Hiring a maid should be a great thing for every household.
Less house chores to do, errands to run, and more time for hobbies and loved ones, what is there not to like right? 😀
But just like every hire, people come with potential problems and there is no guarantee that every maid is reasonable and responsible (we will not use the word perfect 😅).
Handling a difficult maid can be extremely frustrating, especially when one has went through all the time and money to bring them into the household.
When a maid start behaving out of line, it is very understandable to start scolding them.
However, it’s essential to remember that your maid is a human being too, with emotions and coping mechanisms.
Instead of getting angry or firing them, try to find a solution to the problem at hand ⏰.
The Importance Of Communication In Managing Maids
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A critical step in managing a maid is setting clear expectations and boundaries from the start.
Open and respectful communication is key, as is avoiding assumptions about a maid’s intentions or capabilities.
Employers should tailor their approach to suit their specific situation, keeping in mind that their maid is a fellow human being in an employer-employee relationship.
Communication is key to resolving any issue with your maid.
Avoid putting too many restrictions on her, and allow her some personal time to relax and recharge.
This could include allowing her to go for a stroll in the park or pursue her hobbies.
However, make sure that this freedom is not excessive, as it could lead to complacency and taking advantage of kindness
Maid Have Diffcult Time Adjusting To A New Country
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First-time domestic workers often face culture shock, struggling to adapt to life in a new country.
Language barriers, new routines, unfamiliar working conditions, and lack of a social support network can be overwhelming.
Employers can ease the transition by giving regular check-ins (patience go a long way in making the process smoother).
Addressing Bad Habits Through Calm Reminders
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Bad habits, like forgetting to turn off appliances or leaving areas untidy, can be annoying but are often unintentional.
Addressing these issues respectfully and avoiding harsh criticism or frustration is crucial.
Employers should communicate calmly and avoid micromanaging, which can lead to unnecessary tension.
Focus on developing some reminder tactics, likely puting a note near the appliance that she often forgets to switch off.
For those with poor personal hygiene, place notes or reminder cards in their room.
Offer A Second Chance But Do Not Tolerate Dishonesty
Dishonesty, such as hiding mistakes or being untruthful, can strain the employer-employee relationship.
To address this, employers should focus on creating a culture of openness and fairness.
Leading by example—if you’re transparent and respectful, your helper is more likely to reciprocate.
If the maid is caught lying red-handed, employers must stress that it is an unacceptable behaviour.
Generally, maids should be offered a second chance, but if the lying behaviour continues, even when employer has tried to create an open channel, then the relationship is not tenable.
Prevent Excessive Phone Use By Setting Work Times
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Often times, when work performance is not satisfactory, employers may blame phone usage during the day as the cause.
While excessive phone use during work hours can impact productivity and household operations, usually it is not the main factor.
(Tip: Find out the real root cause for why the work is not done properly, instead of assuming that it is the phone distraction)
Instead of outright banning phone usage, employers should set clear boundaries.
For instance, agreeing on specific times when the helper can use their phone, such as during breaks or after completing their tasks, is a reasonable approach.
In cases where the maid get the tasks done by the end of the day, her phone usage should not be an issue.
Seek A Reliable Maid Agency’s Advice And Services To Deal With Difficult Maids
It’s also crucial to work together with your maid agent to find a solution to the problem.
(💡Tip: Consider seeking the services of a reliable maid agency in Singapore, and avoid those agents that you felt have forcefully pushed through the sale.)
Unfortunatey, there is no way to guarantee a maid that is good and reliable.
Agents can only do their best to understand the job description and find the best profile of maid for the job.
But intangible things like the maid’s attitude and character may be very hard to discern since a candidate tend to be on their best behaviour when job searching.
However, things can turn for the worse when they come into Singapore for whatever reason.
Most importantly, a good maid agency will be there to assist employers with finding solutions to the problem.
Maid agents can try counselling the maid or replacing the maid without charging a service fees.
Draw A Line Against Maid’s Poor Behaviour
If your maid is consistently exhibiting poor behavior, such as coming home late, being drunk, or not being accountable for their presence at night, it’s essential to draw your boundaries and make it clear that such behavior is unacceptable.
However, before taking drastic measures, consider giving them a chance to change their behaviour, as they may be new or have certain old habits that could change if they want to keep their job.
Focus on finding a solution that works for both you and your maid.
Remember that no matter how difficult a maid is being, they are a human being who deserves respect and empathy.
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