What’s the appropriate day-off schedule for yaya?

Q: When our yaya goes on day-off, what’s the appropriate length of time for her be on day-off and how many days a week? Like, what time is it appropriate for her to leave the house on the day of her day-off?

A: Wondering about what rules should be applied to yaya’s day off from work can sometimes lead to a quandary. Here are a few tips that can help shed light on the matter. First of all, a “universal rule” for staff days off does not exist. You, as the employer must decide what is equitable and proper in your given situation. Keep in mind that the dignity of work and the value placed on it must be matched by the importance of rest. After all, even God rested on the seventh day.

 

Things to Consider Regarding Your Yaya’s Day-off

Having said that, also be aware of the “requirements” of your household. Is your yaya assigned to a newborn baby? Multiply children? Are you constantly out of the house or is there someone to pinch-hit when needed?

Apart from the actual responsibilities assigned to your staffer, you must also be aware of schedules. What day would be least affected by an absence of a staffer? Weekends or weekdays? Should days off be set on fixed days a month, or should the days be more flexible? These are questions that need definite answers.

Once you have ascertained your own needs, it is only fair to figure out what your staffer may need. Think about her current situation. Is she a mother? Is her child in the city or the province? Does she have anyone to care for her child? Is she single? Does she have family in the city—a place to stay overnight—or is she new to the place? Could she possibly get lost or be put in harm’s way if she was made to stay out overnight? What is her maturity level? These are things that are equally important.

 

Click here to read more about scheduling yaya's day off.

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Keep the Balance

Keep in mind, the key to a healthy employer-employee relationship—apart from honesty and trust—is balance. It is your responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your staffer while she is in your home. Fatigue, whether physical or mental can never promote genuine productivity.

 

What Works for Me

In my household, my girls (yayas) are mostly married with children. I have been using the following formula for days off and they seem quite happy and rejuvenated once back at work. Generally, people allow two times to four times a month for days off. Some allow a 24 hour period in which to be away, while others allow only a 12 hour period. Either way, staffers are usually expected to return home at the same time from which they left the day before. In my case, my girls are allowed two full 24 hour days off and two 12 hour days off. For the latter, they can pick either a “free night”—meaning they leave at 7pm and return at 7am the following day(this arrangement is welcomed by yayas who are assigned to babies who do not yet sleep through the night)—or a “free day” where they leave at 7am and return at 7pm on the same day. This allows staffers to run errands especially on a weekday without having to spend too much by being away too long. Try it. You never know what works best in your household.

Remember, allowing your staff physical rest will also help your mind rest easy.

 

Photo from sxc.hu