Hiring domestic help can be a daunting task and can be extremely risky. With many negative stories about domestic helpers even in the news, you have to be very careful.
You are putting all trust in someone to care for your children, your valuables and all meals. For sure, you want to be extra careful with hiring the right help for your home.
Hiring from agencies
Before you hire your help, it would be vital to choose the right agency.
Some useful tips before hiring from agencies:
Refer to trustworthy sources when picking the agency-
Find out from friends and family who have already hired their help from that particular agency. If the agency has already been recommended you can go ahead with the hiring process.
Acquire historical information on the maid agency-
It is always a good idea to get as much information you can on the agency. You can ask questions and make sure you get accurate answers. Some of the questions you can ask are- refund policy, replacement help policies, turnover and other plans. If the agency is unable to answer to your queries, you should become alert.
Fee structure-
Pick an agency where the fees are neither too high nor too low. If an agency is charging less in accordance to the prevalent market rates, there could be hidden costs. It is imperative to be aware of the prevalent market rates.
Before you hire your help, you must interview your potential candidate-
Agencies of repute will allow you to interview the helpers first. Interviewing the helper before you hire has become the norm. Clear all your doubts before you hire the help. Check all the documents, including residential proof and valid ids.
It is advisable not to rush into the hiring process. It is always better to be safe and secure.
After you hire your help, you must conduct a background check or ask the agency-
Your safety matters. You should ask your agency to provide background check report of the help. If the agency cannot provide such information, you should do that check at your end, but be sure to mention that in your agreement with the agency.
It’s the job of the agency to provide you reliable and safer domestic help and your job is to be aware.