Hiring a domestic worker can be a great help for families in Dubai, especially with busy work schedules and fast-paced lifestyles. But while domestic workers play an important role in our homes, many of them face serious challenges that often go unnoticed. As responsible employers, it's important to understand these issues and do our part to create a fair and respectful working environment.

Frequent Problems Domestic Workers Encounter

Domestic workers frequently leave behind their home country to seek better opportunities. However, upon their arrival, the worker may experience barriers to well-being and work duties. Some of the many challenges that domestic workers encounter include:

Long hours of work without breaks or days off.

Limited privacy, especially for live-in workers.

Limited communication due to language and cultural barriers.

Unclear work requirements or changing job responsibilities.

Being away from family (homesick) is often stressful on mental well-being.

Limited access to health or well-being care.

When problems like this arise, domestic worker may be exhausted, have low morale, and at times there may be conflict between the employer and worker.

How Employers Can Make a Difference

A supportive and respectful work environment is a good thing to do and will help foster trust and longer-term work relationships. Here are some ways employers can help:

1. Set Expectations

Be clear about the job expectations, job duties, work hours and level of responsibility from the get-go. A written agreement can be helpful for both parties to ensure there are no misunderstandings.

2. Respect Rest and Time Off

Like anyone, domestic workers need time to rest and to recharge. Allowing regular breaks and time off at least one day of every week can make a significant difference in helping support their well-being.

3. Ensure Safe and Comfortable Living Conditions

If the worker lives in your home, their sleeping area and storage area for personal belongings should be safe, clean and private. Everyone needs privacy; it is a basic human need.

4. Promote Open Communication

Language barriers can be challenging, but when you approach people with kindness, engage in active listening, and take care to deliver your message in a simple way. In the event of misunderstandings, work together to resolve them calmly.

5. Help Support Their Emotional Well-Being

Check in periodically to see how they are doing.

Allow them to maintain contact with their families.

If they are new to your organization or to the country, try to be patient.

These small steps show that you care — and they can make a big impact.

Final Thoughts

A household worker is not merely someone to assist you with household chores; they are people who have their dreams and challenges, and families. By remembering the difficulties these individuals face on a daily basis, and by offering true help, an employer can create not only a well-run household but also a household that is both respectful and kind.