An employer’s guide to gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers

Holidays and special occasions are a great opportunity to show appreciation to a domestic helper’s work. Here are some of our tips for employers on gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers during the holidays.

Gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers: Flights

Within an employment contract, employers are responsible to provide one round trip from the domestic helper’s place of origin to Hong Kong. Outside of this requirement, employers are not obliged to pay for the domestic helper’s additional flights.

During the holidays, however, many domestic helpers may choose to send money home in place of travelling. Employers can consider gifting flight tickets for a domestic helper to visit home if they wish to do so.

Gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers: Household necessities or treats

Giving gifts is a big part of Filipino culture. Many domestic helpers may feel high expectations from family, relatives, and friends for gifts.

Employers may consider providing some household necessities or treats for the domestic helper to send home. These can be simple items like chocolates, lotions and soaps. Be sure to ask the helper what their family might enjoy!

Gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers: Performance bonuses

Some employers may consider giving end-of-year or holiday bonuses. Giving the bonus ahead of time for Christmas may be useful for domestic helpers planning to buy presents for their family.

Although bonuses are often used as a way to reward positive work, keep in mind that this is not the most effective way to incentivise good performance. Avoid confusion by arranging performance reviews and sessions for regular feedback, separate from the bonus.

Gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers: Professional training or classes

Most domestic helpers choose to work in Hong Kong for better economic opportunities, improving the lives of their family members back home. However, workers are unlikely to prioritise self-development that can enhance their personal lives and career.

In Hong Kong, there are classes for everything, from calligraphy to coding. Employers can help the domestic helper take advantage of the multitude of classes by gifting a course of their interest!

Enrich HK is a charity providing financial education to domestic helpers. They suggest employers to support domestic helpers in opening a local bank account to track expenses, savings, and maintain good money management habits. Employers also have the option to sponsor the helper for Enrich’s financial wellbeing workshops.

Gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers: Gathering venue

When domestic helpers are unable to spend the holidays with family, their community in Hong Kong becomes all the more meaningful. Employers can consider booking space at the residences’ clubhouse or other available venues where the domestic helper can spend time with their friends or hold holiday celebrations.

For more information, we recommend these articles written by Melanie Leung-Shea, Founder of Helpwise:

• “Making Christmas Special for your Helper”
• “What to Get Your Domestic Helper for Christmas”

Gifts and bonuses for domestic helpers: Laisee

Over Chinese New Year, employers may wish to follow the Chinese tradition of giving laisee to domestic helpers. Especially if the helper is new to Hong Kong and its celebrations, this could be a good time to introduce the local culture.

In the long run, acknowledging the difference in cultural backgrounds can help to build a stronger foundation for the employment relationship. When the employer and domestic helper can communicate openly with mutual understanding and respect, issues that may arise can be handled professionally to support success in the household.