In Hong Kong, where people often work long hours and return home to manage various household tasks, hiring a household assistant or hourly worker can significantly reduce the burden. Several institutions offer household assistant or hourly worker services in Hong Kong. Here, we compare the charges and scope of work for six of these services and also look at the costs for additional services.

Household Assistant/Hourly Worker Hourly Rate Comparison

Generally, the hourly rate for household assistants ranges from HKD $100 to $250, depending on the assistant’s experience, employer’s budget, and the size of the unit. A minimum service time of 3 hours is usually required. Cleaning a 400 - 800 sq. ft. unit typically takes 4 - 5 hours, while larger units (800 sq. ft. and above) require more than 5 hours.

Additionally, extra charges may apply for service during peak periods (e.g., weekends, public holidays) and remote areas (e.g., outlying islands).

Note: "-" indicates the item is not listed, not that the service is unavailable. For details, please consult the service provider.

Scope of Work and Additional Service Charges

Household assistants typically handle tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, tidying up, ironing clothes, and cleaning bathrooms (toilets, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls) and kitchens (exhaust fans, stove, sink, refrigerator, tiles). However, cooking is usually not included and may require additional charges.

Do Household Assistants Need Insurance?

Whether it's a household assistant, confinement nanny, or caregiver for infants or the elderly, if they are working part-time or on an hourly basis, employers are still required to provide insurance under Section 40 of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance. This insurance covers legal liabilities for accidents resulting in death or injury during work. Failing to provide such insurance can result in a fine of HKD $100,000 and imprisonment for up to 2 years.

Even if you use major service platforms like HelperGo, Lazy App, or Toby to find hourly workers, you still need to purchase labor or household assistant insurance yourself, as these platforms do not provide insurance.

4 Key Points to Avoid Pitfalls When Purchasing Household Assistant Insurance

1. Check Coverage: Ensure the insurance covers all household tasks, as tasks outside the coverage will not be compensated. Also, check the age limits of covered household assistants (usually 60 or 65 years old).

2. Basic Coverage: The basic household assistant insurance, also known as "Employee Compensation Insurance" or "Labor Insurance," typically costs around HKD $300. This includes up to HKD 100 million in employee compensation per incident. Some plans also cover liability for third-party injuries or property damage caused by negligence or accidents.

3. One Address Coverage: Each labor insurance policy covers only one address. If you need to hire assistants for multiple locations, you must purchase separate policies for each location.

4. Training: Insurance companies may specifically check if the household assistant has received formal training.

5. Different Coverage for Different Roles: Insurance requirements may differ based on the nature of the work. Ensure the insurance purchased aligns with the specific needs of the household assistant, whether it’s a confinement nanny or an elderly caregiver.