BLOG
Published on 26 Nov 2025 by Sandra C.
Working as a domestic helper in Singapore can be a rewarding and life-changing opportunity. Aside from earning a stable income, you help families create happy homes and your employers rely on you to keep things running smoothly.
But keeping your job also means understanding the things you should avoid at all costs. These actions can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, or even termination. To protect your employment, your reputation, and your future opportunities, here are the key things you should never do while working as a helper.
1. Never leave the house without permission
Even if you just want to take a quick walk, buy something nearby, or meet a friend, always ask for permission. Employers are responsible for your whereabouts, especially during working hours. Leaving without approval can break trust and may be seen as a serious breach of rules.
2. Don’t bring visitors into the home
Inviting friends, partners, or relatives into your employer’s home without permission is a major violation. It can compromise safety, privacy, and security. Your employer’s home is their private space, always respect that boundary.
3. Avoid using your employer’s things for personal reasons
This includes food, appliances, gadgets, household items, toiletries, and especially money. Even borrowing something without asking can lead to misunderstandings. When in doubt, always ask first.
4. Never hide mistakes
Accidents happen, something might break, spill, or get damaged. Hiding it may seem easier, but honesty builds trust. Employers appreciate helpers who communicate openly rather than covering up issues.
5. Don’t use your phone excessively during work hours
Using your phone too much can affect your productivity and cause complaints. Save personal calls, messaging, video chats, and social media usage for your rest hours. Staying focused during working hours shows professionalism.
6. Avoid talking badly about your employers publicly or online
Posting complaints or negative stories on social media can lead to conflict or even employment problems. If you have concerns, talk directly with your employer, or seek help from MOM-approved support channels.
7. Never bring your employer’s children outside without permission
Even a short trip to the playground or a quick errand with the child needs approval. Safety is the top priority. Always follow the employer’s instructions on where you can and cannot go.
8. Don’t engage in arguments or shouting matches
If there’s tension or misunderstandings, stay calm. Responding emotionally can escalate issues. Communicate politely, and if needed, request to discuss concerns at a better time.
9. Never ignore house rules even small ones
Every home has different routines, expectations, and boundaries. Whether it’s where to store things, how to cook specific meals, or how to clean certain areas, follow their preferences. Details matter.
10. Avoid borrowing money from neighbours or strangers
This can cause problems for both you and your employer. Debt can lead to stress, conflict, and employment risks. Stick to safe financial practices, and ask for help from trusted channels if you’re struggling.
11. Don’t engage in romantic relationships with anyone in the household
This includes employers, adult children, and relatives. These situations almost always lead to job loss and complications. Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
12. Never lie on your time-off, schedule, or whereabouts
Transparency builds trust. If you’re going out on your day off, simply share your plans and return on time. Employers appreciate responsible helpers who stick to agreed schedules.
13. Don’t neglect personal hygiene
Poor hygiene can affect food handling, childcare, and daily work. Maintain good grooming, wash hands frequently, and follow proper kitchen and cleaning practices.
14. Never ignore safety rules
Examples include:
- Leaving stoves unattended
- Forgetting to lock doors
- Mishandling cleaning chemicals
- Letting children out of sight
Safety is a major responsibility, always follow your employer’s safety instructions.
15. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Not asking questions may lead to mistakes or misunderstandings. Employers usually prefer helpers who clarify instructions rather than guess.
Being a great helper isn’t just about skills, it’s about attitude, honesty, and professionalism. By avoiding these actions, you protect your job, build trust, and create a positive working relationship with your employer.
You might be interested in:
Before You Take That Part-Time Job: What Every Helper Must Understand About Moonlighting
How to Succeed as a Helper in Singapore
How Helpers Can Prepare for Contract Renewal Discussions
Practical Guide for Indonesian Helpers Who Want to Work in Singapore
Working as a domestic helper in Singapore can be a rewarding and life-changing opportunity. Aside from earning a stable income, you help families create happy homes and your employers rely on you to keep things running smoothly.
But keeping your job also means understanding the things you should avoid at all costs. These actions can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, or even termination. To protect your employment, your reputation, and your future opportunities, here are the key things you should never do while working as a helper.
1. Never leave the house without permission
Even if you just want to take a quick walk, buy something nearby, or meet a friend, always ask for permission. Employers are responsible for your whereabouts, especially during working hours. Leaving without approval can break trust and may be seen as a serious breach of rules.
2. Don’t bring visitors into the home
Inviting friends, partners, or relatives into your employer’s home without permission is a major violation. It can compromise safety, privacy, and security. Your employer’s home is their private space, always respect that boundary.
3. Avoid using your employer’s things for personal reasons
This includes food, appliances, gadgets, household items, toiletries, and especially money. Even borrowing something without asking can lead to misunderstandings. When in doubt, always ask first.
4. Never hide mistakes
Accidents happen, something might break, spill, or get damaged. Hiding it may seem easier, but honesty builds trust. Employers appreciate helpers who communicate openly rather than covering up issues.
5. Don’t use your phone excessively during work hours
Using your phone too much can affect your productivity and cause complaints. Save personal calls, messaging, video chats, and social media usage for your rest hours. Staying focused during working hours shows professionalism.
6. Avoid talking badly about your employers publicly or online
Posting complaints or negative stories on social media can lead to conflict or even employment problems. If you have concerns, talk directly with your employer, or seek help from MOM-approved support channels.
7. Never bring your employer’s children outside without permission
Even a short trip to the playground or a quick errand with the child needs approval. Safety is the top priority. Always follow the employer’s instructions on where you can and cannot go.
8. Don’t engage in arguments or shouting matches
If there’s tension or misunderstandings, stay calm. Responding emotionally can escalate issues. Communicate politely, and if needed, request to discuss concerns at a better time.
9. Never ignore house rules even small ones
Every home has different routines, expectations, and boundaries. Whether it’s where to store things, how to cook specific meals, or how to clean certain areas, follow their preferences. Details matter.
10. Avoid borrowing money from neighbours or strangers
This can cause problems for both you and your employer. Debt can lead to stress, conflict, and employment risks. Stick to safe financial practices, and ask for help from trusted channels if you’re struggling.
11. Don’t engage in romantic relationships with anyone in the household
This includes employers, adult children, and relatives. These situations almost always lead to job loss and complications. Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
12. Never lie on your time-off, schedule, or whereabouts
Transparency builds trust. If you’re going out on your day off, simply share your plans and return on time. Employers appreciate responsible helpers who stick to agreed schedules.
13. Don’t neglect personal hygiene
Poor hygiene can affect food handling, childcare, and daily work. Maintain good grooming, wash hands frequently, and follow proper kitchen and cleaning practices.
14. Never ignore safety rules
Examples include:
- Leaving stoves unattended
- Forgetting to lock doors
- Mishandling cleaning chemicals
- Letting children out of sight
Safety is a major responsibility, always follow your employer’s safety instructions.
15. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Not asking questions may lead to mistakes or misunderstandings. Employers usually prefer helpers who clarify instructions rather than guess.
Being a great helper isn’t just about skills, it’s about attitude, honesty, and professionalism. By avoiding these actions, you protect your job, build trust, and create a positive working relationship with your employer.
You might be interested in:
Before You Take That Part-Time Job: What Every Helper Must Understand About Moonlighting
How to Succeed as a Helper in Singapore
How Helpers Can Prepare for Contract Renewal Discussions
Practical Guide for Indonesian Helpers Who Want to Work in Singapore