Establishing House Rules for Your Maid

Before welcoming your maid into your home, it may be a good idea to draw up a list with your spouse. Your list could include the duties she is supposed to do, your expectations of her performance, house rules, and so on. It is important to be as detailed as possible so that your maid doesn't have trouble understanding what is expected of her. Keeping a copy and handing her another copy lets both of you use the list as a checklist. Handing your maid the list on her first day prevents complications that may arise later, such as confusion over duties and working hours.

Privacy

Make clear to your maid that privacy is very important. Therefore, actions such as inviting fellow maids or other persons when nobody is at home are not allowed.

Give her space

As much as you value your privacy, your maid also values hers. Do not pry into her personal affairs, such as letters, phone calls she makes on her mobile phone when her working hours are over, or where she goes. The children should also be taught to respect her privacy. However, if your maid is showing signs of depression or anxiety, perhaps it is time to see what is wrong.

Respect

Respect is very important. Your maid is working for you, but that is not a reason to disrespect her and treat her unfairly. Children imitate their parents' actions. Respecting your maid not only eases the relationship between you and your maid, but also sets a good example for the children. Respecting your maid and treating her fairly can even bring about better results in her work attitude. Mrs. Lim, a business owner, shares of her former maid: "We treated her like one of the family and she had no problems settling in and at times even went the extra mile to get things done for us."

Religious beliefs

Let her take the day off on her religious holiday so she can visit her place of worship. Also, don't force your maid to do something (like eating meat) if it's against her religious beliefs.

Talk

Communication between you and your maid is very important. Being approachable allows your maid to trust and even confide in you. If you find that your maid is doing something against your rules, tell her immediately. Keeping it inside will only make the problem worse and harder to resolve. If she has made a mistake, talk to her calmly in private. Raised voices can only cause distress and negative feelings.

Rest

A well-rested employee is more productive and better adjusted. Hence, you should ensure that your worker has sufficient rest, especially during the night and on days off. A happy and well-treated worker will give you less trouble than one who is unhappy. All you need to do is manage your maid properly and she will find it a delight to work for you.

Example house rules and expectations for a house helper

• Tie up your hair neatly at all times when working.

• Do not wear sleeveless or revealing clothes when you are working. For accessories, a ring or watch is OK.

• Bathe every day and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Change your clothes whenever they are dirty.

• No smoking. Please don't apply strong perfume or liniment.

• If you are not feeling well, let us know so we can address the problem.

• Always keep your room neat, clean, and tidy.

• Keep your fingernails and toenails short and clean. Cut your nails in the bathroom.

• Always wash your hands with soap after using the toilet, after doing your chores, after eating, when we come home from outside, before cooking, before preparing food, and before feeding or taking care of the baby.

• Never eat in the bedroom.

• Listen carefully to instructions and follow them.

• Be humble, mature, and responsible. If you are told you have done something wrong, apologize and do it correctly next time.

• Be polite and greet everyone who comes to our house.

• Please do not talk to outsiders without our permission.

• Do not open the door to any stranger without our permission. We will tell you if someone is coming.

• Answer the phone if you are alone at home and not busy with the baby. If it is someone else, say we are not home and ask them to leave their name and phone number. Do not give our phone numbers to any stranger.

• Enter our rooms only if we tell you to, or ask our permission first.

• Do not let the baby go to the kitchen, balcony, rooftop, or outside the main door without our permission. NEVER keep the baby out of your sight.

• You are given your own soap and shampoo. Please do not use the toiletries in our bathroom or the cosmetics in our bedroom.

• Do not watch TV, play games, browse Facebook, or read when you are supposed to be working or taking care of the baby. You can do these after you have finished your chores.

• Your cell phone should be off and kept away during working time, so you are not distracted when taking care of the baby.

• Please tell us if you hurt yourself. We want you to get treated immediately in the right way.

• What happens inside the house must be kept private.

• Always be honest and tell the truth.

• Never take anything (clothes, things, money, or food) that does not belong to you.

• Taking care of the baby is your most important job. Take care of her well, then do housework.

• If you think the baby is sick, tell us immediately.