10 Communication Skills Every House Help Must Understand in the House

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By House Girls Village & Bureau, Nairobi’s Trusted Domestic Staffing Agency

In today’s homes, communication is everything. A house help who communicates clearly, respectfully, and confidently doesn’t just do chores — she builds trust, harmony, and efficiency in the household. Poor communication, on the other hand, can cause misunderstandings, mistakes, and unnecessary tension.

At House Girls Village & Bureau, we have trained and placed hundreds of professional domestic workers across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos. From our experience, good communication skills are what separate a good house help from a great one.

Let’s explore 10 essential communication skills every house help should master — not just to work better, but to create peaceful, happy homes.

A Kenyan house help listening attentively to her employer’s instructions in a Nairobi home, showing good communication and professionalism.
A house help listening to her boss. Listening carefully is recommended.

1. Listening Attentively — The Golden Rule

One of the biggest mistakes new house helps make is hearing instructions but not listening to them. Listening attentively means paying full attention to what the employer is saying — not just the words, but also the tone and body language.

Illustration:
If Madam says, “Please wash the white clothes separately,” and you rush to do laundry without separating them, you’ll end up mixing colors — and maybe even causing an argument. But a good listener confirms first:

“Madam, you mean I should wash only the white ones first, then the colored ones later?”

That small question shows attentiveness and prevents future problems.

Pro tip: When receiving instructions, stop other activities, look at the person, and repeat back what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.

2. Speaking Clearly and Respectfully

Clear speech is key. Mumbled, half-answered responses cause confusion. Speaking too harshly sounds rude. The goal is to communicate with clarity and respect.

A house help doesn’t need perfect English or Swahili — just politeness and effort. A simple “Excuse me,” “Please,” “Thank you,” or “I’m sorry” goes a long way.

Illustration:
When asking for cleaning supplies, don’t say, “I need soap.”
Instead, say, “Excuse me, Madam, may I please get more washing soap for the dishes?”

It’s polite, professional, and shows you respect your employer’s property and position.

3. Knowing When to Speak and When to Stay Silent

Not every situation requires a comment. Sometimes, silence is a form of respect. A good house help knows when to ask questions and when to quietly observe.

Illustration:
If the employer seems stressed or on a phone call, wait until later to raise an issue like salary, day off, or kitchen supplies. Interrupting in the wrong moment can make even a small matter feel disrespectful.

At the same time, silence in the wrong moment can also be harmful — especially when there’s a mistake or emergency.

Balance is the skill. Speak when necessary, and keep quiet when it’s appropriate.

4. Non-Verbal Communication — Body Language Matters

Communication isn’t only about words. Body language — your posture, facial expressions, and gestures — speaks volumes.

Positive non-verbal habits include:

  • Maintaining eye contact without staring.

  • Smiling politely.

  • Standing upright (not slouching).

  • Avoiding eye-rolling or shrugging when corrected.

Illustration:
If Madam corrects you about ironing, don’t frown or walk away angrily. Nod, smile lightly, and say, “Thank you, I will do it that way next time.”

Such behavior earns trust and respect immediately.

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5. Reporting Problems Honestly and Early

Many household conflicts start when problems are hidden or ignored. A good house help must be confident enough to report issues early and truthfully.

Illustration:
If a cup breaks, don’t hide it and wait to be caught. Instead, say,

“I’m sorry, Madam, the cup slipped from my hand and broke. I will be more careful next time.”

Honesty, especially when it’s hard, shows integrity. Most employers prefer a truthful worker over a perfect one.

6. Understanding Tone — How You Say It Matters

Tone is the emotional sound behind your words. You can say the same sentence kindly or rudely, depending on tone.

Example:

  • “What?” — can sound rude.

  • “Sorry, what did you say?” — sounds respectful.

Illustration:
Imagine a child spills water and you shout, “Why can’t you be careful!” — that creates fear. But saying, “Be careful next time, okay?” teaches calmly.

