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 ...
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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 ...
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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 - ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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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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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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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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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