Domestic Helper - Agency or not?

All,

I have read through the different threads now but I still have lots of questions.

We are looking for a live in Maid in Stanley. I am 8 month pregnant and she should be good with babies.

Is it better to go through an agency (which agencies can you recommend) or direct through the homepage? Do we need to hire an external person to sort out the docs eg. assurances, contracts etc... or is the agency doing that?

Are there any specific agencies for UK families?

Thanks for your advise

I'd suggest you contact Evelyn http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/helpers/

AsiaXpat is definitely a good place to find helpers. There are other good agencies as well. You can also find a helper through recommendations from neighbors, colleagues, friends. All methods are valid. Cast your net wide.



"Do we need to hire an external person to sort out the docs eg. assurances, contracts etc... or is the agency doing that?"


Agency should do that for you. Make sure you chase them so that they do paperwork processing promptly.



"Are there any specific agencies for UK families? "


Not specific to UK families. Same advice I give everyone:

- Respect your helper.

- Don't micromanage. Let your helper use her head to do her job.

- Set clear expectations.

- Make her a rough daily schedule and a list of daily tasks.

- Give frequent and clear feedback on both positives and negatives.

- Allow your helper to have input in how she should be doing her job.

- Don't treat her like a piece of furniture. She is an employee, yes, but she is also a person.

- Hiring a helper means a certain loss of privacy. Accept this as the price you pay for the significant quality of life improvement a helper can provide.

- A good helper can enrich family life immensely, if you let her.

Hello,


I think it's so much easier to go through an agency as they do all the paperwork for you.


We used OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT in Central (on Queen's Road) and were extremely happy with their service.


You have to go there to meet the helpers (usually on Saturdays or Sundays), it's very busy and not much fun to do but at least you can meet many girls.

Take your time to choose the right one for you, even if you have to come back a second time, and I would advise your husband to go with you to have his thoughts too.

Good luck !