Hiring Home Service Workers in the Philippines: What You Should Know (From Real Experience)

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Good day!

This is PhilLife 😊

Living in the Philippines, one of the most common questions we receive is about hiring home-service workers such as housemaids, babysitters, cooks, gardeners, and similar helpers.

For many people coming to the Philippines for the first time, this can feel especially difficult due to cultural and emotional differences.

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Our Real Experience

My family has hired several housemaids and babysitters over the years and lived together with them.
When COVID-19 broke out, we returned to Korea, and after two years, we came back to the Philippines.

Recently, we hired a housemaid again, and through this process, we were reminded of something very important.

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Why a Contract Is Essential

Because we operate various businesses in the Philippines, we clearly understand the importance of contracts.

When hiring our housemaid, I contacted my lawyer, who provided a basic home-service contract commonly used in the Philippines.
The original contract was written in Tagalog, so we translated it into English for easier understanding.

If the hired person is not fluent in English—especially if he or she comes from the countryside or is older—it is often better for the employer to:

• Explain the contract in simple English

• Then prepare the written contract in Tagalog for clarity

This helps both sides fully understand their responsibilities.

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What a Home-Service Contract Usually Includes

A typical home-service contract should clearly state:

• Personal information

• Workplace (for home service only)

• Position and responsibilities

• Working hours

• Rest days

• Salary and payment schedule

• Benefits and other agreements

Everything should be written clearly and in detail so that both the employer and the employee feel protected and respected.

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Final Thoughts

Writing a clear contract is not about distrust—it’s about mutual understanding and fairness.
A well-prepared agreement helps prevent misunderstandings and builds a healthier working relationship.

Below, I’m sharing a sample home-service contract that you may find helpful.

Thank you for reading!
See you again!! 😁

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안녕하세요, PhilLife 입니다.

필리핀에서 생활하면서 겪는 문제들 중에서, 많은 분들이 저희에게 물어보시는 것 중에 하나가 가정부와 보모 고용인데요, 처음 필리핀에 오시면 한국의 정서와 문화적 차이로 특히 더 어려워 하시는 것 같습니다.

저희도 연애 할 때부터 아이들을 낳고 사는 지금까지 여러 가정부, 보모들을 고용하고 함께 생활해봤습니다.

그리고 코로나가 터지고 한국에 들어갔다가, 2년 만에 필리핀에 돌아와서 최근 다시 가정부를 고용하게 되었어요. 

필리핀에서 여러 업종의 자영업을 하면서 계약서의 중요성을 알고 있는 저희는 가정부를 고용하면서 변호사에게 연락했고, 변호사는 가정부, 보모, 요리사 등 집에서 일하는 사람을 고용할 때 흔하게 사용되는 기본 계약서 양식 하나를 보내주었습니다.

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만약에 고용한 사람이 시골에서 왔거나, 나이가 많거나 하는 이유로 영어에 능숙하지 못하다면 고용주는 영어로 번역하여 이해하시고, 작성은 따갈로그로 하시는 것이 좋을 것 같아요.

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