Hiring a Kasambahay? Here’s What You Need to Know

As people’s lives get busier, managing the home has increasingly become more difficult. After a long day of work, many don’t have the time or energy to cook, clean, or even stay on top of the laundry. This is why many households turn to the help of a kasambahay (or house helper) to keep things in order. Having someone to assist with household responsibilities can bring relief, balance, and a sense of stability to daily life.

If you’re considering hiring a kasambahay, however, there are several obligations you can’t overlook. As the employer, you carry the responsibility to keep the arrangement fair, respectful, and beneficial for both sides. With this in mind, it’s essential to understand what to consider and prepare before bringing a house helper into your home.

1) They Can Be Hired Through Direct or Indirect Channels

There are generally two ways to find the right house helper. The first is through direct hiring. In this process, friends or family refer you to a candidate they know or trust. This approach allows you to interview the candidate yourself, gauge compatibility, and discuss expectations upfront.

The second is through indirect channels. This typically involves using agencies or job placement services that specialize in connecting households with domestic workers. While this can simplify the search and provide pre-screened and highly trained candidates, it may also involve fees and less flexibility in negotiating terms directly. Knowing the differences between the two hiring processes helps you choose the approach that best fits your household’s needs and ensures a smoother hiring process.

2) A Written Contract of Employment Is Needed

Once you have identified a suitable candidate, it’s crucial to formalize the arrangement with a written contract of employment. According to Republic Act No. 10361 (a.k.a. The Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay Act), all employers must provide their kasambahays with a clear, written agreement that specifies the terms of employment. This contract should outline the scope of duties, working hours, days off, compensation, benefits, and conditions for termination. It must also include the house helper’s basic rights and privileges, such as board, lodging, and medical attendance, guarantee of privacy, access to outside communication, and standard of treatment.

A well-drafted contract not only ensures compliance with the law but also helps minimize misunderstandings. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for a professional, respectful working relationship between the employer and the kasambahay, whether about salary transfers to trusted e wallets in the Philippines or particular arrangements for days off.

3) Know the Compensation and Benefits You Must Provide

Providing fair compensation and the proper benefits is one of the most important responsibilities of an employer. Under The Domestic Workers Act, kasambahays are entitled to a minimum wage, which may vary depending on the region and household arrangement. Beyond salary, you’re required to contribute to mandatory social benefits such as social security (SSS), health insurance (PhilHealth), and housing fund (Pag-IBIG). Additional entitlements include paid rest days, service incentive leave, and coverage for medical emergencies.

Keeping track of these obligations can be time-consuming and complicated. Luckily, Maya Wallet makes the process simpler. With this platform, you can use your Maya Wallet to send your house helper’s salary to their Maya Wallet, or to another e-wallet or bank. You can also pay for their government contributions via the “Pay Bills” feature on the Maya app. This helps maintain compliance with the law while reducing administrative stress.

4) Understand What Your Responsibilities Are as the Employer

As an employer, you’re responsible for more than just hiring and paying a kasambahay. You must ensure that their work conditions, schedule, and duties are reasonable and sustainable over time. This includes providing clear instructions, maintaining consistent expectations, and addressing any issues or concerns promptly.

You also have a duty to respect their personal time and allow for adequate rest, while fostering an environment where they feel valued and treated fairly. Taking these responsibilities seriously helps prevent conflicts and builds a professional, cooperative relationship that benefits both sides.

5) Be Aware of Penalties

Lastly, failing to meet your obligations as an employer can have serious consequences. Any violation of the provisions of The Domestic Workers Act declared unlawful shall be punishable with a fine. This fine shall not be less than ten thousand pesos (PHP 10,000) but not more than forty thousand pesos (PHP 40,000). Repeated violations or more serious breaches, such as withholding wages or denying benefits, may result in higher penalties and legal action. To avoid these issues, make sure you stay informed about the law, maintain accurate records, and fulfill your obligations consistently.

In the end, hiring a house helper can bring much-needed support and balance to your daily life. However, the process requires careful thought and planning, since the decisions you make can affect both you (the employer) and your potential house helper. Learn from the tips above about how to ensure a harmonious and mutually respectful arrangement before bringing a kasambahay to your home. These should help you establish a positive, long-term working relationship built on trust and understanding.