Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Filipino Maids HK - Why Filipino Maids Prefer Western Employers

By Alice Sy

Many Filipino maids looking for job opportunities in Hong Kong would usually inquire from our agency if we have Western employers available. Why do Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer Western employers?

I often given them a resounding "Yes" since our agency receives requirements for domestic assistance from expatriates from time to time. Thanks to the power of internet marketing.

Out of my curiousity, I often ask why filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer to work with Western employers rather than Chinese employers. It is interesting to note that the former tends to be more understanding and are willing to pay higher than the minimum salary set by the Hong Kong government.

There are four major areas where Western employers show an edge over the Chinese employers in terms of their treatment of Filipina domestic helpers. They are atmosphere of work environment, consideration, socio-psychological distance and personal space. This study has been conducted by Chinese University of Hong Kong on how maids in Hong Kong are treated by their employers.

The data were based on in-depth and structured interviews of Filipino helpers who have served both types of employers. A few Western and Chinese employers were also interviewed.

Based on the study, it has been found that Western employers tend to provide their filipino domestic helpers with easier and comfortable work environment. Western employers were found to be more considerate and are more likely to treat their domestic helpers equally and allow them more personal space, thus giving the helpers more work satisfaction.

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 Filipino maids. This is a basis why Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer Western employers. - 15431

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