Managing the workload of a domestic helper is a crucial aspect of maintaining a tidy and organised home, especially for those who lead busy lives.
With the importance of domestic helpers in households today, employers should maintain a healthy work-life balance for these vital employees.
Crazy work schedules with long work hours that start early in the morning and end late at night is not the norm that maids should endure in Singapore
While the helpers are here to work and not relax, overloading her with work will wear her out in the long run.
Furthermore, she will feel unmotivated and dread the work which may lead to other relationship issues with the employer.
A Maid Typically Work At Least 12 Hours
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Domestic helpers often work long hours, typically ranging from 12 to 16 hours a day.
A maid’s day usually begins early, around 6 am, with household chores and breakfast preparation.
Throughout the day, they are responsible for cooking, cleaning, running errands, and occasionally taking care of the elderly or childcare.
Then the day ends with cleaning and preparing dinner meals, oftentimes extending to 9 pm or later.
Many maids in Singapore put in long hours because maintaining a house requires a lot of attention.
Their level of dedication to work is truly admirable
Blurred Boundaries Between Work and Personal Time When Maids Work In Homes
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The boundaries between work and personal time are often blurred by cultural expectations and the nature of home duties.
Since many maids reside in the homes where they work, they are always accessible for assignments.
In contrast to house cleaning services, where schedules are prearranged, maids often work erratic hours in response to family demands.
Although it’s suggested, employers do not always give their helpers enough time off and a reasonable task load.
While the reasons may vary, many employers hold the view that maids are just here to solely work. (And work they must at any hour at the request of the employer😓)
Such an attitude is unhealthy and likely will not lead to a lasting relationship where the maid will quickly feel worn out and the employer will feel their work performance expectations are not met
Long Working Hours Lead To Unreliable Domestic Helpers
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How you would feel if you worked more than 12 hours a day with little breaks?
It must sound like horrible news.
Yet this is the standard for a large number of maids in Singapore.
Since the MOM is reluctant to get involved with regulations, it’s crucial for employers to understand the incentive of giving maids appropriate breaks and hours.
Fair working conditions are essential for a long-lasting relationship.
Unreasonable work expectations will lead to frequent maid turnover and develop a false mindset that maid agencies provide unreliable maids when in reality, it is the employers themselves that are the problem.
Truthfully, a rested maid performs better, which benefits the household in the long run.
Finding a Balance Between Work and Rest
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It would be unreasonable to expect her to be tending to household chores continuously throughout the day.
But, on the other hand, neither is it fair to the employer if the domestic helper takes excessive breaks.
To align on this, discuss what’s a reasonable number of breaks with your domestic helper and adapt as things move along.
A recommended approach is to ensure the maid takes a 5-minute short break every hour of work put in, excluding meal breaks.
Alternatively, set a reasonable timeline for each task where the maid can rest so long as she is on schedule.
(💡Note: Qualitative advice is prescribed here as it is difficult to give a number that fits all households. It is best that the employer seek the maid agent’s second opinion regarding working hours when discussing the job scope for their maid hire.)
Different households have different needs and care requirements for their family.
Prescribing specific working or rest hours would not be practical and could instead be overly rigid for households and MDWs.
The Importance of Communication and Mutual Understanding
The best option is to provide some flexibility in allowing both parties to reach a mutual understanding, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Instead of employers dictating everything, hear out the helper’s needs and seek to understand if they are able to manage the workload sufficiently.
If long working hours are a necessity, find an arrangement where the maid can have longer breaks on alternate days, and take extra rest days.
During off days, employers should provide these maids with uninterrupted rest and refrain from assigning them household tasks.
Both parties are encouraged to communicate openly about their respective needs and come to a mutual agreement.
Seeking Assistance When Needed
Currently, most employers provide their domestic helper with at least eight hours off.
If both parties are unable to reach an agreement, they may seek assistance from a third party such as maid agencies.
They can also access free dispute resolution services offered by the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) and the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST).
Maids without at least one non-compensable rest day may call MOM’s MDW helpline (1800 339 5505) or reach out to NGOs, such as CDE and FAST, for advice.
Managing the Workload of a Domestic Helper
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance for domestic helpers is crucial for their well-being and the overall success of the household.
By understanding the typical workday of a maid in Singapore and advocating for improved working conditions, we can create a more harmonious and productive home environment.
Remember, communication and mutual understanding are key to finding a balance between work and rest.
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