2023/12/16
Hello everyone
How do you spend?
We are approaching the middle of December and many of you may be making plans for Christmas and New Year.
Recently, I have received a number of inquiries from Japanese families regarding helpers and have supported them in resolving these issues, so this time I would like to write about what they consulted me about at that time.
I hope that each of these consultations will be of some help, as they are not just issues between the family and the helper, but are common stories.
First, one of the concerns is what employers should provide to helpers. The employment contract states the following items (a) to (i).
Employers may ask about things like shampoo, conditioner, seasonings, detergent, etc., but the contract does not list every single item in detail, so to some extent it is up to each household to decide.
Since helpers themselves often talk about their own experiences, many of them assume that what their previous employers provided them should be provided to them. Therefore, when helpers get together to talk, opinions are often divided.
If you feel that your helper is making excessive demands on you, there are two possibilities: either the helper is making requests because they genuinely believe them, or they are testing the waters to see if their demands will be met despite knowing that they are not actually eligible for compensation.
Frequently asked questions (examples)
・Shampoo and conditioner
・Clothing detergent
・Toothbrush and toothpaste
·seasoning
・Cooking utensils, tableware, etc.
・Water (water server)
・Coffee, tea, etc.
・Rice (Even if food allowance is provided, rice is still provided)
・Cell phone (to contact your employer for business purposes)
・Permission to use Wi-Fi
When we receive your consultation, we will provide you with the following information:
The employment contract states "Toilet and bathing facilities."
There is no detailed description of each item. Soap and other items in the bathroom are not personal items, so they are considered part of the Facilities, while shampoo and other items are personal items that the helper prepares by themselves. Please see below for your reference.
https://www.sassymamahk.com/ask-mel-your-helpers-personal-items/
The next most common complaint is about the attitude of the helpers. This is partly due to cultural differences, and they may be doing it without any ill intentions. Therefore, there is a possibility of improvement if they are properly trained.
First, about the replies. Some people said that it was unpleasant when the helper did not respond properly when the employer stated the employer's name or requirements, but simply replied with short, unclear sounds like "ah," "oh," or "yes?"
Normally the helpers would reply, "Yes, Mum!" or "Yes, Sir!" and when this was pointed out even to helpers who I know well and can usually say it properly, it made me wonder why this was happening.
This is only a guess, but I thought that it might be a sound made when someone was talking to them while they were doing some kind of work and they didn't understand. I don't think it was malicious or disrespectful. Still, it's unpleasant.
In such cases, improvements can be made by instructing the person on how to ask again or confirm something, or by making an effort to stop what they are doing and listen when someone speaks to them.
Another comment was that some helpers were always smiling, which made them feel uncomfortable. It is important to be cheerful and positive, but it is also important to be careful about facial expressions depending on the situation so that the other person does not misunderstand. For example, if you are giving a serious warning and the helper smiles and says "Sorry sorry," it can be unpleasant.
The helper seemed to believe that smiling was a good thing.
Once the misunderstanding is resolved, the discomfort and stress you have been feeling may be alleviated.
Different cultures mean different common sense. We Japanese also have our own unique culture and common sense, so it is important to understand and compromise. However, of course, there are a certain number of helpers who are considered unreasonable even by Filipinos, so it is necessary to judge whether it is the national character or the personality of the person.
If you find it difficult to understand, it may be a good idea to ask people around you instead of making assumptions.
By the way, our full package includes our own training (study session) for helpers. We will provide training not only before the start of work, but also after employment upon request.
Currently, our customers are not only Japanese families,
As the textbook has expanded to include many nationalities, we plan to revise it next year at the appropriate time.
I would be grateful if you could give me any suggestions for adding anything.
Over here 👇
hkoarigatoo@gmail.com
6711 5777 whatsapp
In each of the families that we consulted with this time, they all said that they had seen signs of improvement thanks to the support they received, so the helpers were able to keep their jobs.
What I thought this time was that there are some points that not only the helper but also the employer should understand before hiring a helper. Having a little knowledge may help you avoid unnecessary stress.
We will strive to further improve our services next year, including how we communicate this to you in the future.
Well, everyone, it's a little early.
Merry Christmas
If you have any questions you would like to see covered in this column, please contact us via chat on LEI's official LINE.
Hisako Kon
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture. After graduating from a junior college in Osaka, she got a job at a hotel in Atami. She then spent time in New Zealand on a working holiday. After returning to Japan, she worked in a variety of industries in Tokyo, including as a temporary staff member, serving food at restaurants and hotels, and providing customer support.
After that, he got married and started living in Hong Kong, where he became a Japanese teacher.
After getting divorced and obtaining permanent residency, she founded HKO Arigatoo Limited in 2017. She is currently a Japanese language teacher and a dog lover.
WEB SITE HKOArigatoo
Facebook HKOArigatoo
Instagram hkoarigatoo
Hong Kong LEI is a lifestyle magazine for women and families that brings more joy to life in Hong Kong.
Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be available after approval. Please wait a moment.