Western Employers Preferred By Domestic Helpers In Hong Kong

Western employers preferred by domestic helpers in Hong Kong

Thomas Jason

A huge number of filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong usually call our employment agency and ask if we have Western employers available. What is it that filipino domestic helpers prefer Western employers instead of Chinese employers ?

As an employment agency catering to both local and international market, we often receive inquiries from Western employers who are in need of domestic help from time to time as a result of our internet marketing using Google Adwords campaign.

Based on my interviews with some of those Filipino maids, they prefer Western employers compared with Chinese employers in Hong Kong because they tend to be more understanding and generous with compensation.

A study has been conducted by Chinese University of Hong Kong on how maids in Hong Kong are treated by their employers. Comparisons between Western and Chinese employers on their treatment of Filipina helpers are done in consideration of four major areas namely atmosphere of work environment, consideration, socio-psychological distance and personal space.

In-depth study was made and structured interviews of filipino domestic helpers who have served both types of employers were carried out. A few Western and Chinese employers were also interviewed.

The study shows that Western employers tend to provide their Filipina maids with easier and more comfortable work environment compared with the Chinese employers. They are more considerate, and are more likely to treat their maids equally and to allow them more personal space, thus, giving their helpers more satisfaction in working for them.

Lastly, in terms of variations in treatment of maids, Western employers are more homogeneous and they tend to concentrate on the positive side. On the other hand, Chinese employers are more diversified. There is no single pattern on how they treat their Filipina maids. This is a basis why Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer Western employers.