10 ways to manage domestic helper cultural differences

In many Hong Kong households, domestic helpers play a vital role in supporting the families with essential tasks and caregiving. However, the nature of their work often means they are far from their own families, which causes them to struggle with homesickness and cultural differences.

Managing domestic helper cultural differences is key to fostering an inclusive and harmonious home. Cultural differences can shape communication, traditions, and daily routines, which, if misunderstood, can lead to conflict. Recognising cultural differences is not just a gesture of kindness, it also demonstrates empathy and an awareness of the challenges the domestic helper may encounter. Through creating a harmonious and supportive household environment, families can enhance the helper’s performance, cultivate a positive work atmosphere, and build a strong foundation of trust.

Follow our ten practical tips below to manage domestic helper cultural differences at home.

10 Tips to Create an Inclusive Home and Manage Domestic Helper Cultural Differences

1) Maintain Open Communication

Employers who value a long-term working relationship with the helper understand the importance of communication in handling domestic helper cultural differences. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can foster an environment where your helper feels valued, heard, and respected.

What does this look like?

• Provide a SIM card. If you communicate using messaging apps, consider paying for an affordable data plan for the helper.
• Get consent and inform the helper about CCTV locations inside the home.
• Discuss house rules, curfews, and use of mobile phones and social media during working hours. The helper must first understand your expectations, especially if you have not discussed the matter with them before.

Effective communication reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings between you and your helper. Asking them to ask for clarification or repeat the instructions back to you ensures understanding. Clear language and written down guidelines also help, but bear in mind that communication is always a work in progress since it can vary for every family and situation.

TRY THIS!

Travelling soon? Take a few moments to talk with the helper about the tasks they should accomplish. If they remain at home, ask for input and encourage their self-leadership. If they will go with you, let them know about the schedule and set shared goals. Be specific with these goals, for example, stating that the trip will be successful if the family is not late for any appointments, or if the babies are able to sleep and feed on time. Keeping communication open is crucial for addressing domestic helper cultural differences.

2) Provide Opportunities for Growth and Development

Encouraging your helper to develop new skills not only fosters their personal growth but also bridges domestic helper cultural differences. By supporting their professional and personal development, you create opportunities to share and celebrate cultural diversity while building their confidence. This approach can alleviate feelings of isolation or monotony in their work, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

What does this look like?

• Allow your helper to participate in professional training programs and workshops, such as first aid or childcare courses, which can be beneficial to your family.
• Support your helper to enroll in workshops they are interested in to increase their motivation and dedication.

When helpers feel that they are progressing and learning, they are more likely to approach their responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication. Also, equipping them with skills can improve their efficiency and contribution to your household.

TRY THIS!

Hoping for your helper to cook new dishes? Employers can encourage their helpers to take part in local cooking workshops, where they can learn recipes from your culture and share traditional dishes of their own. Such exchanges provide a meaningful way to address domestic helper cultural differences through food. Weekend online courses can also be a convenient option that respects their daily responsibilities.

These investments may involve additional costs but are worthwhile in creating a home that is not only efficient but also inclusive and culturally enriched.

READ MORE: Which organisations provide courses for domestic helpers?

3) Respect and Appreciate Cultural Differences

Respecting domestic helper cultural differences goes beyond acknowledging and appreciating their background, it also prevents misunderstandings and builds trust within the household.

What does it look like?

• Respecting cultural differences can create a foundation of mutual understanding that strengthens communication.
• Acknowledging and appreciating cultural differences allows the helper to feel comfortable and secure, which promotes a stronger sense of belonging and improved collaboration between the employer and the helper.

TRY THIS!

Employers can learn a few basic phrases in the helper’s native language, ask about their cultural traditions, and participate in their cultural activities like preparing traditional meals. This shows interest and respect towards their cultural background. By acknowledging domestic helper cultural differences, you foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where the employment relationship can thrive.

4) Accommodate Religion and Beliefs

As a fundamental aspect of embracing domestic helper cultural differences, employers should recognize and respect the religious beliefs and practices of domestic helpers that might be different to their own.

