How To Align Employer Expectations And Maid Performance?

Are you expecting too much from your maid?

This is a reflection that one must honestly make.

In Singapore, many employers and maids struggle because what employers expect and what maids do are often not the same. 

This can lead to frustration and problems in their working relationship. 😤 

Why does this occur? Hint: It is the lack of clear communication.

Unequal Power Leads To Poor Communication

Source: Pexels

Employers often have high expectations for their maids.

Maids are expected to understand instructions and do work without much explanation.

Because most maids feel they have less power, they might agree to these expectations without fully understanding them. 

They employ a “just work and learn from getting scolded” mentality. 😞

When their work doesn’t meet the employer’s expectations, they often stay quiet, leading to ongoing misunderstandings.

Yet in the long run, this can lead to maids not voicing their work concerns, often leading to poor work.

The Singaporean Way Can Be Intimidating To Maids That Are Not Used To The Culture

Source: Pexels

Singaporeans have a tendency to be quick and abrupt.

Often many come across as aggressive or unkind when telling maids what they want.

This can make maids feel scared to speak up, leading to a strained relationship where true feelings and concerns aren’t shared openly. 😨

Cultural differences make this worse.

Many maids come from rural areas with different standards regarding cleanliness and work.

🤔 Imagine if you came from a rural village and then into the big cities. It is a completely different concept of cleanliness.

While they are given training, they have years of experience ingrained in them that has to be unlearned.

Without clear communication, these differences can lead to frustration on both sides.

Employers Need To Establish Patience And Open Communication In The Relationship

Source: Pexels

Employers have the authority, and thus more responsibility to create a good relationship.

the key is to create a safe and open space where maids feel comfortable sharing their concerns without worrying about losing their jobs.

Just like in any workplace, when people feel valued and heard, relationships become stronger. 💪

Employers need to constantly talk to their maids with kindness and patience.

Seek to understand their personality, and their story if they are willing to share. Make them feel seen.

Employers should also be patient in teaching their maids what they expect.

For example, what’s considered clean in Singapore might be different from what a maid from a rural area is used to.

Give Maids Time To Learn And Adapt

Source: Pexels

For many maids, it might take time for them to adjust.

They have habits that have been built over many years, so change won’t happen quickly.

A kind guiding hand is what they require. 🖐️

Of course, there are cases where their behaviour is completely out of hand.

In such cases, it is important to tell your maid agent to seek solutions.

Treat Work Relationship With Maid The Same As With Other Singaporeans

Source: Pexels

In the end, the best way to fix these problems is through better communication and patience.

Chances are you are an employee too.

Treat your maid like how you want your boss to treat you. That is the golden rule.

Create an environment where maids feel safe to share their thoughts. 🦺

And be patient to teach them what’s expected, employers can build a better working relationship.

This approach helps both the employer and the maid, leading to better outcomes for everyone.

Related to Maid Singapore:

Is It Better To Hire a Transfer Maid In Singapore?

Pope Francis Calls For The Protection Of Migrant Domestic Workers In Speech To Singapore