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Published on 20 Jan 2025 by Fern L.
As the new year unfolds, many of us take time to reflect on our goals and plans for the months ahead. For households with domestic helpers, this is also a perfect opportunity to establish shared goals and expectations, ensuring a harmonious and productive year for both employers and helpers.
Clear communication is the cornerstone of this process, fostering mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration. Here’s how to make it work:
1. Start with open dialogue
Before diving into goal-setting, take time to connect with your helper. Schedule a dedicated conversation to discuss the year ahead. Begin by expressing gratitude for their contributions and acknowledging their hard work. This sets a positive tone and encourages them to participate openly.
Questions to consider:
- What tasks or routines worked well last year?
- Are there areas where they feel improvements could be made?
- What are their personal goals or aspirations for the year?
2. Align goals with household needs
Every household has unique priorities, whether it’s maintaining a spotless home, supporting children’s routines, or providing care for elderly family members. Clearly outline these priorities and discuss how your helper’s role fits into achieving them.
Examples of goals:
- Introducing a more efficient cleaning schedule.
- Enhancing meal preparation with healthier recipes.
- Focusing on skill development, such as first aid or language classes.
3. Be specific and realistic
Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings. When setting goals, be clear and specific about your expectations. Use actionable language and set achievable targets to avoid overwhelming your helper.
For example:
- Instead of saying, “Keep the house tidy,” specify, “Ensure the living room is vacuumed and dusted every Tuesday and Friday.”
- For personal development, agree on a plan, such as, “Attend one online training course per quarter.”
4. Create a written agreement
Documenting agreed-upon goals and expectations helps ensure accountability and clarity. This doesn’t have to be a formal contract—a simple checklist or shared calendar can suffice. Review it together periodically to track progress.
5. Encourage ongoing feedback
Effective communication doesn’t stop after the initial conversation. Establish regular check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and make adjustments. These sessions provide a platform for both you and your helper to voice concerns or celebrate successes.
6. Show appreciation
Recognise and reward your helper’s efforts to meet the goals you’ve set together. A simple “thank you,” a small gift, or even a day off can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping morale high.
7. Support their growth
Just as you set goals for your household, encourage your helper to set personal development goals. Whether it’s learning a new skill, saving for their family, or pursuing a hobby, supporting their aspirations creates a win-win dynamic.
Clear communication and goal-setting not only help in managing household tasks efficiently but also strengthen the relationship between employers and helpers. It shows respect for your helper’s contributions and demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.
As you embark on this new year, take the time to build a stronger partnership with your helper. With mutual understanding and shared goals, 2025 can be a fulfilling and successful year for everyone in your home.
As the new year unfolds, many of us take time to reflect on our goals and plans for the months ahead. For households with domestic helpers, this is also a perfect opportunity to establish shared goals and expectations, ensuring a harmonious and productive year for both employers and helpers.
Clear communication is the cornerstone of this process, fostering mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration. Here’s how to make it work:
1. Start with open dialogue
Before diving into goal-setting, take time to connect with your helper. Schedule a dedicated conversation to discuss the year ahead. Begin by expressing gratitude for their contributions and acknowledging their hard work. This sets a positive tone and encourages them to participate openly.
Questions to consider:
- What tasks or routines worked well last year?
- Are there areas where they feel improvements could be made?
- What are their personal goals or aspirations for the year?
2. Align goals with household needs
Every household has unique priorities, whether it’s maintaining a spotless home, supporting children’s routines, or providing care for elderly family members. Clearly outline these priorities and discuss how your helper’s role fits into achieving them.
Examples of goals:
- Introducing a more efficient cleaning schedule.
- Enhancing meal preparation with healthier recipes.
- Focusing on skill development, such as first aid or language classes.
3. Be specific and realistic
Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings. When setting goals, be clear and specific about your expectations. Use actionable language and set achievable targets to avoid overwhelming your helper.
For example:
- Instead of saying, “Keep the house tidy,” specify, “Ensure the living room is vacuumed and dusted every Tuesday and Friday.”
- For personal development, agree on a plan, such as, “Attend one online training course per quarter.”
4. Create a written agreement
Documenting agreed-upon goals and expectations helps ensure accountability and clarity. This doesn’t have to be a formal contract—a simple checklist or shared calendar can suffice. Review it together periodically to track progress.
5. Encourage ongoing feedback
Effective communication doesn’t stop after the initial conversation. Establish regular check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and make adjustments. These sessions provide a platform for both you and your helper to voice concerns or celebrate successes.
6. Show appreciation
Recognise and reward your helper’s efforts to meet the goals you’ve set together. A simple “thank you,” a small gift, or even a day off can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping morale high.
7. Support their growth
Just as you set goals for your household, encourage your helper to set personal development goals. Whether it’s learning a new skill, saving for their family, or pursuing a hobby, supporting their aspirations creates a win-win dynamic.
Clear communication and goal-setting not only help in managing household tasks efficiently but also strengthen the relationship between employers and helpers. It shows respect for your helper’s contributions and demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.
As you embark on this new year, take the time to build a stronger partnership with your helper. With mutual understanding and shared goals, 2025 can be a fulfilling and successful year for everyone in your home.