In highlighting the contribution of Hong Kong’s foreign domestic workers to the local economy, a popular HK columnist explained how the generosity of employers can encourage maids to provide a higher level of service.
The Apple Daily columnist, who goes by the pen name “Jor Ding-san”, on June 12 recounted how his friend, a semi-retired journalist and public relations consultant, encountered her former domestic helper and a young man, whom she did not recognize, in front of her apartment in Sha Tin in the New Territories.
The former helper, Karen, 53, was, in fact, accompanied by her son. They, together with Karen’s husband, three other children and a grandson, had traveled from the Philippines to Hong Kong for sight-seeing.
Karen explained that she wanted to visit with her former employer to thank her for treating her as a family member during her employment.
Jor said his journalist friend had earned the gratitude of Karen, and other helpers over the years, by giving them generous “red packets”, gifts of cash that are traditionally given at festivals and special occasions. He said she also shared expensive food with them and sponsored visits to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Jor further recalled how he once discovered his Filipino maid had taken some mooncakes without asking, but instead of being angry with her, he gave her some more to share with her friends. His neighbor criticized him for being “too generous” with the maids, but he stressed that this was the wrong perspective.
He said employers who are generous with their domestic workers will encourage better work performance from them and build more productive relationships in the long run.
Yes thats true
Not question mark sorry for wrong typing���
I’m proud my employer are good to me,,
Honesty is the best polecy….
Thank’s god ���
Yes ! Relationship of employer and domistec helper is more important,,
Common sense is needed…
Agree
Yes that’s truly true because most of the Filipino maid know how to look back how been good is the employer and we know how to appreciate that in return with a good service.
Indeed,
Tama…vice versa naman yan…kapag mabait ang amo of course papalitan mo rin ito ng kabaitan…pero kapag maldita ang amo affected din ang trabaho…sometimes you don’t feel like going back to their flat after your holiday….I’m lucky finding and having a kind and generous employer…
True
But of course! Love begets love. Respect begets respect. What you do to others, the same will come back to you and much much more!
true indeed
True
What you sow is…what you reap very simple..��.. GOD bless those employers with a good hearth for their servants/helper..
Indeed
Indeed….
True
Yes it’s true, coz I had an experienced,,
It’s common sense..how can a maid work properly if d boss always find mistakes and dont even feed and treat her justly
Thats true
We all ever wanted is they will give us a little consideration … that we are not perfect..
And we also have a feelings.