What does it look like?

• Respecting religious practices of the helper, including providing space for them to worship and observe prayers.
• Accommodating dietary restrictions such as preparing halal or vegetarian meals.
• Employers should also acknowledge religious attire, such as hijabs or specific dress codes.

TRY THIS!

If your helper has religious holidays or special observances, ask if they need time off or any adjustments to their schedule so they can celebrate. Whether it’s Christmas, Eid, or Diwali, a simple gesture like offering a day off or lightening their workload can mean a lot. Even a warm greeting or a small festive treat show that you respect and appreciate their cultural and religious traditions.

These gestures not only manage cultural differences but also prevent unintentional discrimination. In Hong Kong, the Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO) protects individuals from being treated unfairly due to their race, or cultural and religious identities. Employers should remain mindful of actions or remarks that may be discriminatory.

By showing genuine interest in the helper’s culture and respect to religious beliefs, space is created for a meaningful working relationship and a harmonious household atmosphere.

5) Create a Welcoming Environment 

The living environment of a helper should be a space where they feel safe and comfortable. A clean, well-maintained room with the necessary amenities contributes greatly to their mental and physical well-being.

What does it look like?

• Prepare a kit with essentials such as toothbrush and toothpaste, a comfortable set of bedding, and a small welcome note when your helper first arrives.
• Check on your helper periodically to ensure their living area is well-maintained with adequate lighting, ventilation, and storage.
• Be considerate to cultural preferences for space or privacy. A comfortable environment tailored to possible cultural differences can ease their transition and make them feel valued.

Providing a welcoming environment is more than just offering physical comfort—it demonstrates that you value their role in your household. A well-thought-out space can alleviate stress and promote better focus and productivity for your helper.

TRY THIS!

Set up a small corner in their living space with personal touches, such as a calendar, a small plant, or a shelf for their belongings. Adding a bedside lamp for reading or a small rug for extra comfort can also make the space feel more personal and welcoming. These simple touches show you care about their comfort and help create a sense of belonging.

6) Acknowledge Contributions

Everyone likes to feel valued, and your helper is no exception. Recognizing their efforts, while being mindful of domestic helper cultural differences, reinforces the idea that their contributions are noticed and appreciated, fostering a stronger connection to the household and encouraging pride in their work.

What does it look like?

• Give compliments where they are due. Showing appreciation through kind words can significantly improve their productivity and motivation.
• Small gestures of gratitude, like saying, “Thank you for keeping the house so clean” or “You did a fantastic job with dinner tonight.” can have a big impact on their sense of self-worth and connection to the family.
• Demonstrating sensitivity to domestic helper cultural differences through thoughtful expressions of gratitude can deepen mutual respect and understanding.

A simple sentence or small gesture can have a significant impact on the helper’s well-being and reinforce their sense of importance within the household.

TRY THIS!

On your helper’s birthday or a festive occasion, surprise them with a thoughtful gesture that acknowledges their cultural background. For instance, a small gift like a traditional treat from their home country or a handwritten card in their native language can make a lasting impression. Including a heartfelt note thanking them for their hard work and dedication can make the gesture even more meaningful. These thoughtful acts help bridge cultural differences and strengthen your bond with your helper.

READ MORE: An employer’s guide to gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers Which organisations provide courses for domestic helpers?

7) Delegate Decisions

Including your helper in discussions about household decisions can foster a sense of involvement and respect. Recognizing domestic helper cultural differences during these discussions further strengthens the bond between you and your helper. When they feel like their opinions matter, it boosts their confidence and connection to the family.

What does it look like?

• Collaborative decision-making ensures smoother operations in the home, as helpers can share their challenges and offer practical insights from their daily experiences.
• Encouraging input from helpers not only enhances their sense of responsibility but also demonstrates that you value their opinions.

This collaborative approach builds mutual respect and ensures a more efficient and harmonious household.

TRY THIS!

