Tips for Maintaining a Respectful Employer-Worker Relationship

A domestic helper spends their working day in your private space. The relationship works best when both sides know what to expect and feel treated fairly.

Keep to what was agreed

The written duty sheet you shared before joining is the foundation. Adding tasks without discussion is one of the most common reasons helpers leave. If your needs change, talk first and adjust hours or salary together. See responsibilities to discuss before deployment.

Pay on time, every time

Many helpers support families of their own. Paying the agreed salary on the agreed date, without unexplained deductions, builds trust faster than anything else.

Protect rest and the weekly off

Agreed breaks, the weekly off and festival leave are part of the arrangement. For live-in helpers this matters even more. A 24-hour live-in arrangement means the helper lives with you; it does not mean they are always on duty. Read what 24-hour live-in really means.

Communicate with dignity

• Use the helper's name and a normal tone.
• Explain how you like things done instead of assuming.
• Give corrections privately, not in front of guests or children.
• Thank them when something is done well.

Provide basic facilities

Clean drinking water, access to a toilet, a place to eat and, for live-in staff, a private sleeping space and proper meals. Our accommodation guide covers live-in essentials.

Treat everyone equally

Separate utensils, restrictions based on caste or religion, or comments about someone's community are not acceptable. Maidvy's policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, race, ethnicity, language, gender or place of origin.

Handle problems fairly

1. Raise small issues early and calmly.
2. Listen to the helper's side.
3. Agree a specific change and review it after a week.
4. If it does not improve and you hired through Maidvy, contact your Relationship Manager.

Never withhold a helper's identity documents or salary as leverage. Under Maidvy's Replacement Policy, abuse, harassment, discrimination, unsafe conditions, unpaid salary or unagreed duties can make a replacement request ineligible.

Respect goes both ways

Helpers placed through Maidvy are expected to follow the Worker Code of Conduct: punctuality, agreed tasks done with care, and raising concerns through Maidvy. Families follow the Customer Code of Conduct. Clear expectations on both sides make long placements possible.

Small habits that make a big difference

• Greet the helper and ask how they are, especially after leave.
• Give advance notice of guests, travel or extra work.
• Offer water, tea and a place to sit during breaks.
• Recognise festivals that matter to the helper.
• Explain changes in routine instead of expecting the helper to guess.

Children and respect

Children learn how to treat helpers by watching adults. Encourage them to use the helper's name, say please and thank you, and help tidy their own things. This also makes the helper's work easier.

When it is time to part ways

Sometimes a placement ends. Give reasonable notice, pay all dues on time, return any documents and say thank you. If you hired through Maidvy, inform your Relationship Manager so the next steps, including any eligible replacement, can begin. See how replacement works.

For reference, Maidvy's service fee is ₹15,000 + 18% GST = ₹17,700 on the Daytime Plan and ₹25,000 + 18% GST = ₹29,500 on the 24×7 Live-In Plan. The helper's monthly salary is always separate and agreed between the family and the helper.

Language and communication

Helpers often come from a different state and may speak a different first language. Use simple sentences, check understanding by asking the helper to repeat key instructions, and write important routines down. If language is a real barrier, mention your preferred languages to your Maidvy advisor when booking, so profiles can be matched accordingly.

Health and wellbeing

If a helper is unwell, allow rest and, where needed, time to see a doctor. For live-in helpers, keep basic first-aid supplies at home and know the nearest clinic. A helper who feels cared for when unwell is far more likely to stay.

Frequently asked questions

Why do domestic helpers leave jobs early?

Common reasons include duties added without discussion, late salary, no real rest or weekly off, and disrespectful communication.

Can I keep my helper's ID documents for safety?

Keep a copy with consent, never the originals. Withholding a helper's identity documents is not acceptable.

Who do I contact if there is a problem with a Maidvy helper?

Your Relationship Manager or Maidvy support on WhatsApp and phone, Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 18:00.

How can I give feedback without upsetting my helper?

Speak privately and calmly, describe the specific task, show how you would like it done, and review after a few days. Praise what is going well too.

Should I allow my helper sick leave?

Yes. Agree in advance how sick leave works and allow rest when the helper is genuinely unwell.