As the world moves forward, every family has its own needs and priorities. In many cases, both parents work full-time, and juggling work with children is hardly easy. There is a constant need for quality domestic assistance in such situations, and families have to consider hiring a maid to help with daily activities. The good news is that with the advent of technology and growing globalization, hiring a Filipino maid has become an easily viable option throughout the world. With this blog post, we explore the pros and cons of hiring a Filipino maid(菲傭).
The Pros of Hiring a Filipino Maid:
1. Cultural Similarity: The culture of the Philippines is hugely family-oriented and respectful, which makes their households full of love and warmth. Filipino maids, particularly those who have worked in an English-speaking global market, would be familiar with western culture and values. This makes them an ideal choice for international families as they can instantly relate to their values and way of living.
2. Work Ethic and Loyalty: Filipino maids are known for their great work ethic and loyalty, as these values are ingrained in Filipino culture since childhood. They have a great respect for their employers and are happy to work extended hours to help the family with their domestic needs. This often helps families create a sense of trust and loyalty with their help which is essential for any long-lasting relationship.
3. Communication in English: The Philippines is an English-speaking country, and many Filipinos work abroad, making them bilingual or multilingual. Communication then becomes easy and comfortable, and there is no need to worry about language barriers. This helps the family and the maid to comprehend each other’s requirements quickly and efficiently.
4. Hardworking and Trustworthy: Filipino maids are known for their dedication to their work. They are hardworking and would never mind going an extra mile to ensure the place is clean, and the household flows efficiently. They take pride in their work and will strive to ensure that their employers are satisfied.
The Cons of Hiring a Filipino Maid:
1. Homesickness: The Philippines is a country with close-knit families and a robust social network. It is not uncommon for an employee or maid to feel homesick, which can cause depression. To deal with this and help with retention, emotional support and plan for adjusted time off should be provided to the employee.
2. Cultural Differences: While cultural similarities can be a positive advantage when dealing with Filipino maids, there are still some cultural differences that can pose a problem. Filipinos are social by nature and enjoy talking with people. Western culture is more private, and space is valued, so some cultural adjustment needs to happen to help the family and the maid understand, adapt and respect each other’s ways of life.
3. Job Retention: There is an enormous demand for Filipino maids, that’s why they are highly mobile. The lifespan of a Filipino maid with a particular employer may range from a few months to a few years. Given that hiring is a time-consuming process, families wouldn’t want their maids to quit abruptly, so they have to take proper measures to keep their staff satisfied.
4. Immigration Regulations: Depending on the country, sometimes immigration regulations aren’t friendly to foreign nationals. In some instances, work permits are not processed or renewed easily, which can make retaining Filipino maids a big challenge in certain regions.
In conclusion, hiring a Filipino maid is something that a growing family with busy work-life could contemplate. Filipino maids have a lot to offer and are equipped with great working ethics, hard work, and loyalty. They come from a culture that promotes family values and warmth. However, like any hire, it’s important to engage prospective employees in the course of the recruitment process and inform them of what to expect. The key is to be honest and open with what good things we in the family are willing to offer and negotiate mutual expectations in work. Encourage cultural awareness and know how to manage their work needs to help them settle in seamlessly. Happy hiring!
