Domestic help in Delhi

If you are considering moving to Delhi, the idea of hiring domestic staff is likely to be highly appealing. The very thought of no longer having to make beds, cook, dust, wash dishes and do laundry might sound like heaven. The allure becomes irresistible when you add the possibility of hiring reliable nannies and securing affordable childcare for your children. With this extra domestic help, you’ll have more time to explore new hobbies or simply enjoy your leisure time.

From the moment you arrive in Delhi, you’ll be inundated with advice on hiring and finding household staff. It’s common for unemployed workers to come to your door with dog-eared letters of recommendation from long-departed but still fondly remembered families they’ve worked for in the past. Everyone you meet – from the estate agent and relocation company to the telephone engineer – will have some advice regarding domestic help. It can be an overwhelming start in a new country and certainly a part of the culture shock that many experience.

Tips for finding and managing domestic staff in Delhi

Before hiring, do full reference checks

When you first arrive in Delhi, approach anyone coming to your door with the same caution you would in any major city. This means doing thorough reference checks. Workers going door-to-door often have struggled to find opportunities due to prior issues, so exercise care.

Letters of recommendation handed over by potential hires may not always tell the full story. Some could be forgeries, so don’t take these references at face value. Always contact the former employer to get a complete and candid reference. To avoid potential pitfalls, consider using trusted agencies like Bharti Placement Service, Sulekha or The Maids Hub, which offer verified domestic staff with background checks.

Research the market norms

Researching the market norms in Delhi is essential when employing household staff. The legal framework surrounding domestic workers is still evolving, with the Domestic Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act of 2008 not fully implemented. This means that the sector remains largely informal, and it’s crucial to be informed.

Word of mouth can be an effective way to understand market expectations, but do consider that salaries for domestic workers have risen in recent years. If you employ live-in staff, they may expect separate quarters attached to your home, with living costs covered. Providing a reasonable and liveable wage is not only ethical but also helps foster a positive working relationship. Domestic workers are typically entitled to 15 days of paid annual leave and sufficient rest between shifts, so it’s wise to discuss these terms upfront.

Managing household staff

Managing household staff in Delhi requires clear communication and setting expectations from the start. Drafting a contract that includes details on salary, benefits, duties and time off is highly recommended. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Maintaining personnel files with a photo, full name, residential address and mobile number of each staff member is a good practice. Treat your staff respectfully and professionally – there’s no need to become overly familiar or involved in their personal affairs. For live-in staff, establish boundaries and clearly outline how they should conduct themselves in your home. Creating a code of conduct might be beneficial.

Assume nothing – regardless of whether your staff speaks English or has experience in other expat homes, it’s important to show them exactly how you want tasks performed. This ensures consistency and avoids any potential issues down the line.