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.

But out of curiosity, I usually interview those Filipino maids why they want to work for Western employers more than the Chinese employers in Hong Kong. They said that the former tend to be more understanding and generous in terms of compensation compared with the latter.

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.

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.

The results of the study indicate that the Filipino maids, in general, are more satisfied with their Western employers, who tend to provide them with easier and more comfortable work environment, over their Chinese employers. Their Western employers are also more considerate and are more likely to treat them equally, allowing them more personal space.

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.

Ways in finding domestic helpers in Hong Kong have developed through the years. With the expanding demand for domestic helpers, the market is also growing extensively. And different activities have been practiced in Hong Kong to find domestic helpers. Here are some of them.

Referral is a great guarantee in hiring a domestic helper. Your friends and relatives can refer domestic helpers, or your maid can refer her friends and relatives who are willing to work for you. This increases your trust that the domestic helpers you will hire have good character.

Hiring a domestic helper through a traditional agency is very popular. There is an ever increasing growth in recruitment agencies doing all the screening, evaluation and processing of necessary documents for you. The agency takes care of assigning the right domestic helper you are looking for based on your requirements.

Some domestic helpers in Hong Kong advertise their availability via the domestic helper internet platform. One example of online domestic helper website in Hong Kong is www.1MaidHK.com which provides profiles and photos of domestic helpers making it easier for the employer to choose. A number of website offers advanced search function which makes it easier to match the qualifications of a domestic helper an employer is looking for based on the database available.

In relation with the use of internet to hire a domestic helper, a forum is also a very powerful venue. Exchange of interests between the employer and the domestic helpers can be freely discussed. This active communication is a healthy way of establishing the relationship between the parties even before the hiring take place.

Posting advertisements on bulletin boards in public places is an effective way of finding domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Popular spots like Park N’ Shop and Wellcome superstores have bulletin boards which domestic helpers regularly check for job postings.

The church congregation is also another reliable organization which can help in finding a domestic helper. The group welcomes every one from different walks of life including many domestic helpers. Friendly interaction with its members can lead you to the right person you are looking for, especially if you prefer to hire a domestic helper with the same religion.

Living in a big residential building makes it easy for you to find domestic helpers. All you have to do is post your requirements in your building’s bulletin board and for sure application letters will be coming in.