How Can I Find a Reliable Helper in Hong Kong?
The List’s very own mom-in-the-know shares her Hong Kong tips and tricks with readers.
My helper is leaving and we’re devastated. How do I go about finding someone new and reliable?
– Utterly Helpless
This issue of The List has been put together for someone just like you, Utterly Helpless, so I hope it’s given you some useful insights.
The best advice I can give for finding a new helper—and this is advice that I have also received myself—is to rely on word of mouth. This way you can be sure of good references and can quiz the previous employers to your heart’s content. You’ll find that at this time of year in particular, lots of expats are moving away, so their domestic workers will be looking for new employment. Pay attention to Facebook groups (Hong Kong Moms, Discovery Bay Mums, Hong Kong Expatriates)—there will almost certainly be a group pertaining to your locality which will be more useful for hiring someone who’s already settled in your neighborhood.
Essentially, finding someone who’s the right fit all comes down to your interview technique. Make sure that you are 100 percent clear on what you would like your helper to do: how many children you have to look after; if you expect cleaning and cooking to be part of the duties; and what benefits you are willing to offer. You must be realistic and upfront at this stage, or risk running into problems later.
Hope that helps!