The population of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong is close to 400,000. Most of these helpers apply for work visas to Hong Kong through intermediaries. However, the overcharging of placement fees remains an issue. HelperChoice, 2020 DBS Foundation Social Enterprise Grantee, aims to eradicate unethical practices of intermediaries by matching employers and foreign domestic helpers on an online platform, increase the transparency of recruitment through technology, and provide guidelines for both employers and employees to know their rights.
More transparency and autonomy in the job market
HelperChoice believes that hiring is a two-way process, so that employers and helpers can match in a respectful manner. Foreign domestic helpers can upload their personal information and photos to the platform to start the search for new employment. On one hand, the employers can choose from browsing the profiles of the foreign domestic helpers, and on the other hand, the foreign domestic helpers can learn about the employers’ information before replying to potential employers. While no fee is charged on the helpers’ end, the digitalised recruitment process enables transparency throughout the entire process. HelperChoice’s General Manager Mahée Leclerc adds, “From the employer’s point of view, they can search the right candidates according to their own needs. We will also provide assistance during the matching process.”
Expand business and promote fair employment
When talking about the main consideration in the operation, Mahée says, "HelperChoice aspires to provide quality services. Therefore, we carry out quantitative analysis of our platform’s data throughout the process, in order to come up with accurate decisions for our future development. Thanks to the support from DBS Foundation, HelperChoice will be able to expand our business to Singapore. It also provides us the opportunities to strengthen our cooperation with other non-profit organisations.”
Through collaborating on an International Labour Organisation’s project to initiate research on improving the situation of foreign domestic helpers, and developing one-stop automated employment services in the future, HelperChoice hopes to continue to promote the concept of fair employment with technology and cross-industry expertise.
HelperChoice’s Marketing Manager Rodney Fung adds that the biggest issue they are now facing is undoubtedly the impact from the pandemic. Despite their plan can’t be carried out as expected, the HelperChoice team will strive to be flexible towards the challenges and use innovative technology to care for people and create a sense of purpose together as a team!
Click here to learn more about DBS Foundation Social Enterprise Grant Programme