2 Helpers - Any Sure Solution to Keep the Peace?

Our second helper is about to arrive. Our first one has been with us for about a year and aside from the fact that she's a little on the slow side, she's a good helper. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice, from his/her own experience, how to keep two strangers working in harmony, at least most of the time? We have 3 young kids, should i divide the work evenly among them? (one does housework, one helps with the kids stuff) I'm thinking maybe if they alternate every week in terms of housework and child care then there is a "variety" in the job and everyone is sort of involved in the "family". Anyway, a little anxious aniticipating the unforseen problems. Any advice would be good.

I had the SAME questions as you do .... when we hired the second helper. However, I had the advantage of hiring my first helper's sister.

However, there is still the questions of WHO does what b/c I didn't want the older one telling me one day she thought the other one did it.... etc.


So what I did was, upon arrival of the second helper, I let her settle down, get some rest on the first day. I simply welcomed her in the household, then told her she will start tomorrow.

Showed her around the house, introduced her to everyone...etc.


The next morning, she was up early and ready for work. I typed up a list of chores and duties that I expected each to do, and was subject to change, subtract, or add in the first 3 months.


I didn't think alternating was a good idea as it would get quite confusing, and also once that person gets used to doing something their way, there is a routine, they can do it quite efficiently, but then if you switch them in the next week, they will never get really good at it, and you will see the break in the routine having the most effects on you, and the kids.


Presently, one does the cooking, and taking my elder to playgroup, and washing cars, and general management. The other one, takes care of the vacuuming, washing dishes, laundry,cleaning the washrooms, and taking care of my baby when I am not home.


Ironing, and other miscellaneous things, I leave it up to them b/c they seem to have good arrangement who does what and when. They seem to switch chores on their on now and then, and I ask them why.... they will say, oh, she did ironing all week last week, so I like to do it this week. Fine with me.


I have to do the groceries shopping alot b/c I rather they stay home to take care of the kids, especially when they are napping in the afternoons.


They also take turns taking holidays on Sunday, one gets Saturday for a month, and the other gets Sundays, and they switch the next month.


It's been almost a year, it's been great thus far.

Be clear with your instructions and always tell them to ASK when in doubt. Tell both of them you want them to cooperate with each other and work in harmony, and you have eyes and ears, you know who's doing their job.... I drop hints of these observations occassionally so they are aware that I am not completely oblivious what is going on.


Good luck.

katetam,


thanks for the advice, much appreciated. in fact, just got a call the 2nd helper will arrive tonight. let the fun times begin ....

Calamari - great thread!

Katetam - excellent post, I think it will be my reference guide!

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/domestichelpers/threads/59256.asp also had some interesting advice.


A slightly different question:

How to FIND two helpers.


I was thinking sisters or cousins. Is that a good idea?


Currently we have one full time live in, but she is 60 and going to retire.


We have one 9 month old baby and number two baby due in April 2007. So we want to be prepared with two helpers before April.


We have already asked AsiaXPat agency services for help.


Does anyone have any other ideas on how to find two helpers that won't mind sharing a room? And will work well together?


Thanks

You might want to hire those from abroad. Not unexperienced ones but those that have working experience abroad. They'll be much easier to deal with and they won't have so many demands from you unlike those that are long here in HK. Sharing a room won't be that much of a problem than those that have been spoiled by their previous employers. There won't be any comparison as to why my previous employer allows this and that.


There are those that like to hire helpers with different nationalities but I think those from different parts of a same country would be better as they won't have miscommunication problems. But I don't agree with hiring helpers that are sisters or relativese. You might have problem with them as they might connieve with each other or tell lies while if they are not relatives, they don't know if the other will help them cover up for their own wrong doings.


If you need help in finding helpers, you may want to contact Mary at 6283 7299. They have helpers from Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.


Hope this helps and Good Luck!

Thanks Mochie


Actually, I always have preferred experienced helpers who have good HK references and know their way around the city. I have found this to benefit in the past.


Does anyone have any experience on how they found two helpers who did not mind sharing and work well together?


Thanks

Hi! Cri, agencies usually have lots of maids that have working experience either here in HK or in other countries. Some even worked for 5 or more years in a single employer. My sister got one that has worked for 4 years in a single employer and my friend's has one that is Ex-HK 12 years in a single employer (this is really rare to find). Good Luck!

Thanks Mochie.

Our current maid was 16 years with the same family, then 4 years, then us. So we are probably looking to find someone with at least 5 + years with one family, with a good reference.


I was just interested in your comment that you preferred those without HK experience.


We are still trying to find the 'two helper' solution, and this and the other thread are helping a lot.


Anyone else with experience on HOW they found two helpers who did not mind sharing and how they worked together?

i don't have 2 helpers but one of my neighbours does. she has a daughter, currently pregnant with the second baby and 3 dogs. i once asked her helpers how they divide the work among them as i see the daughter with different helper at different time. what they told me was that one of them take care of the daughter ( 2 1/2 year old ) in the morning while the other one walk the dogs. in the evening they switched roles so that the daughter and the dogs will be used to both the helpers. they did not mention how they split the housework though. both the helpers seem to get along well, they are both from phils. hope this helps.

Hi again


We have hired the first helper, and are interviewing for the second.


I realised, the prioroty is two helpers who will work well together. So for anyone I interview, I also ask her to speak wtih them. I have also interviewed one of her friends.


No final decission yet, but all the advise here has helped a lot.


Thanks!

if you are about to hire maids from phils, I suggest you hire two people from the same place back there.Adjustment will be more easier.That's just my opinion. Sisters, relatives conniving- it really depend on the individual, and of course how your treatment, relationship would turn out.For a start, make a list of what you want and how you want it. Ask where each one of them is good at, some maids are so good with cooking, some with ironing, some with kids. Focus on their strength

and tell them upfront you do not want any trouble, gossip inside your household. Set rules. It is better to start your open communication with them on their 1st day of work. Be friendly but draw a line.