STRENGTHENING OUR SOCIAL FABRIC
Singapore employers can certainly do more to support MDWs. Building trust, exercising patience and leveraging technology are key to creating a more inclusive environment, one that flattens the hierarchy of command and encourages mutual respect.
In our communication with Ms M from Myanmar, we use tools like Google Translate to help bridge the language gap, alongside pictorial sketches and gestures for clarity.
Additionally, we encourage Ms S to attend orientation classes to familiarise herself with local languages and dialects. Likewise, we can make an effort to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures of the MDWs we employ.
People remember how they were treated far more than what they were paid for the services they provided. Therefore, we can offer incentives beyond increased wages such as short overseas trips or a nice meal out for dedicated MDWs, where possible.
Most employers aim to cultivate long-term relationships with the ideal MDW, as this reduces the stress of repeatedly searching for new ones and fosters a stable, respectful working environment.
Ultimately, enhancing the support for MDWs will reflect our collective commitment to a more compassionate and equitable society. By valuing their contributions and addressing their needs with empathy and foresight, we can ensure that the caregiving ecosystem remains resilient and responsive.
Kelvin Tan is the head of the Minor in Applied Ageing Studies programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
