Terminating your helper

"My helper is so absentminded!"

"She forgot to turn off the stove!"

"My mother can't communicate with her."

"She is not close to my children yet."

"She told me she wiped the shelf, but she didn't. I want her to be truthful."

When we do follow up calls, we often hear comments like those above. Maybe you've tried your best and it doesn't seem to be working. They are not meeting your expectations and you are beginning to lose hope. Before you decide to terminate your helper, try the following:

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Cool Down

Don't fire your helper when you are angry. It takes a little more than two months for a new helper to arrive. If you fire in anger, who will take care of your children and your house? Take the time necessary to discuss this issue with your spouse, and the agency. Don't make a hasty decision.

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Consider

Is there something you can do differently to help your helper learn her job and succeed in serving your family? At Arrow, we will be glad to sit down with you and your helper to try to resolve any problems you are having.

Have you done a formal job evaluation with your employee? 

Consider the impact on other family members, especially children. What kind of relationship does your helper have with your children? Take steps to minimize the impact on their lives and prepare them for this change.

Your helper has left her family, her culture and her country to come and serve your family. Unless your helper is guilty of gross misbehavior or dangerous or dishonest behavior, please don't even consider firing your helper in the first two months. Give them a grace period, so they can get over their culture shock, homesickness and learn the job.

Give your helper 30 days notice if you can

Many employers are afraid to give notice, but most of these fears are unfounded. Giving them notice gives you more time to find a new helper and gives them time to find another employer. Most helpers will be grateful for your consideration and will do their best to finish their time with your family in an honorable way. 

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Choose a time when you can sit and talk quietly with your helper 

Start positive and thank her for her service to your family. Acknowledge the sacrifice she has made to leave her family and country to come and serve in Hong Kong. Tell her that the relationship is not working out, and that you have decided to terminate the contract. If you are giving 30 days notice, present it to her in writing. If you are dismissing without notice, make sure you document everything. Finally, end positive. Thank her again for her service, and wish her all the best.

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Complete the paperwork​

The ​Hong Kong government has clear guidelines for terminating a foreign domestic helper, along with links to download the necessary forms. We suggest you read their advice page carefully before settling with your employee. 

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Oversee the packing 

You can say, "I know it is embarrassing, but I want you to pack your bag in the living room so we won't have any misunderstandings." If you have given the helper any gifts, don't ask for them back. Some older people are superstitious and afraid a helper will use clothing to put a curse on them, but please act in a courteous and gracious way. If you have given your helper a cell phone, octopus card, or building keys, be sure and collect them from her. Check the laundry lines, washing machine and drier for any clothes she might leave behind.

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Write a reference

If your helper is simply a poor match for your needs, write her a reference letter to help her find another job. Even if she wasn't great you can include the dates of her service, a list of her duties, and say that she was hardworking and honest. If your helper has been dishonest, grossly negligent or dangerous, then do not give her a recommendation letter. If the helper has shown good character while serving you, we will try to find her another job that better fits her abilities. 

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Let Arrow help

We are willing to help you complete the termination papers and oversee the final payments. You can come to our office with your helper and we'll help you through this transition.  Involving Arrow will lessen the chance for an emotional scene, and we will make sure the necessary paperwork is done properly. We will also make sure that your helper is properly cared for after she leaves your home.

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Think "Win Win!"

Terminating an employment situation does not have to be a lose-lose. Giving notice, doing evaluations, and writing reference letters usually results in a win-win situation. The employer keeps the current helper till the replacement arrives and the helper has time to find an employer better suited to their abilities.