If you usually employ house helpers, you know how stressful it is to find a really good one. They perform domestic chores such as laundry, ironing, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, cooking, and caring for the kids (if there are any). Now, imagine finding one and in less than a month, he or she says they have to leave for whatever reason, leaving you desperate and with pressure to search for a new one. The idea of having to train someone new all over again is also frustrating.
There are those that leave because they’ve found a better offer. But when they notice that the increase in money is not worth it, considering the work, they sometimes request to come back because at least you weren’t overworking them. Sometimes it’s tricky to take that person in again, because they seem unreliable. For people with kids, it’s even worse, imagine being told in short notice that the househelp is leaving, yet you have to go to work that same day and there is no one to babysit.
About a year ago, God answered my prayers. I needed a long-term house manager. Someone connected me to this great woman. I have always feared hiring someone older than me because they, in most cases, want to treat you like a child and, therefore, want to make decisions for you, a thing I hate. They cross boundaries and at times you may even fear to tell them to do certain tasks. But this lady is not like that at all. I gave her a 15-minute briefing and she was in the system. She doesn’t sleepover, she just comes in the morning, does the cleaning and other chores, prepares dinner and goes back to her home. Whether I am home or not, I will find food ready, and I mean tasty food. She is organised, clean, and humble. In case she makes a mistake she is quick to say sorry, and promises to do better. She doesn’t get annoyed when you suggest a few other ways of doing things. At first I thought she was acting since she was new, but that’s just who she is. I exaggerate not, this lady is everything anyone will ever need in a house manager. But I have also noticed that what makes it easy for her to work for me, is because I respect her. It’s easy to get respect when you give it.
How do you talk to your househelp? If you are the kind of person that yells at them, then they will feel disrespected because they are also human. Regardless of the mistake they made, sit them down and talk to them. No one is perfect.
They need to be paid well. You know their tasks so make it worthwhile. Imagine someone who is occupied with work from morning until they go to bed, but is paid peanuts, and has their own family to cater for, perhaps. If the money is little, they won’t work for long. Offer a promotion when they show improvement. If someone has worked for you for a year or more, why not increase their payment to encourage them? As you buy gifts for your family members, remember them as well. It may not be every month, but at least once in a while, show them that you appreciate their efforts. Don’t isolate them. For Christ’s sake, house-helps are not supposed to eat from the kitchen. They are part of the family, which is why you should dine with them. Why should they eat beans, yet you’re feasting on chicken or meat? It’s not right. Why won’t such a person quit if they are treated that way?
Offer them some time to rest. Everyone is entitled to time off and rest, they are not machines. Give them a day or so off, just to themselves. Or if they ask to attend a certain event, give them permission.
Sometimes they need to confide in you, provide a listening ear. Mine found a friend in me, so much that she feels she can trust me with anything. Some people think when you befriend house helpers, they will cross boundaries, but it’s not true. Homes should be a happy and comfortable place for them as well. Do not mistreat them; treat other people with the concern and kindness you would like them to show you.