What Responsibilities Should Be Discussed Before Deployment?

What Responsibilities Should Be Discussed Before Deployment?

Bringing a new maid, cook, nanny, or caretaker into your home is an exciting step — but the weeks that follow can feel rocky if expectations were never clearly spoken aloud. Most of the day-to-day friction that families experience with household staff does not stem from a lack of skill. It stems from assumptions. One side assumed something would be done; the other assumed it was never their job. A straightforward conversation before the first day of work can prevent almost all of that confusion.

Whether you are hiring in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, or a smaller city, the principle is the same: clarity upfront protects everyone's time, dignity, and peace of mind.

Start with the Scope of Work

The single most important thing to pin down is exactly what tasks are included — and what are not. Be as specific as possible. Vague terms like "cooking" or "cleaning" mean different things to different people.

• For a cook or maid: How many meals per day? Does that include packing lunch boxes? Which rooms are to be cleaned daily versus weekly? Is utensil washing part of the role or handled separately?
• For a nanny or baby caretaker: Does the role cover night duties? Is the nanny expected to bathe the baby, prepare baby food, or accompany the family for outings?
• For a Japa maid: Discuss post-delivery care routines, oil massages for the newborn, helping the mother with diet, and the expected duration of the engagement.
• For an elder-care or patient-care attendant: Clarify mobility assistance, medication reminders, accompanying the patient to medical appointments, and any specific physiotherapy support. Always consult the treating doctor to confirm what medical tasks, if any, can be delegated — never make assumptions here.

Working Hours and Weekly Off

Fix the start time, end time, and break periods in advance. In many Delhi NCR households, for example, a full-time live-in maid may be expected to be available through the day, while a part-time worker comes for a fixed two-hour slot. Both arrangements work — but only when agreed upon before deployment.

Discuss the weekly day off, paid national holidays, and how you will handle absences. If the worker will be living in, also clarify their personal time, privacy within their designated space, and whether guests are permitted.

Salary, Advances, and Increments

Salary is paid directly to the worker and is a private agreement between your family and the individual. Agree on the monthly amount, the date of payment, and whether an advance policy exists. If you are working through Maidvy, the service charge — which is GST-inclusive — is separate from the worker's salary and covers the placement, background verification, and support process.

It is also wise to discuss annual increments openly. Workers plan their lives around expected earnings, and a transparent conversation builds long-term loyalty.

House Rules and Household Norms

Every home has its own culture. Share yours early:

• Are there dietary restrictions (no onion-garlic cooking, vegetarian-only kitchen)?
• Which areas of the house are accessible and which are private?
• What is the protocol for receiving parcels or visitors when you are not home?
• Are pets present, and is the worker comfortable around them?
• What is the phone usage expectation during work hours?

None of these are unreasonable rules — they simply need to be stated rather than expected to be guessed.

Safety and Emergency Protocols

Share emergency contact numbers. If there is a young child, elderly person, or patient at home, walk the worker through what to do in a medical emergency before you or another family member can be reached. Keep the doctor's number and nearest hospital address visible in the kitchen or a common area.

Grievance and Feedback Channel

Let the worker know they can raise concerns too. A one-way conversation creates resentment over time. Ask whether the agreed tasks feel manageable, whether the timing works, and whether they have any questions. This small gesture makes a significant difference to retention and morale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put the responsibilities in writing?

Yes, wherever possible. Even a simple handwritten or typed list in the worker's preferred language avoids misunderstandings later. It also serves as a reference point if duties expand or change over time.

What if I need to add tasks after deployment begins?

New tasks should be discussed and agreed upon — not added silently. If a significant addition is involved, revisiting the salary conversation is fair and appropriate.

How do I handle it if the worker's skills do not match what was described?

Raise the concern early and calmly. Give a brief trial period for the worker to adjust, and if the gap remains significant, contact your placement agency to discuss a suitable resolution.

Ready to Get Started?

Maidvy's structured booking process includes a pre-deployment briefing that helps families and household staff align on responsibilities before the first day. If you are looking for a smoother, more transparent way to bring trusted help into your home, explore how Maidvy can support your family's needs.