Employer Guide - RoyaleMaide

1

Basic Requirements for Hiring

Before you start the hiring process, ensure you meet these fundamental requirements

You are eligible to hire if:

You are a Hong Kong resident with a valid Hong Kong identity card, or a company registered in Hong Kong. You must have sufficient living space for the helper and be able to provide adequate accommodation.

Pre-hiring Checklist

Verify you have sufficient living space (minimum 50 sq ft)
Confirm you can provide adequate accommodation
Review Hong Kong's minimum wage for domestic helpers
Prepare your household budget including all costs
Research helper duties and responsibilities you need

Typical Hiring Timeline

Week 1-2: Preparation

Define your needs, prepare accommodation, budget planning

Week 3-4: Search & Interview

Browse candidates, conduct interviews, check references

Week 5-6: Documentation

Contract preparation, visa application, medical check-up

Week 7-8: Arrival & Setup

Helper arrival, orientation, first week support

2

Costs & Budgeting

Understanding the complete cost breakdown for hiring a domestic helper

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Based on current Hong Kong rates (2024)

Monthly Salary HK$4,870

Food Allowance HK$1,236

Accommodation Free

Utilities (if applicable) HK$200

Medical Insurance HK$300

Mandatory Savings HK$1,200

Transport (if working outside) HK$300

Employment Agency Fee HK$0

Miscellaneous HK$200

Annual Leave Pay HK$405

Total Monthly Cost

HK$8,611

Important Notes

These are minimum statutory requirements. You may need to pay more to attract quality helpers. Additional costs include initial setup, training, and potential early termination fees.

Additional One-time Costs

Accommodation setup (bedding, wardrobe, storage) - HK$500-1,500
Medical check-up and vaccination - HK$300-500
ID card application fee - HK$370
Orientation and training materials - HK$200-400
Travel insurance (first month) - HK$200-300

3

The Hiring Process

Step-by-step guide to finding and hiring the right domestic helper

Detailed Hiring Steps

1. Define Your Requirements

Clearly outline duties, working hours, skills needed, and your household expectations. Create a detailed job description.

2. Search and Screen Candidates

Browse profiles on RoyaleMaide, review qualifications, check experience, and filter by your specific requirements.

3. Conduct Interviews

Interview candidates via video call or phone. Ask about experience, expectations, and cultural compatibility.

4. Check References

Contact previous employers to verify work history, reliability, and performance.

5. Final Selection and Agreement

Select your preferred candidate, discuss terms, and prepare the employment contract.

Interview Tips

Ask open-ended questions about their experience, how they handle difficult situations, their cooking skills, childcare experience, and expectations about working conditions and salary.

4

Legal Obligations

Understanding your responsibilities as an employer under Hong Kong law

Employer Legal Responsibilities

Pay at least the minimum wage (HK$4,870/month as of 2024)
Provide food allowance (HK$1,236/month) or free meals
Provide adequate accommodation with privacy
Arrange medical insurance coverage
Pay mandatory savings (HK$1,200/month) or provide savings account
Provide one day off per week (preferably Sunday)
Allow annual leave of at least 7 days per year
Pay end-of-contract payment or airfare home

Common Legal Mistakes to Avoid

Don't deduct wages for minor mistakes, don't withhold travel documents, don't impose excessive restrictions on movement during off-days, and always provide proper notice before termination.

5

Employment Contracts

Essential elements of a proper employment contract

Contract Essentials

A proper contract should clearly outline duties, working hours, salary, accommodation arrangements, leave entitlements, termination conditions, and dispute resolution procedures.

Contract Checklist

Job title and main duties clearly defined
Working hours and rest day arrangements
Salary amount and payment schedule
Accommodation and meal arrangements
Annual leave and public holiday entitlements
Termination notice periods and procedures
Medical insurance and healthcare provisions
Dispute resolution mechanisms

6

Working Conditions

Creating a positive and productive working environment

Accommodation Standards

Your helper's accommodation should be clean, well-ventilated, and provide adequate privacy. Minimum requirements include personal storage space, a separate bed, and reasonable access to bathroom facilities.

Best Practices for Positive Working Relations

Establish clear expectations and communication channels
Respect cultural differences and religious practices
Provide proper safety equipment and training
Allow privacy and personal time
Be fair and consistent with rules and expectations
Provide feedback and recognition for good work

7

Management Tips

Strategies for effective helper management and retention

Ongoing Management Best Practices

Regular Check-ins

Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss workload, challenges, and any adjustments needed.

Recognition and Appreciation

Acknowledge good performance, celebrate achievements, and show appreciation for their contributions.

Training and Development

Invest in skill development through training courses and workshops to improve their capabilities.

Safety and Well-being

Ensure a safe working environment, proper insurance coverage, and access to healthcare.

8

Problem Solving

How to handle common issues and disputes professionally

When to Seek Help

For serious disputes or if you feel unsafe, contact the Labour Department or seek legal advice immediately. For minor issues, try to resolve them through open communication first.

Communication Framework

Address issues promptly and privately
Use "I" statements to express concerns
Listen actively to their perspective
Work together to find solutions
Document any agreements or changes

9

Useful Resources

Important contacts and additional information

Government Resources

Labour Department: www.labour.gov.hk | Immigration Department: www.immd.gov.hk | Useful helplines and forms available online.

Important Contacts

Labour Department Helpline: 2717 1771
Immigration Department: 2824 6111
RoyaleMaide Support: +852 1234 5678
Legal Aid Department: 2537 7677

Complete Employer Guide