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Published on 18 Apr 2025 by Gwen S.
Hiring a domestic helper can be a life-changing decision for many families in Singapore. A reliable helper brings balance, support, and peace of mind to a busy household. But finding the right person isn’t always straightforward—and many employers unknowingly make mistakes during the hiring process that can lead to miscommunication, mismatched expectations, and even early contract termination.
At Ministry of Helpers, we’re committed to helping families hire smarter and build respectful, lasting working relationships. Here are some common hiring mistakes employers make—and how to avoid them.
1. Rushing the hiring process
Mistake: Many employers wait until the last minute to start looking for a helper, then feel pressured to make a quick decision. This can lead to hiring someone who isn't the right fit.
How to avoid it: Start your search early. Use a platform like Ministry of Helpers, where you can browse profiles, chat directly with candidates, and compare options. Give yourself time to conduct proper interviews and assess compatibility.
2. Not being clear about expectations
Mistake: Employers often assume that helpers will automatically know what to do or how tasks should be done in their home. This leads to confusion and frustration on both sides.
How to avoid it: Be specific and transparent during the interview. Discuss daily routines, working hours, job scope, and any special requirements. Use the Household Scheduler on the Ministry of Helpers app to outline a clear, customised routine for your home.
3. Focusing only on experience
Mistake: While experience is important, it's not the only factor. Some employers overlook qualities like attitude, willingness to learn, or compatibility with the family, especially if a candidate lacks local experience.
How to avoid it: Look at the whole person. Ask behavioral questions during interviews, and consider a helper’s personality, values, and learning attitude. Use Ministry of Helpers' detailed profiles and training history to make an informed choice.
4. Skipping reference checks
Mistake: Some employers skip contacting past employers or checking references, especially if the helper is transferring locally. This can result in hiring someone without fully understanding their background.
How to avoid it: Always request references and speak directly with former employers when possible. Ask about strengths, areas for improvement, and any past challenges.
5. Failing to provide a proper orientation
Mistake: New helpers are expected to adapt instantly, with little guidance or support. This lack of onboarding can lead to stress and miscommunication.
How to avoid it: Treat the first week as an adjustment period. Provide clear instructions, introduce them to family routines, and encourage open communication.
Our Concierge Service can help manage paperwork and streamline onboarding, so you can focus on building trust from day one.
6. Not understanding legal obligations
Mistake: Employers sometimes overlook legal responsibilities—such as work permit regulations, off days, and levy payments—leading to compliance issues or disputes.
How to avoid it: Stay informed about MOM regulations. Ministry of Helpers offers resources to help you understand your duties as an employer, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From levy support to contract templates, we’ve got you covered.
7. Disregarding the helper’s well-being
Mistake: A common oversight is focusing solely on productivity without considering the helper’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This can lead to burnout, resentment, or early resignation.
How to avoid it: Foster a positive, respectful work environment. Ensure adequate rest, fair treatment, and open communication. Recognise that your helper is not just a worker—they’re a person who deserves kindness, appreciation, and dignity.
Hiring a domestic helper is not just about filling a role—it’s about creating a partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. By avoiding these common mistakes and using tools like Ministry of Helpers, you can make the hiring process smoother, more transparent, and more rewarding for everyone involved.
You might be interested in:
Hiring a Domestic Helper from Indonesia to Singapore: What Employers Need to Know
Home Security & Safety: Training Your Helper to Keep Your Home Safe
What to Do If Your Helper Wants to Change Employers
Understanding Rest Days and Time Off: What Employers Need to Know
Balancing Work and Rest: A Guide for Employers to Support Their Helpers
Hiring a domestic helper can be a life-changing decision for many families in Singapore. A reliable helper brings balance, support, and peace of mind to a busy household. But finding the right person isn’t always straightforward—and many employers unknowingly make mistakes during the hiring process that can lead to miscommunication, mismatched expectations, and even early contract termination.
At Ministry of Helpers, we’re committed to helping families hire smarter and build respectful, lasting working relationships. Here are some common hiring mistakes employers make—and how to avoid them.
1. Rushing the hiring process
Mistake: Many employers wait until the last minute to start looking for a helper, then feel pressured to make a quick decision. This can lead to hiring someone who isn't the right fit.
How to avoid it: Start your search early. Use a platform like Ministry of Helpers, where you can browse profiles, chat directly with candidates, and compare options. Give yourself time to conduct proper interviews and assess compatibility.
2. Not being clear about expectations
Mistake: Employers often assume that helpers will automatically know what to do or how tasks should be done in their home. This leads to confusion and frustration on both sides.
How to avoid it: Be specific and transparent during the interview. Discuss daily routines, working hours, job scope, and any special requirements. Use the Household Scheduler on the Ministry of Helpers app to outline a clear, customised routine for your home.
3. Focusing only on experience
Mistake: While experience is important, it's not the only factor. Some employers overlook qualities like attitude, willingness to learn, or compatibility with the family, especially if a candidate lacks local experience.
How to avoid it: Look at the whole person. Ask behavioral questions during interviews, and consider a helper’s personality, values, and learning attitude. Use Ministry of Helpers' detailed profiles and training history to make an informed choice.
4. Skipping reference checks
Mistake: Some employers skip contacting past employers or checking references, especially if the helper is transferring locally. This can result in hiring someone without fully understanding their background.
How to avoid it: Always request references and speak directly with former employers when possible. Ask about strengths, areas for improvement, and any past challenges.
5. Failing to provide a proper orientation
Mistake: New helpers are expected to adapt instantly, with little guidance or support. This lack of onboarding can lead to stress and miscommunication.
How to avoid it: Treat the first week as an adjustment period. Provide clear instructions, introduce them to family routines, and encourage open communication.
Our Concierge Service can help manage paperwork and streamline onboarding, so you can focus on building trust from day one.
6. Not understanding legal obligations
Mistake: Employers sometimes overlook legal responsibilities—such as work permit regulations, off days, and levy payments—leading to compliance issues or disputes.
How to avoid it: Stay informed about MOM regulations. Ministry of Helpers offers resources to help you understand your duties as an employer, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From levy support to contract templates, we’ve got you covered.
7. Disregarding the helper’s well-being
Mistake: A common oversight is focusing solely on productivity without considering the helper’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This can lead to burnout, resentment, or early resignation.
How to avoid it: Foster a positive, respectful work environment. Ensure adequate rest, fair treatment, and open communication. Recognise that your helper is not just a worker—they’re a person who deserves kindness, appreciation, and dignity.
Hiring a domestic helper is not just about filling a role—it’s about creating a partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. By avoiding these common mistakes and using tools like Ministry of Helpers, you can make the hiring process smoother, more transparent, and more rewarding for everyone involved.
You might be interested in:
Hiring a Domestic Helper from Indonesia to Singapore: What Employers Need to Know
Home Security & Safety: Training Your Helper to Keep Your Home Safe
What to Do If Your Helper Wants to Change Employers
Understanding Rest Days and Time Off: What Employers Need to Know
Balancing Work and Rest: A Guide for Employers to Support Their Helpers