How to Handle a Maid Who Is Not Working Out
What to do when a placement is not going well: how to assess the situation, communicate with your agency, and when to consider a replacement.
Every employer hopes a new helper will fit in smoothly, but sometimes things feel off. The first question to ask is whether you are seeing normal adjustment issues or a genuine mismatch. The two look similar in the first weeks, yet they call for very different responses.
This guide helps you assess the situation calmly, take sensible steps, and know when a replacement is the right call.
Common early issues that usually resolve
The first four weeks are an adjustment period for both sides. A new helper is learning your home, your routines, your language, and your expectations all at once. These issues are common and usually fixable:
- ●Not understanding instructions the first time they are given.
- ●Cooking unfamiliar food or struggling with your family's recipes.
- ●Different cleaning standards from what you expect.
- ●Homesickness, quietness, or low confidence in a new environment.
Signs of a genuine mismatch
Some problems do not improve with time and patience. Consider a mismatch if you see a persistent pattern over several weeks:
- ●Persistent unreliability, such as ignoring clear instructions or neglecting core duties.
- ●Inability to care for children or elderly family members safely.
- ●A breakdown of trust, for example dishonesty or repeated rule breaking.
- ●Ongoing conflict that has not improved after honest conversations.
Step 1: Document specific incidents
Vague complaints such as she is not good are hard to act on. Write down what happened, when, and what you asked her to do. Specific notes help you see whether there is a pattern, and they let your agency understand the situation quickly and offer useful options.
Step 2: Have a direct conversation
Many issues stem from unclear expectations on both sides. Sit down in a calm moment, not in the middle of a frustrating incident. Explain what you need, ask what is difficult for her, and agree on a few small things to improve over the next two weeks.
Be kind but clear. A helper who feels respected is far more likely to improve than one who feels threatened.
Step 3: Contact your agency early
Do not let issues build for months. The sooner we know, the more options are available, from extra coaching and mediation to a replacement. Early contact also protects you, since our guarantee works best when concerns are raised promptly.
The replacement process
When a placement is not working, the replacement is covered under the AJS 12-month guarantee. We begin shortlisting immediately, based on what you have learned about your household's real needs, so the next match is better informed than the first.
- ●Tell us what worked and what did not.
- ●We shortlist helpers matched to those needs.
- ●You interview and choose.
- ●We handle the transfer paperwork.
Important: Do not terminate impulsively
It is natural to feel frustrated, but acting in the heat of the moment can cause problems. There are MOM obligations around repatriation, notice, and notification when a work permit is cancelled, and your helper has rights during this process.
Speak with us before you take any formal step. We will guide you through the correct procedure so everything is done properly and fairly.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I get a replacement if the placement does not work out?
We begin shortlisting immediately on receiving your request. Transfer helpers can typically start within 1 to 2 weeks.
Does the replacement guarantee cover any reason?
Yes, for any genuine reason within 12 months. Conditions apply in cases involving employer misconduct.
Should I contact MOM if I want to terminate?
You are not required to contact MOM first, but termination does trigger MOM notification obligations. We guide you through this.
Having issues with your current placement?
Tell us what is happening. We will help you assess it and, if needed, move quickly on a replacement.