How to Care for and Work with Your Helper Day-to-Day

Building a positive and productive relationship with your helper involves empathy, clear communication, and a flexible routine. Here are some essential tips to help you and your helper create a harmonious and efficient working relationship.

Establishing Clear Roles and Expectations

Before anything else, it's crucial to set clear expectations and define the primary reason you hired your helper. Whether she is there for infant care, child care, eldercare, or household chores, understanding her role will help you set realistic expectations and provide appropriate guidance.

• Infant Care: If your helper is primarily caring for an infant, ensure she understands the baby’s schedule, feeding times, and any special instructions. Make sure you discuss your preferences for routines like nap times and bedtime rituals.
• Child Care: For helpers who are responsible for older children, outline their school schedules, extracurricular activities, and dietary preferences. Communicate your expectations for homework help and playtime.
• Eldercare: When your helper is caring for an elderly family member, detail their medical needs, daily routines, and any mobility assistance required. It's also essential to highlight any dietary restrictions or medications.
• Household Chores: If her main responsibility is household chores, list the specific tasks and the frequency they should be completed. Whether it’s daily cleaning, weekly deep cleaning, or laundry schedules, clarity is key.

Being Fair and Understanding with Workloads

A balanced workload is fundamental to a positive working relationship. Consider the time it takes to complete each task and ensure it is manageable within the allotted timeframe. If a task is too demanding for you to complete within a certain period, it’s likely the same for your helper.

• Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most critical tasks and prioritize them. Allow flexibility for less urgent chores.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Be mindful of physical and mental limits. Avoid overburdening your helper with back-to-back tasks without sufficient breaks.

Helping Her Feel at Home

The first few days are crucial for helping your helper settle in and feel comfortable in her new environment.

• Provide Essentials: Make sure she has all the essentials like linens, toiletries, and a place to store her personal items.
• Introduce Her to the Neighborhood: Show her around the local area, including grocery stores, bus stops, and other important locations. This will help her navigate her new surroundings with ease.

Following MOM Guidelines with Care

Following the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) guidelines is not just a legal obligation but also a moral one. These guidelines are designed to ensure the well-being of your helper.

• Rest Periods: Ensure your helper gets at least 8 hours of rest daily. Adequate rest is essential for her health and productivity.
• Day Off: Your helper is entitled to a minimum of one day off per month. If she works on other weekly off days, they must be compensated accordingly. Respect this time for her to rest, recharge, and attend to personal matters.

Communicating with Kindness

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a good working relationship. Understand that your helper might have different language competencies and cultural backgrounds.

• Simple Instructions: Give clear and simple instructions, especially if language is a barrier. Avoid using jargon or complex phrases.
• Written Notes: Use written notes or lists to communicate tasks. This can be particularly helpful if your helper reads and writes better than she speaks.
• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss any issues, provide feedback, and make adjustments to routines if necessary.

Encouraging Open and Honest Communication

Creating an environment where your helper feels comfortable to voice her concerns and ask questions is vital.

• Be Approachable: Let her know that she can come to you with any questions or issues without fear of reprimand.
• Listen Actively: Pay attention to her feedback and be open to making necessary changes to improve the working relationship.

Building Trust and Respect

A respectful and trusting relationship will lead to better cooperation and a happier home environment.

• Respect Her Privacy: Allow her to have personal time and space when she is off duty.
• Acknowledge Her Efforts: Recognize and appreciate her hard work. A simple thank you can go a long way.

Conclusion

Caring for and working with your helper effectively involves setting gentle expectations, defining the workload, adhering to MOM guidelines, and maintaining open communication. By fostering a respectful and supportive environment, you can ensure a harmonious and productive relationship that benefits both your household and your helper.

At Teo Express, we are committed to providing you with dedicated and professional helpers who can seamlessly integrate into your home. For more tips and guidance, contact us directly.

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