SINGAPORE: An employer has sparked an online discussion after sharing her uncertainty over how to handle her domestic helper’s request for additional benefits beyond what was initially agreed upon.
In a post on the Direct Hire Transfer Singapore Maid / Domestic Helper Facebook group on Friday (Mar 20), the employer explained that she already provides what she considers essential daily items for her helper. These include coffee, shampoo, soap, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.
However, she said her helper recently asked for an extra food allowance and sanitary pads after learning that a friend’s employer provides these benefits.
In response, the employer told her, “I already provide what I believe are sufficient basic needs, and that I treat her well here. I also prefer not to compare with her friend, as she is working with expatriate families and may have different arrangements (including salary), which are sometimes supported by their companies.”
She added that she has come across discussions in expatriate wives’ groups where even specific brands of coffee, sanitary pads, or tampons provided to helpers are talked about. According to her, such practices can sometimes lead helpers who have worked in those households to develop higher expectations.
“I feel that this kind of treatment can sometimes make helpers who have worked in such households expect more than what is reasonably provided, and if we don’t provide it, the helper complains and says you are bad or stingy just because I don’t provide S$10-20 pads per month and an extra food allowance of S$100-200 per month.”
