Difficulties faced by Employers while hiring Indian FDWs in Singapore

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CLICK EMPLOYMENT AGENCY ( Lic No 14C7030). 

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Being an employment agency specializing in Foreign Domestic Worker recruitment is very testing and challenging at all times. Right from the expectation of the client till the availability of a right candidate is many a time a tough ask.

After your initial prep through the EOP program, if you have made a decision to hire a maid; start with a mentality that "a maid is like an extended member of my family". I would treat her like I would treat any other family member". Start with a positive frame of mind and it will be a smooth sail.

With all the varied experiences with the maids and employers alike, I have listed some of the common issues faced and how to handle them

Difficulties faced by Employers

No show after selection: A common problem is that the maid at the last minute has a change of mind and decides not to travel. This could be because of influences from several external forces like family (emotional blackmail), homesickness, fear of foreign work conditions, past experiences narrated by someone etc.
Solution: First impression is the best impression. The responsibility of gaining the maid's confidence lies on both the employer and the emp. agency. Talk to the maid nicely, promise to keep her good, and put that smile in your talk

Bad attitude of the FDW: Some maids are very smart (esp. exp maids) know how to handle the employers tactfully. They promise good work over the phone during interview and work quite opposite when employed.
Solution: Interview is key, Do not ask cliched questions (do you know to cook, do you take care of children, etc) Instead give them scenarios and find out how they respond (e.g., there is a fire at home, how will you react, the baby choked on something, how will you handle it when we are not around etc.)

Work related issues: Would have mentioned can do all sorts of work, but would end up doing less or none stating some health issues (dust allergies, back pain etc.)
Solution: Right from day one, the ground rules to be clearly set. Prepare a simple list of things to be done daily, weekly, monthly etc (don't scare them with a huge list). The routine per day to be fixed and stick to it (don't overwork the maid right from day one). Give them the proper tool to complete the task (glove to clean toilets, long broom for ceilings etc.)

Adaptability issues: Your style of cooking and that of  the maid could be of north and south. Even a simple curd rice could be prepared differently by you. Clients expect maids to be work ready from day1
Solution: Take a couple of days to practically demonstrate the way you do it. You might also want to sample her style and probably you might like it better than your style sometimes. Keep in mind that cooking style change takes time

Threats/absconding: Times, the maid would say nothing for the fear of being abused and would find excuses to go back home (Common excuses: mother passed away, husband met with an accident, children are ill) confirm if it is genuine and there  are a few who would simply abscond. If brave, they would retaliate and if weak in mind - threaten to fast unto death/commit suicide

Solution: Two-way dialogue is very important. Hear what the problem is and break it down to simple pieces and solve it. Give them enough time to relax if they feel overworked, if it is some problem else (back home) that's bothering them, try and help them if possible which is within your comfort range. 

If you are a new employer give minimum a month to see if it really works. "Haste makes waste" do not jump to conclusions or take sporadic decisions. Time is a healer and logical thinking  "putting yourself in the others' shoe" always works.  If all things fail, you can always contact the agency to find out ways to tackle problems. We would be more than willing to help

IF ALL EFFORTS FAIL, GO FOR A REPLACEMENT!

Difficulties faced by FDWs

Ill treatment:A first step towards disastrous maid experience. Employers get an instant dislike overnight and go to any extent to make sure she is out of the house the next day. They get so disappointed having spent enough money and hurl abuses and vent out their anger at her. Putting them down constantly for bad work done
Solution: You made a conscious decision to hire a particular maid and she is your total responsibility from the day she arrives till she leaves back to her hometown. Any form of ill-treatment is a no-no. There should be at least a week's time given for the maid to understand the work and constructive criticism is the key to successful maid-employer relationship. REMEMBER: REPATRIATING THE MAID IS EMPLOYERS' RESPONSIBILITY IRRESPECTIVE OF WHO DECIDES TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT

Lack of basic respect/courtesy: Maids are not given the respect they deserve. They think that the belong to the less-privileged category and do not deserve a better treatment.  In some cases, they are not even spoken to like humans and treated worse than animals.
Solution: Dignity of labor, discrimination against poor comes to play. Treat the maid with respect and you will get 200% back. Be mindful that ill-treatment is a serious criminal/punishable offense

Poor living conditions: Not providing her personal space for even for a dress change is a sad reality in many cases  serving few-days old food, cold food, stale food. Maids are made to sleep in some corner of the house. No proper sanitation and toilet facilities are some common causes of concern.
Solution: Do not feed the maid what you would not eat yourself. Do not let her live in a place where you wouldn't stay. Provide the basic amenities and  understand that the lack of proper sanitation is only going to backfire on your health

Irregularity in payments/deductions: Many feel that the maids don't deserve the amount paid. They find a reason or excuse to deduct something. Some are stingy when it comes to even letting go of a few dollars (maid purchased a small item while shopping - they make sure that is deducted from their salary). A pay cut for some work not done or done badly
Solution: The maid has traveled leaving everything behind to work hard for those dollars. Don't deprive her of it, always pay when its due/on time (they have more commitments than us). Do not deduct unless it is unavoidable and if she is willing - A few dollars less is not going to hurt, a good gesture from you will go a long way

Verbal/mental/physical abuse: Very prevalent in households is verbal abuse - bad mouthing a maid constantly or mental abuse - forcing the maid to such humiliating heights leaves a huge scar. They are traumatized beyond repair and have led to even deaths. There have been many un-reported case of physical abuse within and the maid tries to leave or runaway though her work has been good
Solution: MoM has strict policies around this. Big fines and even imprisonment for crimes against FDWs. All it takes is one complaint from the FDW

Cultural differences, life style changes, new work ways are all new to a first time maid and even for a few experienced ones. Make sure that the maid feels protected and comfortable at all times. Ensure her safety and well-being and gratitude is always paid back in kind. There are more than the above listed challenges/difficulties and hope this helps you to be alert and prepared for a "good maid experience" if not perfect.

Thankyou!


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