A soft, calm tone communicates maturity and professionalism, especially around children or visitors.

7. Asking for Clarification Without Fear

Some house helps fear asking questions, thinking it makes them look slow. But in truth, asking questions shows responsibility.

Illustration:
If your employer says, “Use the mop for the corridor,” and you’re unsure which mop, don’t guess. Ask politely:

“Sorry, Madam, do you mean the blue mop or the white one?”

That one question avoids mistakes and shows you care about doing your work right. Employers appreciate house helps who confirm before acting.

8. Writing and Reading Simple Notes

Communication in the modern home isn’t always face-to-face. Many employers write short notes or WhatsApp instructions, especially when leaving early for work.

A professional house help should understand basic reading and writing — to read messages, write grocery lists, or note reminders.

Illustration:
If Madam writes, “Please prepare rice at 12 pm,” the house help should read it carefully, not assume. Misreading “12 pm” for “2 pm” leads to conflict.

Learning basic writing also helps in emergencies — like leaving a note saying, “Madam, I took the child to the clinic.”

Even in small things, literacy builds trust.

9. Expressing Feelings Calmly and Professionally

House helps are human — they get tired, upset, or frustrated. The difference between a professional and a poor communicator is how they express their emotions.

Instead of reacting angrily, learn to communicate feelings calmly.

Illustration:
If you feel overworked or unfairly treated, don’t shout or keep silent until it explodes. Say something like,

“Madam, if possible, may I get help on weekends? I feel a bit overwhelmed.”

It’s polite yet honest. Employers respect a worker who can talk openly without confrontation.

10. Adapting Communication Styles to Different Family Members

A household has different personalities — the boss, the spouse, children, maybe even grandparents. Each requires a different communication style.

Illustration:

  • With children, speak softly, clearly, and patiently.

  • With your employer, be formal and brief.

  • With visitors, be polite but avoid unnecessary conversation.

  • With other workers, use teamwork and respect.

A house help who adapts easily avoids conflicts and builds peace in every corner of the home.

Why Communication Skills Matter in the Home

At the end of the day, communication builds trust — and trust keeps a house running smoothly.
When everyone understands each other, tasks flow better, mistakes reduce, and both the employer and the house help enjoy their roles.

In homes across Nairobi, we’ve seen the difference. Families who hire well-trained, communicative house helps often say:

“She’s not just a worker — she’s part of the family.”

And that’s the goal: professionalism, trust, and peace through better communication.

Practical Tips for House Helps to Improve Communication

  1. Keep a notebook – Write down daily instructions and checklists.

  2. Ask politely – Clarify anything unclear immediately.

  3. Stay positive – Avoid gossip or complaining.

  4. Observe carefully – Notice how your employer prefers things done.

  5. Practice calmness – Count to 3 before responding in anger.

Simple, daily practice improves your confidence and helps you grow in your work.

How House Girls Village & Bureau Helps

At House Girls Village & Bureau, we believe every domestic worker deserves more than just a job — they deserve professional growth.

That’s why our agency doesn’t just connect families with house helps — we train them in:

  • Communication and etiquette

  • Time management

  • Hygiene and childcare

  • Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence

We have helped hundreds of homes across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Mombasa find reliable, disciplined, and respectful domestic staff.

If you’re looking for:

  • A trained and verified house help,

  • A nanny who understands communication, or

  • A cleaner who works with professionalism,

👉 Reach out to House Girls Village & Bureau today.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254 112699446
🌐 Visit: housegirlsvillage.blogspot.com
📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Let’s build homes filled with trust, respect, and communication that works. Serving Kenya Diligently!

Final Thought

A house runs on more than chores — it runs on understanding.
Every mop, meal, and message carries meaning when communication is clear.

So to every house help reading this: learn to speak well, listen better, and respond wisely. That’s how you’ll grow from just a worker to a trusted family member.


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