Employee turnover is always a concern with corporates; retaining employees the mark of a great company to work with. On the home front, we are often faced with days when the hired help does the flit. But we CAN keep good household help. The answer lies in changing our mind sets about our maids...

Treat Her With Respect

Treat your maid as a good corporate would treat an employee - with respect, and keeping in mind that she has a mind and feelings and the ability to get hurt. She will be more likely to enjoy her workplace and stick on. I personally call my cook 'my kitchen manager' and treat her accordingly. Buy her a folding cot, let her sleep in a nice area. If you're building your dream house, set some space aside to build her her own tiny room. Even if it's small and basic, the goodwill and loyalty it will build is immeasurable

Pay Her Well

We spend the equivalent of a maid's monthly salary on a posh dinner; why are we so reluctant to pay our help more? If everyone were to raise the salaries of their help, the standard of living would automatically rise in our country. It's time we got ready to raise the bar and pay well to get reliable help.

Don't Grudge Her Her Food

There are households in which separate food is made for the 'sahibs' and a lower quality/lower quantity version for the 'ayahs'. Why? Is it not humiliating to be served substandard food and therefore, considered substandard? A full belly must be given graciously. Share goodies - if there is 'mithai' in the house, pass it around.

Be Generous

Surprise your maid with a Sunday off on which to see a movie or shop or whatever - everyone needs a little fun! If you've had a major do and she's really pulled her weight, give her a little extra for the extra work - she'll always cook for your parties with a smile. Pay her overtime - why should anyone be expected to work 24/7?

Give Her Some Free Time

Give her time to watch telly, chat around, whatever - everyone needs some space. Remove the concept of 'full time' from your vocabulary. Never lock her in the house - a caged bird will always be awaiting her chance to fly away.

Look At Her As Part Of A Service Industry

Institute a bonus system! At the end of each year, we give our help a National Savings Certificate - the amount proportionately increases as the years in service goes up. It helps her save for the future and it is a true value addition for her to choose you over any other employer.

In our grandmothers' and mothers' times, the domestic help stayed put with the family out of loyalty and often, helplessness. You have a chance to give another person an opportunity to earn honestly and enjoy her work. Take it. Treat your maid as you would an invaluable employee at work and you'll never be in a maid-less morning frenzy!