Handling work life along with house chores is a big challenge. In such a scenario, all that comes to our minds is hiring a maid. But the delusion stands on how to find the right maid to suit our needs. One way is to hire through a maid agency in Singapore. Another way is hiring a maid directly through known family, friends, or relatives. While both ways can work, the debate stands on which is the best way to hire a maid in Singapore that’s perfect to do specific tasks assigned by us. Let’s get into the crux of the matter.
Direct hire Vs. Hiring Through a Maid Agency
| Aspect | Maid Agency | Direct Hire |
| Convenience | As you get access to a convenient database of candidates, the selection process gets quicker and more diverse. | When you decide to hire a maid directly, you need to search for options, contact people, conduct screening tests, etc. This entire process is quite cumbersome. |
| Ensuring safety through background checks | Thorough background checks by the maid agencies ensure the maid’s reliability and legal compliance. | The employer has to make sure he/she conducts a background check before letting anyone in their house. |
| Cost Transparency | The cost of hiring is detailed to you by the agency. There are no surprise hidden charges. The costs are transparent and typically cover background checks and paperwork. | While you might be thinking that hiring directly would save you the cost, remember that there are multiple hidden charges that exceed the amount invested in an agency. Like the cost of running and hosting background checks, advertising expenses, paperwork costs, etc. |
| Traversing the legal compliance | You get experts who are well-versed in labour laws, helping employers comply with legal requirements and avoiding any sort of legal issues in future. | Employers must independently navigate and ensure legal compliance. |
| Replacement Policy | What would you do if the hired maid is unsuitable or leaves abruptly? Well, hiring agencies often have replacement policies in case any issue occurs. | In case your chosen maid isn’t up to the mark, you need to manage replacements independently, which can be challenging. |
| Contractual Assistance | You get expert assistance in drafting employment contracts, ensuring clarity and legal compliance. | You are required to draft contracts independently, which may lead to oversights in legal or contractual matters. |
| Transfer Maid Options | Agencies often have a pool of transfer maids in Singapore, providing more options for employers looking for experienced domestic help. | Direct hiring may have limited access to transfer maids, as these candidates may not be as visible in independent searches. |
| Access to Performance History | You get hands-on experience with the maid’s work history and performance reviews, aiding decision-making. | To know the maid’s performance history, you need to solely rely on the information provided by the maid, potentially leading to incomplete insights. |
| Training | Reliable maid agencies train the maids before placing them. This helps you in getting the desired quality services without the hassle of providing any kind of training. | It is possible to get a well-trained, experienced maid, but the challenge is finding a maid trained in a specific task, like assisting elders with medication or preparing a specific style of cuisine. |
This information clearly explains how hiring a maid agency in Singapore will always give you an upper hand rather than direct hiring. This way, you can avoid the trouble of dealing with paperwork and navigating a complicated process. By investing your money wisely, you can pick the perfect maid who meets your requirements and expectations.