Finally hiring a domestic helper in Singapore can bring such a sense of relief, but only if you've done your homework. It's important to find someone who is trustworthy, particularly if they will be cleaning your home while you're at work or running errands, and will take their time to do the job properly. Ask around for referrals and consider the ins and outs of using a sole proprietor or hiring a larger cleaning company before you commit to a helper.
There is a common misconception that to be a maid is an innate ability. That one is born with the knowledge of how to remove stains from marble or how to get coffee out of a carpet, but the truth of the matter is that to be a good helper one must have the aptitude and approach to the art form that housekeeping is.
There is a colossal difference between a cleaner and a helper. And although to mere mortals it may seem that they are the same thing, We can assure you they most certainly are not. So how can you determine the qualities that make a good full-time maid in Singapore and what sets them aside from a house cleaner?
Here are things that separate good from the great.
1. Understanding their tools
A professional helper has the ability to understand, maintain and upkeep their equipment.
I was once told a horror story by a seasoned helper who, when arriving at her new position, found the filter in the hoover had a dead rat in it. The last “helper” had decided not to look after (or perhaps did not know) about changing the filters to ensure that dirt was not continually pushed around the home, and had been using the hoover with a decaying animal in it.
2. Taking direction
A good helper will have the ability to listen, understand, and implement instructions.
For example, the lady of the house might instruct the helper to launder and fold the clothes, and then put them back into the walk-in wardrobe. At this point (if the helper is new) she or he would inquire how the principal wants the clothes to be folded and to be given a tour of the wardrobe.
The ability to take direction and take initiative to interpret each situation is a clear sign of a quality helper.
3. Listening
It may sound odd, but the quality to listen is something that only exists in the highest quality of helpers.
When the principal or house manager talks, it is vital to listen to the communication. A Chinese-speaking maid in Singapore is sometimes from other cultures, and sometimes staff in homes will be a mixture of cultures and first languages. Whatever language you or your staff are communicating in, it’s vital that a quality helper listens and then only responds when it is prudent to. A great helper will make sure they clearly understand the directions given to them and knows when to ask questions to clarify.
Being a good listener is something that the highest quality of helpers will have, and the ability to respond in a neutral way is often key to holding a long term position.
4. Honesty
Accidents can happen. Hand made glasses may be broken, a shirt might be torn in the dyer or the edge of the sofa might be scuffed. The sign of a quality helper is the sign of honesty; their ability to admit the mistake when it has happened and then ensure it never happens again.
Once is an accident and an honest mistake. Twice is a sign of negligence and bad quality. A high-quality helper understands that all parts of your house are precious. From your silver through to your baby’s baby grows. No matter what is being handled it should be done with care.
5. Attention to detail
A quality helper will assess a room the second they enter and ensure everything is in its right place when they are finished cleaning.
Every home is unique and each principal will like their home to be organised and laid out in a way that suits them. The guest rooms might require bottled water and glasses next to the bedside tables, the kitchen might be appliance free, or fresh flowers may need to be displayed daily in the hallway.
A quality helper pays attention to even the slightest details. They are there to make your life easier and run smoothly, so it’s vital that the patterns of your home are followed and respected.
The highest quality of helper is someone who can blend in and fulfil the duties that the property and principal requires. It can sometimes be a challenge to identify what makes a good quality helper and it’s even harder to identify it when you are looking for an ideal candidate for your home. At Recruitbee, we are well versed with the qualities of a maid and our clients expect the helpers we provide to be of the very highest calibre.
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