Following up from our articles about comparing full time maids versus part time maids, as well as how the HSS helpers complement FDW perfectly here, let’s dive directly into 5 good reasons families in Singapore would benefit from a live-out part time helper.
1. Insufficient Living Space
To start the ball rolling, ask yourself: do you crave a larger living space?
Would you feel better with less people staying in the house and more room to move and relax?
In Singapore, where space is often at a premium, many homes are relatively small. The average HDB flat ranges from about 990 to 1,290 square feet for a 4-room or 5-room unit. Condominiums and private apartments might offer slightly more space, but they often come with higher costs.
Thus, with limited living space, accommodating a full-time helper who needs their own room can be challenging. Remember, it is a government requirement to ensure foreign domestic workers have appropriate accommodation and sustenance.
On the contrary, a part-time helper can provide the necessary support without requiring additional living quarters, making it a practical solution for those with smaller homes. This is why we feel the number one reason for having a part time helper is simply to make your living space less cluttered (pun intended) and more spacious for one to unwind and relax.
2. Value for Personal Space and Family Privacy
Secondly, do you value personal space and family privacy?
Indeed, many families in Singapore cherish their personal space and privacy.
Having a live-in helper can sometimes feel intrusive, especially in smaller homes where privacy is already limited. This is particularly relevant for professional working couples who value their personal space after a long day at work. They might prefer to unwind in the privacy of their own home without the presence of a live-in helper.
Similarly, groups of tenants living together might find a live-in helper disruptive to their shared living arrangements.
Hence, instead of a maid, a part-time helper can offer the cleaning and assistance you need while allowing you to preserve your personal and family time. This balance can help maintain harmony in the household, ensuring that your living environment remains comfortable and private.
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3. Specific Job Scope Requirements
Thirdly, part time helpers can be highly flexible, catering to specific tasks such as cleaning, laundry, caring for your pets (eg. dog walking), ironing clothes, packing stuff, or even grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Be sure to know your desired job scope! You can refer to a few of our useful guides here about maids vs cleaners, maids vs HSS, as well as a full list of cleaning tasks here.
On top of the household errands, there are a wide variety of tasks that can be done by your part time helper.
Thus, if your needs are unique to certain chores and even to specific days, a part-time helper can efficiently meet those requirements. All these, without the commitment and responsibility required for signing on a full-time employee (i.e. a migrant domestic worker under your name).
This allows you to tailor the services to your exact needs, ensuring that you get the help you need when you need it.
4. Save Money with Flexible Working Days and Hours
Fourth, part time helpers in Singapore can work either ad hoc cleaning sessions, or regular weekly cleaning sessions.
Ask yourself and your house occupants: what are your required durations, and desired days and timings, for cleaning and chores?
Certainly, flexibility in working days and hours is a significant advantage of hiring a part-time helper.
For instance, if you only need assistance on certain days of the week or for a few hours each day, this part-time arrangement is ideal.
Part Time Helpers Can Be Cheaper Than Full Time Maids
Moreover, this flexibility ensures that you get the help you need without paying for more hours than necessary. Since part-time helpers are paid by the hour, you only pay for the specific time slots when their services are required, which can significantly reduce your monthly household budget too!
In contrast, a full-time helper requires a fixed monthly salary, which can be a substantial financial commitment. By opting for a part-time helper, families can manage their finances more efficiently while still receiving the necessary household chores and support.
5. Reached MOM Quota
Finally, this cannot be helped!
Have you reached your MOM quota?
In Singapore, there are restrictions on the number of foreign domestic workers a household can employ. The current magic number is two for most cases. Yes, one household can only have 2 foreign domestic workers in Singapore, by default.
However, there are instances whereby families really do need more help, and would rather skip the hassle and laborious process of submitting appeals through various governmental channels. Imagine all the red tape, to and fro, and waiting!
So, even though the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets quotas to regulate the employment of foreign domestic workers, you are not entirely out of options! If you have reached your MOM quota, hiring a part-time helper, such as through the Household Services Scheme (HSS), can be a practical alternative.
Part-time helpers are not counted under this quota, therefore allowing you to receive the additional support you need without violating regulations. This is especially useful for families that require extra help but are unable to hire another full-time worker.
Bottomline For Getting A Part Time Helper
Considering a part-time helper can be a smart decision based on your living space, need for privacy, specific job requirements, preferred working hours, and compliance with MOM regulations.
By evaluating these factors, you can determine if a part-time helper is the right fit for your household, providing the assistance you need while maintaining your lifestyle and comfort.
Whether you live in a compact HDB flat or a spacious condominium, a part-time helper can offer the flexibility and support to keep your home running smoothly without the need for a full-time commitment.
In summary, you will really benefit from a part time helper if you:
- Have insufficient living spaces
- Place priority on personal space and privacy
- Have specific cleaning and household chores to be done regularly as part of the job scope
- Wish to save some money from a full time maid
- Require either ad hoc cleaning or weekly regular cleaning at your residence
- Reached the MOM Quota for migrant domestic workers hiring.
Hey… don’t miss this!
Claim your Discount for a General Home Clean by our dedicated HSS Cleaner! Quote #MEID15BLOG for 15% Off (First Time Customers ONLY) (Valid to 12 Dec 2024 Only)
Book your #1 home services today, or join our team!
meide.sg is here for you, always.
