housemaid

A housemaid is a domestic worker employed to perform household tasks in private homes or service establishments. The term is often used for someone whose duties are primarily cleaning and other routine chores, though job titles vary. Some contexts use housekeeper or maid interchangeably; in others a maid is one member of a larger household staff and may focus on cleaning rather than supervisory tasks.

Common duties include cleaning, dusting, sweeping, mopping, laundry, ironing, bed making, dishwashing, grocery shopping, kitchen tidying, and basic meal preparation. Some housemaids may assist with childcare, pet care, or errands, depending on the contract. The scope of work, schedule, and whether they live in the employer’s home vary by country and agreement.

Employment arrangements include direct hiring by a private household or through a domestic service agency. Live-in arrangements require housing, meals, and some rest time; daily or part-time arrangements provide a commute. Training is typically on-the-job; formal courses in domestic work exist in many regions.

Historically, housemaids staffed households in Europe, the Americas, and colonial settings, with roles differing by social class and era. In modern law, rights for domestic workers—such as fair wages, maximum working hours, rest days, and social protections—are addressed variably by jurisdiction. International labor standards, such as ILO Convention C189 on domestic workers, advocate for these protections in many countries.

The term can carry gendered connotations and varies in usage by culture. The profession remains a common form of employment in households worldwide, though it faces ongoing debates about labor rights, fair compensation, and employment conditions.