5 Ways to Find and Keep the Right Kasambahay

June 28, 2022

Hiring a housekeeper for the first time can indeed be a daunting task, especially when it involves entrusting your home and children to a stranger. However, this process can be managed smoothly with the right approach. Here are five effective tips to help you in employing your first or next kasambahay, who will not only care for your children but also assist in the overall management of your household:

1. Hire Your Kasambahay the Right Way

Although hiring house help through agencies is becoming more popular, personal recommendations from family and friends remain the most reliable method. Begin by conducting a thorough background check on your applicant. Request their biodata and NBI clearance, and if possible, interview them in person rather than over the phone. Also, consider asking for medical tests (e.g., X-ray, blood tests, drug tests if necessary). While this process may seem tedious and costly, it is a small price to pay to ensure your security and peace of mind.

2. Train Them to Excel

While it's normal to expect a kasambahay to know basic household chores, not all skills may meet your standards. If there's any part of their job you'd like improved or done in a particular way, communicate this to them and provide training. Be patient and composed during this process. Demonstrating how tasks should be performed at home benefits both of you in the long run. For example, if their cooking needs improvement, share your tips to help them learn and enhance your family's dining experience.

3. Treat Them Fairly

As an employer, maintaining professionalism with your kasambahay is important. Avoid insults or harsh criticism, such as when cleaning tasks don't meet your expectations. Kindness and appreciation can motivate them and foster a positive work environment. While it's important to treat them with care, establishing boundaries is key to maintaining a healthy working relationship and ensuring no lines are crossed.

4. Avoid Overdependence on Your Kasambahay

It's essential not to rely entirely on your kasambahay for everything. Excessive dependence can lead to an unhealthy dynamic. Certain responsibilities, like childcare, should not be wholly delegated. Encourage your children to learn responsibility by involving them in basic household tasks, ensuring they gain valuable life skills. Allow your kasambahay a day off at least once a week, providing them with personal time and giving you quality family time. Occasionally dining out can also relieve them from cooking and cleaning duties.

5. Go Beyond the Minimum

The Kasambahay Law sets a minimum wage for house helps in Metro Manila, but this might not suffice for their personal expenses or familial support. Offering a salary that reflects their workload is crucial, along with fulfilling legal requirements such as SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions. Benefits like rest periods, paid leave, and 13th-month pay are mandated, but consider periodic raises and bonuses to further support them.

Protecting your kasambahay is also important. Consider availing Kasambahay coverage through Cocogen Kasambahay Protect, which offers personal accident insurance covering medical expenses from accidental injuries and insures their personal belongings in case of incidents.