SINGAPORE: A local employer has found herself in hot water online after posting a complaint about her domestic helper spending “too much time” watching dramas in her free time.
Posting in the ‘MDW in Singapore’ Facebook group on Saturday (Apr 5), the employer shared that her helper has an incredibly easy workload, considering she and her husband work full-time and their child is at school during the day.
According to her, the helper is only responsible for preparing two meals daily and occasionally a simple lunch when the employer works from home. Beyond that, there’s pretty much nothing else to do.
She also added that, while she allows the helper to take breaks once her tasks are completed, she couldn’t help but feel bothered by how the helper spends her free time—watching dramas.
She then asked the group, “Is it fair for your FDW to watch drama during this (time)? I’m really not sure if I’m a bad employer or what… but so free until watch drama can meh? I think maybe she’s too free already. How does the employer set a schedule for the helper? Thank you.”
“You ask her to rest, but she can’t do what she wants on resting time…”
In the comments, many condemned the employer for what they saw as a lack of basic respect for the helper’s autonomy and rest time.
“If she has already done her job, then why not? Just (show) a bit of consideration to your helper and let her watch her favourite drama—why can’t you give (her that)? Your helper is a human, too. She also has the right to do things that make her happy, as long as it doesn’t affect her job,” one netizen said.
“I think you are confused, madam? You ask her to rest, but she can’t do what she wants on resting time, or maybe, maybe you’re the type of employer who gets a sore brain when you think your helper is doing nothing at home while your kids are in school and you are out working?” another chimed in.
“So you literally mean she can’t watch drama/movies as long as she works in your house?” a third wrote.
“You said this timing, but you never tell us the timing. Is it during working hours that most chores are done?” a fourth asked, confused by the employer’s question.
Some domestic helpers also chimed in on the discussion, letting the employer know that this is normal. One shared, “My boss lets me watch anytime by sharing her Netflix and Disney+ accounts. She even told me not to work too hard in the house. I’ve been with them for 11 years, looking after two kids, aged 11 and 5.”
Rest time for domestic helpers
Currently, there are no official regulations regarding working hours for domestic helpers in Singapore. However, both the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) and Helperly, a maid agency, recommend that employers provide their domestic helpers with rest periods between tasks.
This recommendation ensures helpers are not overworked and have sufficient time to recharge throughout the day. As stated on the MoM’s website, “As an employer, you are responsible for the health and well-being of your migrant domestic worker (MDW).”
Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)