Q. Dearest Dawn,

Raishele Marquez

Personally, when it comes to household employees, I believe that nobody is indispensable. I am not saying that out of a feeling of self-importance, but to put things into perspective. If we cannot afford to hire an extra hand at home, who else would we be relying on but ourselves? And if we can afford to hire one to be at our beck and call, then wouldn’t it be also prudent for us to choose wisely and get the best and most trusted staff?

This, of course, is assuming that you are a fair employer, who is conscientious when it comes to giving your employees the salaries they deserve for their position or expertise. Let’s also assume that you give them their salaries on time and are also abiding the law when it comes to giving them benefits on top of their monthly salaries: SSS, Pag-Ibig, and PhilHealth. This is also assuming that as an employer, you are reasonable when it comes to their working hours, that you allow them to have ample time for rest and recreation, and give them monthly or bi-monthly days-off. Let’s also assume that the working environment at home is relatively pleasant, which means you see to the needs of the household (food, shelter, clothing, and hospitalization when necessary), and teach your employees how to get along peacefully with one another by helping them resolve their differences.

If you are all of the above– and perhaps even more– I see no reason why you, as their employer, cannot demand an honest and efficient work ethic. Shouldn’t it be expected that your employees abide by your rules and regulations since you are their boss? Otherwise, if they can’t shape up, then it’s best to ship them out.

Case in point: One of my cardinal rules for our household workers is that they do not take their days off all at the same time. I let them discuss amongst themselves who should be allowed to go off on certain weekends or during important holidays. This way, everyone gets a turn in choosing when each would like to go on a leave. My reason is that I prefer that we are not left with no househelp on duty. Once its been agreed on, I discuss with the yaya the terms of the day-off: what day and time she goes off and when she is expected to be back. Then, I hold her to her word. If she says she’ll be back on Sunday at 6 pm and she isn’t there by 7 pm, then I start to worry. Coming in late without sending word (especially in an era where telecommunications is no longer a challenge) is a sign of disrespect not only to you but also to their co-workers, who must assume their responsibilities in their absence.

After doing your part as an employer by giving them salaries and benefits, employees must return the favor by doing their job well. I advise you to reassess how invaluable your yaya is after the way she has broken your rules. She may be a good yaya to your children and they love her, but how is it that she is not reliable when it comes to time?

One way to address the problem is to talk to her. Maybe you should ask her to show some courtesy by giving you a call or a text to explain why she will be late. Tell her that you also worry about where she has gone or with whom she spends her day-off with, not because you are acting like a mother to her but for the simple reason that you are somewhat her guardian, too. If anything untoward were to happen to her, wouldn’t you, as her employer, be obligated to answer to the authorities?

Maybe by telling her this, it would get her to think that it is selfish and inconsiderate of her to continue such bad practice. And if after doing that, she still comes in late, then I see no reason why you shouldn’t employ an iron hand and do the right thing by firing her on the spot.

Practices such as what your yaya has exhibited are bad habits. If after many warnings she still continues to do it, then surely the choice of enduring such a huge headache is up to you?