How to build a good relationship with your house help

A maid is that one person you wait for daily in the morning. She is a major helping hand without whom you feel burdened. It is important to have a good relationship with them, especially when she is working for you everyday. So here are a few tips and ways that will help you build good camaraderie with your maid or any house help for that matter.

She should feel comfortable at your place and you have to provide an environment like that. When she comes, don’t be grumpy. Would you like it if your boss at work gives you a grumpy look right before starting work? This is her work place so be considerate. Give her a little space where she can keep her belongings like her phone etc. too. If you have a residing house help then you have to provide the person with a room, a space where he/she can sleep and keep the belongings. Make sure it is clean and not dingy. Would you like to sleep in a place which makes you feel unwelcome?

Make sure that you have listed what all you expect from her/ him before work begins. Guide them the first two days with patience and let the person ease in. Even you had to learn the ropes at your workplace, why think differently for your maid/ house help? Do ask them if they have any questions from their end so that everything is crystal clear and there are no hiccups later.

Encourage her to communicate with you if there is any confusion or issue she is facing. Build a bond with her. Make her trust you. Even if there is any monetary issue, help out if you can or suggest ways on how she/he can save money. In India, we all know the financial condition of our house helps and the sad dynamics they often face at home. No one is asking you to donate money, but you can always suggest ways of working on it. Build that trust so that she opens up to you in case of some dire problem.

Don’t breathe on her back when she is cleaning. 2-3 times in a week is fine but don’t shadow them. Keep your important/expensive belongings under lock and key so that you do not have to fear for it. Keep an eye, but don’t roam around with them. It is annoying and irritating for the other and you will suffocate her/him this way. Imagine your boss sitting behind you while you are on your system or tailing you everywhere. Will you be able to focus and feel comfortable?

If the person is hardworking and does her/his job diligently then show that appreciation. Everyone likes to be acknowledged and appreciated every now and then. This encourages the other to work harder as well. You could also reward them sometimes with an extra off or even a little monetary reward. Ask them if they want tea/ biscuits if the maid is on the visitor bases. If it is a house help that stays with you then you must provide all meals and that includes tea time. Some even provide the maid with breakfast as a noble gesture and your maids never take that for granted. Not in India where food for the underprivileged is a luxury.