Filipino Maids HK – Why Filipino Maids Prefer Western Employers

A huge number of filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong usually call our employment agency and ask if we have Western employers available. What is it that filipino domestic helpers prefer Western employers instead of Chinese employers ?

Our employment agency caters to an international market. We receive inquiries from expatriates who need domestic helpers from time to time which results from our internet marketing endeavor.

Based on my interviews with some of those Filipino maids, they prefer Western employers compared with Chinese employers in Hong Kong because they tend to be more understanding and generous with compensation.

A study has been conducted by Chinese University of Hong Kong on how maids in Hong Kong are treated by their employers. Comparisons between Western and Chinese employers on their treatment of Filipina helpers are done in consideration of four major areas namely atmosphere of work environment, consideration, socio-psychological distance and personal space.

In-depth study was made and structured interviews of filipino domestic helpers who have served both types of employers were carried out. A few Western and Chinese employers were also interviewed.

The results of the study indicate that the Filipino maids, in general, are more satisfied with their Western employers, who tend to provide them with easier and more comfortable work environment, over their Chinese employers. Their Western employers are also more considerate and are more likely to treat them equally, allowing them more personal space.

Lastly, in terms of variations in treatment of maids, Western employers are more homogeneous and they tend to concentrate on the positive side. On the other hand, Chinese employers are more diversified. There is no single pattern on how they treat their Filipino maids. This is a basis why Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer Western employers.