8 Fundamental Rights of a House Help Every Employer Must Respect

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Introduction

The role of a house help — often called a nanny, maid, or domestic worker — goes far beyond cleaning and cooking. She becomes part of the family’s daily rhythm, caring for children, managing chores, and keeping the household running smoothly. Yet, in many homes and countries, her rights are overlooked or misunderstood.

Recognizing and respecting the rights of a house help is not just a moral duty — it’s a legal and social standard. Whether you live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, India, or the Philippines, most modern labor and domestic worker laws outline clear principles of fair treatment.

This article explores 8 fundamental rights of a house help, aligned with international labor standards, such as those recommended by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189, which protects domestic workers worldwide.

By understanding and applying these rights, employers can build safer, fairer, and more professional home environments.

A smiling house help and employer shaking hands
A smiling house help and employer shaking hands


1. The Right to Fair Pay and Timely Payment

Every house help deserves fair wages for her work — no matter where she lives or works. This is the most basic right of a house help.

  • International Standard: The ILO Convention 189 requires domestic workers to receive a minimum wage not lower than other similar workers.

  • In Practice: Pay your house help at least the national minimum wage (in Kenya, around KSh 15,000–18,000 per month for live-in workers, depending on duties and hours).

  • Timeliness: Wages should be paid regularly — weekly or monthly — and never delayed without reason.

  • No Illegal Deductions: Employers shouldn’t deduct pay for small household losses unless agreed upon in writing.

Tip for Employers:
Provide a simple written agreement showing the salary, payment dates, and any benefits (like meals or accommodation). This ensures clarity and respect.

2. The Right to Decent Working and Living Conditions

Many domestic workers live in their employer’s homes. In such cases, the right to decent living conditions is vital.

  • What It Means: A private sleeping space, adequate food, and access to clean water and hygiene facilities.

  • International View: The UN and ILO consider any home-based job as formal work deserving safe and humane conditions.

  • In Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and India: According to Smart Nanny Hub, Labor laws stress that domestic workers should not be treated differently from other workers — they deserve comfort, rest, and respect.

Example: A live-in house girl should never be made to sleep in kitchens, store rooms, or unsafe spaces. She must have privacy, proper bedding, and rest hours.

3. The Right to Rest and Weekly Time Off

Like any worker, a house help has the right to rest — both daily and weekly.

  • Daily Rest: At least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for live-in house helps.

  • Weekly Rest: One full day off each week (usually Sunday), unless another day is agreed upon.

  • Public Holidays: Where applicable, domestic workers should also enjoy public holidays or be compensated for working on those days.

Why It Matters:
Overworked nannies burn out quickly, affecting their health and performance. Allowing rest not only honors her rights but also keeps the home running smoothly.

SEO Tip Applied:
When searching for rights of a house help, rest and time off appear among top concerns — so mentioning them strengthens your article’s search relevance naturally.

READ RELATED: Minimum Salary for House Helps in Kenya

4. The Right to Privacy and Dignity

Even though a house help works in your home, she still has the right to personal privacy and human dignity.

  • Employers should avoid monitoring her constantly, reading her personal messages, or invading her space.

  • She must be treated respectfully — no insults, shaming, or verbal abuse.

  • Her religion, beliefs, and personal choices must be respected, as long as they don’t interfere with work.

Global Standard:
Human dignity is protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 23). It applies to all workers, including domestic staff.

Simple Example:
Knock before entering her room, avoid gossiping about her personal life, and use kind language. A little respect goes a long way in maintaining harmony.

5. The Right to Safe and Healthy Working Conditions

Every house help deserves to work in a safe environment. Household tasks can include handling cleaning chemicals, lifting heavy items, or using electrical appliances — all of which carry risks.

How Employers Can Protect Their House Helps:

  • Provide training on how to use cleaning products safely.

  • Ensure the home environment is safe from electrical or gas hazards.

  • Provide gloves, aprons, or masks if necessary.

  • Offer first-aid access in case of minor injuries.

ILO Standard:
Domestic workers are entitled to occupational safety and health protection, just like workers in any other field.

Example:
If your house help handles laundry or cooking, teach her how to use appliances safely — prevention is protection.

6. The Right to Freedom from Abuse and Harassment

Sadly, cases of verbal, physical, or even sexual abuse of domestic workers still occur globally. The right to protection from abuse is one of the strongest in all human rights frameworks.

Employers’ Responsibility:

  • Never use threats, intimidation, or harsh punishment.

  • Set clear communication boundaries between adults and workers.

  • Report any abuse or exploitation to authorities — no house help should suffer in silence.

International Law:
ILO Convention No. 190 (2019) protects all workers from violence and harassment, including domestic workers.

In Practice:
If your house help reports mistreatment, take it seriously. Build a home culture where she feels safe to speak up.

7. The Right to Leave, Communication, and Family Contact

Every house help, whether live-in or part-time, has the right to maintain contact with her family and take reasonable time off for emergencies or planned visits.

  • She should be allowed to make phone calls or video calls during her free time.

  • Employers should not confiscate her phone or ID documents.

  • She is entitled to annual leave (usually at least 14–21 days after one year of service).

Example Across Countries:

  • Kenya: The Employment Act grants at least 21 paid leave days annually.

  • Philippines: Domestic workers have the right to visit families during off days or holidays.

  • India & South Africa: Workers must have access to their personal documents and free movement during rest periods.

Denying communication or freedom is not only unethical but can be considered modern slavery under global laws.

8. The Right to Fair Termination and Social Protection

Sometimes, employment ends — but even then, the rights of a house help continue.

Fair Termination Means:

  • Giving reasonable notice before termination (usually 1 month).

  • Providing end-of-service benefits if agreed upon.

  • Issuing a certificate of service or recommendation letter.

  • Paying any pending wages immediately.

Social Protection:
Where available, domestic workers should be enrolled in social security, health insurance, or pension plans (e.g., NSSF and NHIF in Kenya).

Why It Matters:
This helps domestic workers build stability and security for the future — just like any other worker in the formal economy.

BONUS: The Right to Training and Growth

While not always legally required, employers are encouraged to train and empower their house helps.

  • Teach her basic child care, hygiene, cooking, or first aid.

  • Encourage her to learn new skills — some domestic workers become professional nannies, caterers, or home managers later in life.

This adds value to your home and helps her grow as a person — a true win-win situation.

Practical Ways Employers Can Uphold These Rights

  1. Create a simple written contract outlining pay, hours, duties, and rest days.

  2. Treat your house help with empathy — remember she’s human, not a machine.

  3. Register her for NHIF/NSSF (Kenya) or similar welfare systems.

  4. Provide meals and accommodation of reasonable quality.

  5. Encourage communication and feedback — both sides should feel heard.

  6. Avoid child labor — employ only adults with legal age (18+).

  7. Keep records of payments and leave days.

By doing these, you’ll not only comply with labor standards but also create trust, loyalty, and peace in your home.

Conclusion

Respecting the rights of a house help is not just a legal requirement — it’s an act of humanity. These women and men dedicate their energy to supporting homes, families, and children. When treated fairly, they become reliable, motivated, and loyal partners in household success.

Employers who uphold these 8 rights — fair pay, decent living, rest, dignity, safety, freedom from abuse, communication, and fair termination — set the standard for ethical domestic work.

Remember: A respected house help is a happy, productive house help.
When we protect their rights, we build homes rooted in fairness, love, and professionalism.

Read More: This is How to Introduce a New House Help into Your Home

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