From Maids to Cleaners: A New Trend in Singapore
In a surprising turn of events, foreign domestic workers in Singapore are increasingly applying to transition into careers as cleaners. One such individual is Ms Moe Zin, a 33-year-old former maid from Myanmar, who recently made the switch to become a cleaner after six years of domestic work.
Ms Moe Zin shared her motivation for the change, highlighting the lack of personal time and freedom in her role as a domestic worker. Her desire for independence led her to explore new opportunities, ultimately landing her a position with MEIDE.SG, a company specializing in cleaning services for homes and offices. Notably, Ms Moe Zin mentioned that many of her peers are also interested in becoming cleaners, indicating a growing trend among foreign domestic workers.
The Driving Forces Behind the Transition
While the exact reasons for this shift remain unclear, cleaning companies attribute the surge in applications from former maids to factors such as higher pay and improved flexibility. Additionally, the implementation of the Household Services Scheme in 2021 has played a significant role in facilitating the recruitment of migrant workers for cleaning services.
According to Mr Pierre Tan, the founder of MEIDE.SG, the transition to hiring full-time workers under the Household Services Scheme has resulted in a more standardized quality of cleaning services. This shift has addressed issues related to the variability in cleaning skills among part-time and gig workers, ensuring a consistent level of service for customers.
Meeting Demand During Festive Seasons
As Singapore approaches the New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations, cleaning companies are experiencing a surge in demand for their services. To cope with the increased workload, companies like Sendhelper by Propertyguru are turning to contract workers to supplement their pool of local freelancers.
Ms Yeo Huiling, the senior product manager at Sendhelper, emphasized the importance of maintaining service quality during peak periods by leveraging a combination of local freelancers and contract workers. By investing in training programs and partnering with firms that provide skilled workers from around the world, companies are ensuring that they can meet the rising demand for cleaning and caregiving services.
In conclusion, the transition of maids to cleaners in Singapore reflects a broader trend in the evolving landscape of domestic services. With a focus on higher pay, flexibility, and service quality, cleaning companies are adapting to meet the changing needs of their customers while providing new opportunities for foreign domestic workers seeking greater independence and fulfillment in their careers.