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Published on 24 Jul 2025 by Emma S.
Hiring a domestic helper can significantly improve your household’s daily routine but ensuring your helper’s well-being is just as important as getting the job done. A well-structured schedule helps everyone stay on track, but overloading your helper with tasks can lead to stress, fatigue, and burnout. So, how can you strike the right balance?
Here’s how to create a practical, healthy, and balanced schedule for your helper that promotes productivity and long-term harmony in your home.
1. Start with open communication
Before creating a schedule, have a conversation with your helper. Understand her strengths, previous experience, preferred work style, and any concerns she may have. When helpers feel heard and involved in the planning process, they’re more motivated and confident in their daily responsibilities.
Tip: Use the Ministry of Helpers app to document preferences and manage tasks digitally.
2. List your household needs and priorities
Every home is different. Start by listing out the tasks your household requires on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This might include:
- Daily: Cooking, cleaning, laundry, child minding
- Weekly: Grocery shopping, deeper cleaning, errands
- Monthly: Organising storage, cleaning fans or windows
Then, categorise tasks by urgency and flexibility. This helps in designing a workflow that is manageable and realistic.
3. Create a weekly plan (Not just a daily checklist)
Instead of cramming everything into one day, spread tasks throughout the week to avoid overwhelming your helper. Assign cleaning duties on different days, and alternate heavier tasks with lighter ones. Don’t forget to include breaks and downtime.
4. Factor in rest and personal time
Helpers are human too. They need time to rest, recharge, and have personal space. Ensure your schedule includes:
- Adequate sleep hours
- Scheduled meal breaks
- Rest day (as per MOM regulations)
- Time to contact their family or enjoy hobbies
Did you know? Singapore law mandates helpers to have at least one rest day per month, with more being encouraged for better well-being.
5. Be flexible and observe
Even the best schedule may need adjustments. Pay attention to your helper’s energy levels, attitude, and feedback. If she seems overly tired, stressed, or unhappy, it may be time to reassess her workload.
Check in regularly. Small changes like rescheduling laundry to a quieter day or using appliances to ease the load (like a dryer or robot vacuum) can make a big difference.
6. Use tools to help you stay organised
The Ministry of Helpers Household Scheduler is a smart way to personalise and share schedules with your helper. It promotes clear expectations, avoids misunderstandings, and helps your home run more smoothly without overburdening anyone.
A well-balanced schedule isn’t just good for your helper. It benefits the whole household. When your helper is healthy, happy, and supported, she can provide her best care and service for your family.
Respect, communication, and thoughtful planning go a long way in building a sustainable and positive working relationship. Let’s create homes where everyone can thrive together.
You might be interested in:
Domestic Helpers and Pets: Safety Tips for Households With Animals
Busted! 6 Myths About Hiring a Maid in Singapore That Employers Still Believe
Hiring a Helper Before the School Term Starts? Here’s What to Know
Smart Home, Smart Help: How Tech Can Support Your Helper at Work
Hiring a domestic helper can significantly improve your household’s daily routine but ensuring your helper’s well-being is just as important as getting the job done. A well-structured schedule helps everyone stay on track, but overloading your helper with tasks can lead to stress, fatigue, and burnout. So, how can you strike the right balance?
Here’s how to create a practical, healthy, and balanced schedule for your helper that promotes productivity and long-term harmony in your home.
1. Start with open communication
Before creating a schedule, have a conversation with your helper. Understand her strengths, previous experience, preferred work style, and any concerns she may have. When helpers feel heard and involved in the planning process, they’re more motivated and confident in their daily responsibilities.
Tip: Use the Ministry of Helpers app to document preferences and manage tasks digitally.
2. List your household needs and priorities
Every home is different. Start by listing out the tasks your household requires on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This might include:
- Daily: Cooking, cleaning, laundry, child minding
- Weekly: Grocery shopping, deeper cleaning, errands
- Monthly: Organising storage, cleaning fans or windows
Then, categorise tasks by urgency and flexibility. This helps in designing a workflow that is manageable and realistic.
3. Create a weekly plan (Not just a daily checklist)
Instead of cramming everything into one day, spread tasks throughout the week to avoid overwhelming your helper. Assign cleaning duties on different days, and alternate heavier tasks with lighter ones. Don’t forget to include breaks and downtime.
4. Factor in rest and personal time
Helpers are human too. They need time to rest, recharge, and have personal space. Ensure your schedule includes:
- Adequate sleep hours
- Scheduled meal breaks
- Rest day (as per MOM regulations)
- Time to contact their family or enjoy hobbies
Did you know? Singapore law mandates helpers to have at least one rest day per month, with more being encouraged for better well-being.
5. Be flexible and observe
Even the best schedule may need adjustments. Pay attention to your helper’s energy levels, attitude, and feedback. If she seems overly tired, stressed, or unhappy, it may be time to reassess her workload.
Check in regularly. Small changes like rescheduling laundry to a quieter day or using appliances to ease the load (like a dryer or robot vacuum) can make a big difference.
6. Use tools to help you stay organised
The Ministry of Helpers Household Scheduler is a smart way to personalise and share schedules with your helper. It promotes clear expectations, avoids misunderstandings, and helps your home run more smoothly without overburdening anyone.
A well-balanced schedule isn’t just good for your helper. It benefits the whole household. When your helper is healthy, happy, and supported, she can provide her best care and service for your family.
Respect, communication, and thoughtful planning go a long way in building a sustainable and positive working relationship. Let’s create homes where everyone can thrive together.
You might be interested in:
Domestic Helpers and Pets: Safety Tips for Households With Animals
Busted! 6 Myths About Hiring a Maid in Singapore That Employers Still Believe
Hiring a Helper Before the School Term Starts? Here’s What to Know
Smart Home, Smart Help: How Tech Can Support Your Helper at Work