Help at Hand

If you plan on having your maid stay with you, make sure her family does not drop in and stay too as and when they like. She may be honest, but you probably cannot say the same for her family.

"I don't feel safe with my maid's family hanging around in my house. I politely decline when they ask to stay," says Dipali Mehra, a housewife from Mumbai's Cuff parade area.

Similarly, if you have a separate servant's quarter, make sure she understands that it is only for her and a child (if she has one). Always keep a spare key to the room with you.

Money Matters

Don't encourage your maid to ask for an advance in the salary. If you do plan on giving one, don't give the entire amount, but a week's advance or say half the salary. That way you can make sure she will continue to work till the end of the month and not quit once she get an advance.

If you have more than one full-time help, make sure they know what to expect and how much. Your maid for twenty years will definitely have more leeway as compared to someone who has been with you for just two years.

Your maid may also shop for you - from buying milk and vegetables to other household essentials. Keep a tab on the amount you give her and the change you get in return. Don't encourage her to keep the loose change.

On a Holiday

Avoid quarrels over days off and yearly holidays as far as possible. Ideally, give her a holiday period when you are going on one. Monthly holidays are at your discretion - say a day off, or a half-day every Sunday.

Understand her needs as well. Give her a few days off if she is unwell or has an emergency at home.

Beginner's Basics

If your maid lives with you, be prepared to take care of her basic expenses for body care (soap, oil, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc), food and travel. The rest is at your discretion as and when the need arises.

Informs Bhawna Mishra, a resident of Preeti Vihar, New Delhi, "I provide a monthly quota of shampoo, soap, cream and other essentials for my maid. She has to spend for the rest from her pocket."

Way to Work

Do not lose your temper on your maid for small issues. If you find that a particular task has not been done, ask her why it has not been done, but don't make her life miserable. Listen to their side of the story as well.

Also, don't pile her with work. Give her just enough to do during the course of a day. If you don't like the way a particular job has been done, tell her how you would like her to do it.

Respect her feelings too and make sure your young children too treat her with the same respect. After all, she is human too.

Never directly accuse your maid of theft if you notice the loss of money or valuables. Look around the house to see if it has been misplaced. Only if you are sure there has been a theft, confront her.

Encourage Education

Encourage your maid and or her children to study. You can teach your maid the English / Hindi alphabet and how to do simple maths. If her kids go to school, take care of their schooling needs if you can afford to.

Follow these simple guidelines to make sure your domestic help remains with you for keeps. In an extraordinary situation, use your discretion. Remember, your hired help is human too.