I HAVE employed maids for the past 50 years.

For the first 33 years, I had five local maids (three Malays, one Chinese and one Indian) who each worked between three and nine years for me.

Most of them left because their parents thought it was high time they got married. We still keep in touch with four of them; one has passed on.

Now we have an Indonesian maid, Pairah, who has completed her 17th year with us. Last week, we had her permit renewed for the 18th year!

Could all this be due to “just sheer good luck”? I feel that it cannot be so.

I strongly feel that an employer has to have and practise certain basic human principles to achieve this so-called “luck”.

I am firm, definite, clear, positive and yet friendly with my maids. I never nag; I am very patient with them.

I keep teaching them in a positive, interesting, encouraging and cordial manner. I get to see results — at times, excellent results.

I also keep a close watch on their health. If minor ailments do not clear up, I take them to a clinic. If one lingers, I take them to a specialist.

I pay them regularly. I allow them to keep their own money, shopping together and buying what they like.

I make it a point to trust them and I always tell them to be frank with me — to tell me if they want to leave me. It could be arranged in a proper and pleasant manner.

Finally, I strongly believe in human feelings. Respect them, show you care for them, share their joys and sorrows. I am always with them. We definitely need to give some special time of ours to them.

We do not lose anything but, instead, we benefit. I see they greatly appreciate this and they became more open to us. Never treat them as robots.

I go all out to have contact with their families in times of need , sorrow or happiness.

I strongly believe that what I have practised has brought about and helped to build a strong bond between us and this what has brought the “good luck” to me.

So, good luck to all employers!

JOHARA BEE MOHD SHARIFF, Ipoh

Source: NST – July 9, 2009