Domestic helpers play a vital role in homes by supporting families with their daily tasks while allowing them to focus on other responsibilities. Although they are an essential part of the family unit, they are often ignored and underestimated. Many face a lack of respect, poor treatment, and exploitation. For this reason, it’s critical that we take the time to navigate our relationships, set boundaries, and empower them to feel valued and appreciated. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of treating foreign domestic helper(外傭) with respect and dignity and how to empower them in their role.
Understand their role and duties:
To empower domestic helpers, it’s essential to understand their roles, duties, and responsibilities. Ensure that they have a clear job description with measurable goals, adequate training, and access to necessary resources. Consult with them often to identify areas of strength and improvement, and provide constructive feedback. Acknowledge their achievements and give credit when they deserve it.
Encourage voice and communication:
Effective communication is key for any healthy relationship, including the one between domestic helpers and employers. Encouraging open dialogue can help create a supportive and respectful environment, where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. Domestic helpers should feel free to express their thoughts and concerns, without fear of retribution or discrimination. Additionally, create opportunities for them to participate in family decision-making. They are a valuable part of the household and should have a say in what happens.
Offer fair compensation and benefits:
Domestic helpers should be compensated fairly for their work. Offer competitive salaries, health insurance coverage, and other benefits like paid time off, bonuses, and paid holidays. Domestic helpers often work long hours and deserve to be compensated accordingly. Additionally, provide them with a safe and conducive work environment. Consider their physical and emotional safety and provide necessary equipment to prevent accidents and injury.
Encourage professional growth and development:
Part of empowering domestic helpers is allowing them to grow and develop professionally. Offer opportunities for training and education, and support further education if needed. Encourage them to take courses and certifications that will improve their skills and qualifications in their field. This can also improve their prospects in the future, ensuring their long-term success.
Domestic helpers are critical to many households, but their value is often overlooked and underestimated. By empowering them to feel respected, dignified, and included, it makes them feel valued and appreciated. Employers can achieve this by maintaining open communication, providing fair compensation, offering professional development opportunities, and creating a safe work environment. Empowering domestic helpers helps create a harmonious relationship that ultimately benefits everyone in the household.
