expectations and daily schedules and to stick to those. But that does not mean that you cannot add more house rules if you think there is a need for this. "Our helper was great when she started, but she just does not follow instructions anymore. She is great with the children so I don't want to fire her, but things need to change." Managing a domestic ...

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Setting a schedule is a major part of ensuring that you get the best cleaning results

3 Tips to Help Your Domestic Helper Organise Their Cleaning Work

You’ve found a domestic helper but you’re not quite sure how to assist them in doing a great job. From scrubbing sinks and cleaning kitchen cupboards to vacuuming rugs and polishing glass, there are so many cleaning tasks in your home, and it really is a win-win for you and your domestic helpers if you can help your helpers do their best. With that said, let’s look at three top ...

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How to communicate with your domestic helper when there are problems

Help Your Helper Overcome Language Barriers

It is important to build a healthy relationship with your helper right from the start to ensure things go as smoothly as you had pictured. However, this can sometimes be tough as communication – which can make or break a relationship – can be hindered by several factors including language. Language can be a huge barrier often leading to miscommunications and as a result of frustrations (especially over safety concerns). Sign ...

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woman looking out window in airport

HelperChoice Survey – Foreign Domestic Workers’ Biggest Fears and Dreams

HelperChoice interviewed about 150 domestic workers based in Hong Kong (67%), Singapore (12%), in some Gulf countries (13%) and other countries of Asia to know more about their fears and dreams. The majority of the domestic workers are women coming from developing countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh -  where they have little to no opportunity to find a well-paid job as they are often from the poorer countryside. ...

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What to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Cooking Class for Your Helper

Signing your domestic helper up for a cooking course to improve her skills is an investment, but it can be extremely valuable to both of you. Choosing a cooking class in Hong Kong is no easy task given the multiple options available out there. Various factors can definitely make the task easier and help you pick the most appropriate one for your helper. Identify your domestic helper’s needs Having clarity on ...

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Helpers and Employers at the Christmas Party

HelperChoice Christmas Party 2017: Connecting Helpers & Employers around Wine Tasting

One of HelperChoice’s core missions is to help domestic workers and employers “connect together”. The ethical online platform was firstly created in 2012 to support employers who would like to find a new helper and conversely for helpers to find new families. But the scope of this motto is not limited only to the recruitment! HelperChoice organises also free events so that both employers and helpers can meet and enjoy ...

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Why People in Hong Kong Can’t Get by Without Their Domestic Helpers

After having employed a domestic helper, many employers feel like they cannot be without helpers. If you’ve just arrived in Hong Kong or never had a helper, find out why so many people swear by employing one. 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 ...

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Survey: More Than 30% Helpers Will Offer a Christmas Gift to Their Employer

HelperChoice survey - More than a third of the domestic helpers plan to offer a gift for Christmas to their employer. What about you? HelperChoice interviewed more than 100 domestic workers based in Hong Kong, Singapore but also in some Gulf countries (mostly Filipino) to know more about how they are going to celebrate Christmas. In this article, you will know more about the kinds of gifts domestic helpers would like ...

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