Key Considerations to make before Employing a Maid

Should I employ a maid? Do I need a maid?

These are some very fundamental questions that first-time employers would face.

While the answers to these questions may appear to be obvious for some families, it may not be so clear cut for others.

In this article, we will address and attempt to offer advise and hopefully guide you to greater clarity.

Cost

One of the key considerations to look at in relation to your decision on whether to hire a maid would be the financial aspects. It is inevitable that there will be additional costs involved with the extra pair of hands that you will be getting. Let us explore the obvious costs as well as the invisible costs when it comes to hiring a maid in Singapore.

Apart from the one-time off fees (i.e. agency fee, FDW Insurance), the other recurring fees that employers will incur when hiring a helper are:

–Maid Salary
The salary for maids differ for experienced maids and new-to-Singapore maids

–FDW Levy
The levy is a pricing mechanism that is used to regulate the number of foreign workers in Singapore.

While there is no need to contribute to CPF for your FDW, there is a requirement for monthly levy to be paid.

At the time of writing, the non-concessionary rate for levy is $300.00 per month and $60.00 for concessionary rate. Click here to find out if you qualify for the concessionary rate.

–Upkeep of maid
This comprises the meals, toiletries and also medical fees (if required).

–FDW 6-monthly Medical Examination
It is a requirement for all maids in Singapore to undergo a compulsory medical screening every 6 months. These medical screenings can be done at most clinics.

Do check if your nearby clinic provide the service.
More information can be found here.

Other Important Considerations

Apart from the cost, there are other equally important factors that prospective FDW employers often neglect when it comes to employing a maid.

–Are you comfortable having an additional person in your home?
In Singapore, domestic workers can only stay and work at the address of her employer.

What this mean is that your maid will be residing in your home; there is effectively another member in your household.

Make sure you are comfortable with that.

–Sufficient Space for your helper
With an additional person in your home, you will need to ensure that you have sufficient space to accommodate her.

Click here on guidelines for accomodation.

–Providing care and managing your employee
Being an employer is not just on paper. You do have the additional responsibility of having to manage your domestic employee.

It is important to keep a good working relationship to ensure that her needs and well-being are taken care of so that she can focus on working to take care of the household matters for you.

Click here to find out more on how to keep a good working relationship with your maid.

We hope that you found this article useful and addresses your dilemma on “Should I employ a maid?”.

A previous version of this article can be found here

Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is provided to the best of our knowledge and years of experience in the industry. GM Connection Pte Ltd and its staff disclaims any liability and shall not be held responsible in any way in connection with the use of the information provided.