House
helps, nannies, drivers, home tutors, etc. are increasingly becoming part of
our extended families, engaging in roles traditionally carried out by parents
and guardians. This is largely because these days, we spend more time away from
our homes pursuing careers and other business endeavors to meet growing
economic demands, or attending to socio-cultural and religious obligations. How
well do we know this group of persons who sometimes enjoy unrestricted access
in our homes and may quite often, stumble upon very confidential information
like our bank statements lying around or our phone conversations at home or
while being driven? Were they properly vetted before we got them onboard? Are
they victims of forced labour or child trafficking? Are they members of a
larger criminal syndicate?
Appreciating
that these persons probably know more about us than we do about them is the
first step in reducing our exposures. Taking proactive measures to enhance our
personal security and that of our families is the next. The following may be
helpful;
·
Carry out a thorough background check on
all prospective and existing domestic workers – keep copies of their pictures
and personal information, cross check their references and contact their former
employers. There are specialized agencies including the police that carry out
such checks for a reasonable fee.
·
It is strongly advised you request for a
medical report from them or arrange for one to be conducted prior to
employment. This will ensure full disclosure of any pre-existing health
conditions and guard your family against the possibility of communicable
diseases. Periodic checks are also important.
·
As much as possible, observe the kind of
company they keep and what they do while you are away - consider using cost effective
technological solutions like basic CCTV which may be monitored from remote
locations or simply asking a neighbor to keep an eye on them.
·
Avoid sending drivers or other domestic
staff to carry out significant financial transactions for you.
·
Save those sensitive discussions and phone
conversation for another time - not while being driven.
·
Ensure that they know no more than is
essentially required for them to effectively carry out their assigned
functions.
·
Be suspicious, if you are unsure about anything
do not assume. Ask them questions and demand explanations when in doubt.
·
If travelling, arrange for a relative or
trusted person to either move in to the house to supervise them or carry out
periodic checks on the home. Alternatively, you may choose to give them some
time off during such periods.
·
Above all, be sensitive and do not exploit
them. Treat them decently – decent pay, living conditions, time off, etc. This
often makes a difference in how they will treat you too.
Domestic workers have been found complicit in providing
personal information that aided criminals in burglary and kidnap for ransom.
