38 / 42
© 2016 Dwellworks
Page 37
Discovering Brazil
Household Help
Many expatriates have difficulty understanding the need for household help in Brazil and
how it is a part of local practice and culture to hire staff when you are able. One key factor is
whether you live in a house or an apartment. In Brazil, it is unwise to leave a house totally
unattended. For instance, you may need someone to let your repairmen in, accept
deliveries, pay bills that are presented only at the door, etc. If you have children, the need for
a regular nanny or babysitter is stronger because hourly sitters are scarce and expensive.
When hiring household help it is important to remember that this is a business relationship.
There are certain practices or standards in place that may assist you in developing a
comfortable relationship with them. Firstly, it is not customary for a household help worker to
eat at the table with your family. Secondly, they should not watch TV in your living room,
unless it is a part of looking after your children. These standards are common in Brazil to
help create a comfortable, yet professional and trusting relationship between the worker and
an employer.
Be Prepared to Teach
It is important to teach the habits and practices of your home. Some household help workers
may come from very limited backgrounds, where they are not as familiar with indoor
plumbing or electrical appliances. It may be helpful to begin with a two to three week trial
period where you can teach them how to use any appliances or explain how you would like
things done. In this short time you will discover much about their personality, skill-level and
attitude.
How to Hire Household Help
To begin, ask for a reference letter from previous employers. The candidate should provide
their Worker’s Identity Booklet (CTPS) and Social Security Card (
Carnê de Contribuinte do
INSS
). The work card must be registered and signed by the employer. This process is
explained in detail under the Rights of Household Help in this chapter.
Legal Obligations to Household Help
The New Constitution of 1988 addressed the area of household help for the first time. As a
result, there are certain mandatory requirements. One important piece of advice is to be sure
everything is signed by your household help worker, and keep a copy for your records. If you
pay your worker more than required by law on a regular basis, these excesses will probably
be considered rights by any court.