MUCH has been written about recalcitrant maids and abusive employers. Many complaints actually arise from either miscommunication or a lack of communication between maids and their employers.

Most employers do not seem to realise that maids today are more educated. They know their rights and have their own expectations.

The sad truth is that some employers still harbour the archaic attitude that their maids should be completely subservient to them.

For example, I have heard of maids being compelled to work very long hours. Some do not even have enough time to eat.

There will be vast improvement in the employer-maid relationship if the former acknowledges the need to treat today's domestic helpers differently.

Employers who deprive their maids of adequate rest and food will put everyone in the family at risk. A maid who is mentally and physically drained will be prone to commit errors while performing their chores and, in some cases, may suffer serious accidents.

In the light of such poor treatment, employers should be blamed for their lack of empathy when dealing with foreign maids. It is time they regarded their maids in a whole new light.

Bosses should take good care of their maids, so that they will in turn take good care of the home.

Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng

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