When planning for weekly meals or family schedules, try asking for your helper’s suggestions, such as “Do you think this menu works for the week?” or “Do you have any suggestions for making this routine easier?” If your helper comes from a different cultural background, you might also ask if there are any traditional dishes they would want your family to try.. These small but inclusive conversations can help bridge cultural differences, while also improving household efficiency by incorporating their experiences in the decisions.

8) Offer Support and Resources

Support goes beyond providing the tools needed for household tasks. Emotional well-being is equally important, especially for helpers who may feel homesick or overwhelmed living in a foreign country. By acknowledging domestic helper cultural differences and showing empathy, you help alleviate their stress and build a stronger working relationship, which significantly enhances their overall performance and well-being.

What does it look like?

• Establish regular check-ins with your helper to ask how they’re feeling and listen attentively. These moments provide opportunities to offer encouragement, address concerns, and understand their experiences, both professionally and personally, including any challenges related to cultural differences.
• Build a supportive environment to help identify and resolve issues early, fostering a more collaborative and positive relationship.
• Offer resources like phone cards or access to Wi-Fi to help them stay connected with their family.

This small act of kindness can greatly enhance their mental health and emotional well-being, helping them feel more supported and connected.

TRY THIS!

If your helper seems homesick or overwhelmed, offer them the option to use your phone or a tablet to make a video call to their family. You can help them set up a regular calling schedule, ensuring they feel connected to home. Additionally, provide information about local meetups or social media groups where they can interact with others from their country, or even assist them in finding a nearby cultural center where they can feel more at home. This demonstrates that you value their background and are committed to bridging cultural differences.

READ MORE: Counseling for Domestic Helpers

9) Include in Family Activities

While your helper’s primary role is to assist with household tasks, including them in occasional family activities can be a great way to bridge domestic helper cultural differences and foster household harmony. Involving your helper in family activities creates shared experiences that strengthen relationships and foster mutual understanding.

What does it look like?

• Inviting helpers to join you for a family outing, such as a picnic or a trip to the park, helps them feel more integrated into the household and foster a sense of togetherness.
• Small gestures, like sharing a meal together during holidays, allow you to celebrate both your cultures and ease feelings of homesickness for the helper.

TRY THIS!

If your family is planning a weekend picnic, invite your helper to join the outing, and ask if they’d like to contribute to the meal by preparing a dish from their home country. This not only includes them in the family activity but also allows them to share a piece of their culture. During the picnic, engage in casual conversation and make an effort to involve them in the activities, like playing games or simply enjoying the time together.

10) Ensure Fair Treatment

Fair treatment is more than a legal obligation—it’s a cornerstone of mutual respect and a foundation for managing domestic helper cultural differences effectively. Helpers who feel valued and treated justly are more likely to remain committed and motivated, contributing to a stable and efficient household. Treating your helper fairly not only builds trust and respect but also demonstrates an understanding of their unique needs and cultural background, fostering long-term collaboration.

What does it look like?

• Provide fair wages, reasonable working hours, and honor agreed-upon rest days. Fair treatment acknowledges the challenges helpers face, including adjusting to cultural differences in a new environment.
• Periodically review your helper’s workload to ensure it remains manageable and equitable, taking into account the balance between household needs and their well-being.
• Avoid last-minute schedule changes and respect their rest days, which are essential for both physical and emotional well-being, especially when adjusting to a new cultural setting.

TRY THIS!

If your helper has been working extra hard during a busy period, offer additional rest time, such as a shorter workday or an extra day off, to recharge. A small token of appreciation, such as a bonus, gift, or even a thank-you card acknowledging their efforts, can go a long way. Recognizing their hard work and addressing domestic helper cultural differences with empathy strengthens your relationship and ensures a harmonious household.

In conclusion, recognizing domestic helper cultural differences is crucial in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. When helpers feel valued and included, their sense of belonging increases, which not only enhances their well-being but also positively impacts their ability to contribute to the household.

By actively promoting inclusivity, employers can build stronger, more collaborative relationships with their helpers, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and productive home dynamic. It is truly a win-win situation, so why not take the opportunity to show care for your helper now?