Practical Household Rules Template for Helpers in Singapore

Having a new helper join your household is often an exciting and joyful prospect. But how can you ensure both parties are clear about mutual expectations and prevent misunderstandings or conflicts down the road? A clear and practical set of household rules for your helper is the first step in building a good working relationship, and key to a smooth and harmonious household. Today, we're sharing a detailed template for household rules, hoping it will assist you in better management and communication.

Why Do We Need Household Rules for Helpers?

Many employers believe verbal instructions are sufficient. However, verbal instructions are prone to misinterpretations, sowing seeds of conflict. Household rules serve several key purposes:

• Clarify Responsibilities, Reduce Friction: The rules clearly outline the helper's job responsibilities, daily routine, and employer's expectations, letting the helper know what to do and what not to do, thereby preventing misunderstandings and conflicts arising from uncertainty.
• Safeguard Both Parties' Interests: The rules provide a basis for employers to manage and set a clear code of conduct for helpers, protecting the legal rights of both parties.
• Foster a Fair and Respectful Relationship: A reasonable set of rules helps build a mutually understanding and respectful employment relationship, fostering a positive and healthy home environment.

Core Principles for Drafting Household Rules

Drafting household rules is not to restrict the helper, but to facilitate better collaboration for everyone. Please remember these core principles:

• Clear and Understandable: Use concise and easy-to-understand language, avoiding vague statements.
• Fair and Reasonable: Rules must comply with MOM regulations, consider the helper's well-being, and show full respect for the helper.
• Respect Cultural Differences: Take into account the helper's cultural differences to avoid offensive or overly strict rules.

Sample Household Rules for Helpers in Singapore

Here is a reference template for household rules, which you can adjust according to your family's specific situation. Click here for Chinese version

1. Legal Regulations & General Principles

• No Part-Time Work: Absolutely no part-time work is allowed. This is illegal, and you will be repatriated if discovered.
• Property Management: You are not allowed to take or move any items out of the house without the employer's permission. In the event of theft of valuables, we will immediately report it to the police.
• Pregnancy Policy: Under Singaporean law, if you become pregnant, you will be repatriated.
• No Borrowing/Lending Money: You are strictly prohibited from borrowing money from anyone or any financial institution. Many such lenders are loan sharks operating under syndicates.
• Documents & Guarantees: You are prohibited from lending money, your passport, or your Work Permit to others, nor can you act as a guarantor for anyone.

2. Important Communication & Emergencies

• Ask if Unsure: If you don't understand an instruction, please ask the employer to repeat it and confirm the tasks clearly before proceeding. Feel free to ask questions about your work at any time.
• Reporting Incidents: If you make a mistake or an accident occurs, please immediately report it and seek instructions.
• Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency, immediately call the employer.
• Fire Protocol: In the event of a fire, first take the children out of the house and stay in a safe place, then call the employer. If the employer doesn't answer, please dial 995 for assistance.
• Child Safety: Ensure children are in a safe place while you are doing housework. When leaving, you must entrust the children to another adult's care. Hot water and sharp objects must be kept out of reach of children.

3. Childcare

• Patience & Attention: Be patient with the children and always pay attention to their needs.
• Interaction & Education: Play with, talk to, sing to, and read to children when they are awake. Correct their bad behaviour and improper English.
• Restricted Areas & Hygiene: Do not allow children into the kitchen and bathroom. Wash your hands before preparing food.
• Food & Feeding Rules: Do not eat snacks in front of children. Do not give your own food to children without permission. Absolutely no medication should be given to children without permission.
• No Physical Punishment or Leaving Children Unattended: Absolutely no hitting, scolding, shaking children, or performing any dangerous actions towards them, otherwise, we will report to the police. You must never leave children alone at home, otherwise, you will be immediately terminated.

4. Housework & Cleaning

• Kitchen & Dining:
  • Keep the kitchen clean and odour-free. Clean all cooking utensils (rice cooker, frying pans, etc.) after meals.
  • Learn to cook and ensure meals are prepared on time. Wash hands before preparing food and do not apply hand cream.
• Environmental Maintenance:
  • Keep windows, doors, living room, dining room, and bedrooms clean and dust-free.
  • Put away children's toys and belongings.
  • Conserve water, electricity, and food.
• Towel Usage:
  • Dishcloths/towels must be used separately (e.g., different towels must be used for floors, furniture, dining table, sinks, toilets, etc.).
• Laundry:
  • Wash according to detergent and garment label instructions.
  • Check pockets, turn clothes inside out, and separate by colour before washing.
  • Hand-sew when necessary (e.g., loose buttons, frayed hems).

5. Personal Hygiene & Attire

• Daily Habits:
  • Wash hands frequently (e.g., before and after changing diapers, after using the toilet, before preparing food).
• Grooming Requirements:
  • Keep hair neat and tied up.
  • Keep nails short and clean; nail polish is prohibited.
  • No makeup or perfume during work hours.
  • Prohibited from wearing tight jeans/pants, low-cut tops, or tight t-shirts.
• Personal Belongings:
  • Personal laundry should be hand-washed separately; using the employer's washing machine is prohibited.
  • Dispose of sanitary pads properly.
  • Keep your personal bedroom tidy; the door should remain open during the day.
  • Personal belongings must only be kept in designated areas.

6. Etiquette & Conduct

• Attitude & Politeness:
  • Be honest, obedient, diligent, and always smile.
  • Proactively greet employers and family members.
  • Be polite to guests, offer slippers and drinks (use both hands when serving).
• Routine & Rest:
  • It is recommended to eat at a separate table and after the employer.
  • Inform the employer before resting at night.
• Prohibited Actions:
  • No mobile phone usage during work hours.
  • No use of air-conditioning, TV, or employer's personal belongings without permission.
  • Prohibited from obstructing indoor CCTV cameras or cutting off their power supply.
  • No alcohol consumption or drug use.
• Compensation for Damages: If items are damaged due to negligence, you will be required to compensate for the equivalent cost in accordance with labour laws.