ADDRESSING HIGH TURNOVER AMONG DOMESTIC WORKERS

At least 3 out of 5 homes have a house help, making them one of the largest employee groups. Unfortunately, it is also a job that experiences high turnover.

Types of Labour Turnover

o•Voluntary Turnover: When the house help decides to leave for personal reasons.

• Involuntary Turnover: When the employer terminates the house help due to economic necessity or a poor fit.

Factors Influencing Turnover

1: Career and Education Advancement: House helps often leave in pursuit of better career or educational opportunities..

2: Dissatisfaction with Supervision: Poor management and supervision styles lead to dissatisfaction and eventual resignation..

3: Low Salary: Inadequate pay compared to similar roles in other households.

4: Lack of Job Security: Uncertain job stability can drive house helps to seek more secure employment. .

5: Poor Working Conditions: Unfavorable work environments push house helps to look for better opportunities

A study by the East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences revealed significant discrimination against house helps

 Food Discrimination: In some homes, house helps are given different, often inferior, meals compared to the family. They might be required to eat leftovers or have specific utensils and limited portions.

Social Restrictions: Some house helps are restricted from making calls due to employer insecurity about job searching.