Most of us grew-up with the convenience of having them around. They made our lives a lot easier. From preparing your food to finding your missing favorite socks, household help has become a necessity in every home. Through the years of their service, they have become part of our families. I bet you probably have a baby picture wherein your nanny was carrying you wearing their full smile. That's how much they care and love us. However, this kind of relationship does not happen in a snap. It entails a lot of trust and good communication to achieve this level of comfort.
Here are some tips on how to achieve this.
House Rules - Make sure house rules are defined. Both parties should have a common ground when it comes to the rules acceptable to both. Apprehensions and doubts should be openly communicated to avoid miscommunication.
Define the Role - There is nothing more confusing than to work wherein boundaries are not set. Make sure both are aware of the scope of work needed and why household help was required.
Introduction of the Family - After clearing the house rules and the scope of work, make sure to properly introduce your new household help to all the members of the family. This will enable your family members to formally meet the new house member at the same time welcome her.
Make them Feel Comfortable - The employer should make a conscious effort to make the person comfortable. Usher her to her room at least during the first night.
Treat them Well - I think of all the tips I can give, this is the most important. All family members should treat your household help with utmost respect. Admit it. Their job is not easy. They have to live away from their own families and serve another not really knowing their fate.
As the cliché goes, it takes two to tango. In an employer and household help relationship, one way communication will never work. It is essential to have a dialogue when needed. Keeping the issue will not help improve the relationship. Let's love them and treat them right, so, in return we'll get the same.
