The second wave of COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on our lives. We’ve all faced loss of lives, anxiety, lost jobs and felt defeated. But if you had a roof over your head during the lockdown and a room to isolate in case you test positive—you are one of the few privileged members of our society. So many people are struggling to get food, rations, medicines, or hospitals. Take our domestic help for example. Unlike us, they are not likely to have the safety net of savings to fall back on during such times. If you’ve always wanted to do your bit for those who are less fortunate than you, there’s no better time than now. Looking for ways to give back to your house help? We’ve got some ideas for you.
Continue To Pay Their Full Salary
Most Indian households employ domestic helpers, who in turn become the lifeline of the home. You may appreciate them verbally or give gifts on festivals, but now is the time to show them you really care. If you employ any kind of domestic help—from a cleaner to a driver—please make sure you are paying them their FULL salary while the lockdown is in place. It may be a small amount to you, but to them, it might be a matter of life and death. So please continue to pay them irrespective of whether they are able to work for you during this period. In fact, if you have the means, pay them a little extra. They will appreciate it!
Send Them Food & Ration
Pexels
Access to the internet is a privilege, and not everybody can order their groceries online from within the safety of their homes. Plus, your domestic workers might be overburdened right now with the possible loss of some income streams. If you can’t pay them extra money, send them cooked food or dry rations so that they can take care of themselves and their families. This tiny gesture can go a long way for them.
Send Them Sanitising Supplies
Your domestic workers might not able able to afford expensive N-95 masks or even be aware of the new double-masking advisory. Share with them all the latest knowledge about safety precautions, and provide them with sanitising kits. This can include masks, sanitisers, and other important safety supplies. Why not gift them with this MyGlamm sanitising kit? It includes everything for their safety needs.
Register Them To Get Vaccinated
Pexels
If you’ve got your vaccine, you would already know how difficult it is for an educated, privileged person to book a slot. So you can imagine how helpless your domestic helpers might feel at the moment. Getting them (and their family) vaccinated should be a priority for you, because their safety ensures your safety. So ask your domestic helper for their ID details, book them a slot and help them get their jab! If their centre is far off, book them a cab or offer to drive them. And this goes without saying—please pay for their vaccine.
Provide Them With Emotional Support
Our domestic helpers are like family to most of us. Besides financial help, they also need emotional support during these times, just like the rest of us. Let them know you care by regularly keeping in touch and checking in on them. Ask about their well-being and just share a conversation with them. Such emotional support will go a long way for them. Also, if they or their family members are not coping well, offer them mental health resources like helplines and online therapy.
If there’s anything this second wave has taught us, it’s the power of kindness and humanity. So please go the extra mile for those who need it!
Featured Image: Pexels