Important Regulation Update
From January 1, 2023, all employers must ensure their domestic workers have at least one rest day each month that cannot be compensated away. This is a mandatory requirement, and employers who fail to comply may face enforcement action.
Rest Day Entitlement
Your domestic worker is entitled to one rest day per week. You and your worker must mutually agree on which day of the week she should take the rest day.
Rest days can be taken as:
- One full day (24 hours)
- Two half days (12 hours each)
- Your worker may choose to spend her rest day at home
Rest Day Deferment
If your helper is unable to take her rest day in a particular month, it can be deferred by up to one month. This means the helper should take her rest day by the end of the subsequent month.
Important notes:
- Deferment should be a temporary arrangement, not a regular practice
- You must ensure your helper has at least one rest day each month
- Update the FDW eService with your helper's rest day arrangement
Rest Day Compensation
Guidelines for compensating your helper if she agrees to work on rest days
Compensation Formula
If your helper agrees to work on her rest days (except for the mandatory one per month), you must compensate her with at least 1 day's salary for each rest day she works.
How to calculate:
1 day's salary = Monthly salary ÷ 26 working days
(There are typically 4 weeks and therefore 4 rest days in a month)
Example:
Helper's monthly salary: S$700
1 day's salary: S$700 ÷ 26 = S$26.92
If she works on 3 rest days: S$26.92 × 3 = S$80.76
Total payment: S$700 + S$80.76 = S$780.76
Note: Rest day compensation is an additional payment and is not counted into the helper's basic salary.
Rest Day Compensation Calculator
Calculate how much to compensate your helper when she works on her rest days.
Best Practices
Recommendations for managing rest days effectively
Plan in Advance
Discuss and plan rest days in advance with your helper. Create a monthly calendar that clearly shows her rest days and any special arrangements.
Document Agreements
Keep written records of any agreements about working on rest days, including the compensation provided. This helps prevent misunderstandings.
Respect Privacy
If your helper chooses to spend her rest day at home, respect her privacy and personal time. Avoid asking her to perform work duties during this time.
Need more guidance?
Our team is ready to help you understand and implement rest day requirements in compliance with MOM regulations.