Rest days are essential for a domestic helper in Singapore. They provide time to recharge, maintain social connections, and improve overall well-being. However, many employers may have concerns about how to manage household responsibilities while ensuring their helper gets the rest she deserves.
In this article, we will cover the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations on rest days, alternative compensation options, and tips for ensuring your helper’s well-being while balancing household needs.
1. MOM Regulations on Rest Days
Mandatory Rest Days
As of 1 January 2023, employers must provide their Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) with at least one mandatory rest day per month that cannot be compensated away. This regulation aims to protect the mental and physical well-being of domestic helpers.
Flexible Rest Day Arrangements
While rest days are mandatory, there is some flexibility in how they can be scheduled. Employers and helpers can mutually agree on the following:
- Rest days on any day of the week (not necessarily Sundays).
- Splitting rest days into two half-days instead of one full day.
- Deferring a rest day to the following month (as long as there is mutual agreement).
This flexibility helps employers manage household needs while respecting their helper’s rights.
2. Alternative Compensation Options
Working on a Rest Day
If your helper agrees to work on her rest day, you must compensate her with at least one day’s salary in addition to her monthly wage. However, at least one rest day per month must be taken and cannot be compensated away.
How to Calculate Compensation
Employers must ensure that any compensation for working on rest days is correctly calculated. Here’s a simple example:
- If your helper earns $650 per month, her daily wage is calculated as $650 ÷ 26 = $25.
- If she works on her scheduled rest day, she must receive an extra $25 in addition to her monthly salary.
Being transparent about compensation builds trust and ensures a fair working relationship.
3. Ensuring Your Helper’s Well-being on Her Day Off
Open Communication
It is important to discuss rest day preferences with your helper. Ask her about her plans and any concerns she might have. Establishing a clear and respectful dialogue helps prevent misunderstandings.
Respecting Privacy and Time Off
Helpers should be free to spend their rest days as they choose. Employers should avoid contacting them for work-related matters during this time. If a helper chooses to stay at home on her rest day, she should not be expected to perform household chores.
Encouraging Productive Activities
Many domestic helpers use their rest days for personal development. Employers can encourage their helpers to participate in training programmes or community activities offered by organisations like the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST).
4. Balancing Household Needs with Your Helper’s Rights
Planning Ahead
Employers should plan rest days in advance to ensure minimal disruption to household routines. Some useful strategies include:
- Adjusting schedules to accommodate rest days.
- Arranging alternative childcare or elderly care support if necessary.
Being Flexible and Understanding
Unforeseen circumstances may arise where you need your helper’s assistance on a scheduled rest day. In such cases, communicate openly and ensure fair compensation. However, avoid making it a regular practice to respect her right to rest.
Partnering with Best Housekeeper for Seamless Domestic Help Management
Managing a household while ensuring your domestic helper in Singapore has a fair and legal work arrangement can be challenging. However, it is crucial for a healthy and respectful working relationship. By following MOM regulations and fostering mutual understanding, both employers and helpers in Singapore can enjoy a positive arrangement.
At Best Housekeeper, we help employers navigate domestic helper management, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting a supportive working environment. If you need guidance on hiring, managing, or understanding rest day policies, Best Housekeeper is here to assist you.
Contact us today to learn how we can support you in managing your household efficiently while respecting your helper’s rights.