Costs & Benefits of Engaging a Domestic Helper

By Joanne Poh, 21 January 2019 3108

For many Singapore households, it is the birth of a child that prompts them to ask this question: “Should we hire a domestic helper”?

Inviting a stranger to share your home is not to be taken lightly. Yet the assistance domestic helpers can offer makes them indispensable to households already stretched by demands on their time.

If you are pondering whether or not to hire a domestic helper for your family, here are some factors to consider.
 

Benefits



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Relatively inexpensive salaries

The monthly salaries of domestic workers are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of childcare and eldercare facilities. The minimum salary is currently $570/month for Filipino domestic helpers is currently $570 and $550/month for Indonesian helpers. For families with children who would otherwise need to be put in childcare or elderly parents who need constant assistance, hiring a domestic helper can often be an economical choice.

Greater availability and wider job scope than part-time helper

Families who prefer not to hire a live-in domestic helper have the option of hiring a part-time helper who comes in periodically. However, a live-in domestic helper, in addition to being more affordable per hour, is also much more available and can be deployed to complete a wide range of tasks. In addition to the usual cooking and cleaning, domestic helpers can do everything from picking the kids up from school to doing the groceries. They are also available around the clock in the event of emergencies, although employers should take care to ensure their helpers get enough rest and free time.

Gaining a friend

A helper is not just someone who works for you, but a part of the household. Families who respect their helpers and make the effort to include them in the family’s activities will have gained not only a pair of helping hands but also a friend. Some domestic helpers stay with a household for over a decade and become a part of the family.

More relaxation and quality time with your child


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With an extra pair of hands to help out with cooking, cleaning and other chores such as shopping for groceries, the busy heads of the family can spend time on the things that matter. As a parent, engaging a domestic helper enables you to spend more quality time with your kids rather than having to labour over mundane tasks. No matter how busy work keeps you, once you arrive home you’ll be able to relax and spend time in ways that can strengthen the bond between you and your child. Having a helper you can trust can also enrich your family in other ways. For instance, domestic helpers who are experienced in looking after children can often give stressed-out parents a listening ear and offer recommendations on how to better manage their kids..

Better communication with and understanding of your child

In observing your child’s interactions with your domestic helper, you will also see a new side of him or her you have never seen before. You will have the chance to teach your child to respect others, show appreciation and interact with new people, all of which contribute to making him or her a better person.
 

Costs



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Loss of space and privacy

You will need to set aside a spare room or at least a private sleeping area for your domestic helper, which can be tough if your household already suffers from space constraints. You will also have to get used to having someone who is not part of the family in the home.

Supervision and training of your domestic helper

Even if your domestic helper has already had experience working in other households, it is still your responsibility to train her and ensure she knows how things are done in your household. You will also need to supervise your helper closely, especially at the start, to ensure she is carrying out her duties correctly.

Just as working adults in Singapore need to constantly upgrade their skills, it can be beneficial for your domestic helper to attend classes. Some options include cooking classes so she can make your favourite dishes, as well as hobby classes like photography so she can pursue a personal interest. These classes will, of course, represent an additional cost to you, the employer.

Costs of salary, food, healthcare and maid insurance

Hiring a domestic helper also means being responsible for supporting her. Other than paying her salary, you will have to foot the bill for her food, healthcare and maid insurance. Your helper deserves to eat as well as anyone else in your household, so you will have to budget a similar amount as you do for yourself. You should also keep your helper insured with a policy such as Income’s Domestic Helper Insurance. From just $7.23/month for our basic plan, you can get yourself and your helper covered for personal accident, hospital and surgical expenses and wage compensation.


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When trying to decide if it is time for your household to hire a domestic helper, remember to consider the pros and cons to ensure you are able to discharge your duties as a responsible employer. If you feel ready to welcome a domestic helper into your home, the time savings and other intangible benefits you’ll enjoy can contribute greatly to a happier, more relaxed household.

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