Domestic workers' wellbeing

Domestic workers carry heavy, often invisible loads, and their wellbeing deserves care, respect and real support.

2 min read · Awareness resource · Reviewed 2026-09-15

If you work in someone else's home, caring for their family, their space and often their children, your own wellbeing can easily get pushed aside. It matters, and it deserves attention.

What it is

Domestic work is real work, often physically demanding, emotionally involved and carried out with little visibility or recognition. Many domestic workers travel long distances to work, live away from their own families for long stretches, and navigate power imbalances with employers that can leave them feeling unable to speak up. Over time, this combination of physical strain, emotional labour and limited control over one's own schedule can build into chronic stress, exhaustion or low mood.

Signs to notice

Constant tiredness that does not lift with a weekend or short rest
Feeling undervalued, invisible or taken for granted
Guilt or worry about being away from your own children or family
Physical aches, headaches or a body that feels permanently tense
Difficulty saying no to extra tasks or hours, even when overwhelmed
Feeling isolated, with few people to talk to during the working week
Loss of interest in things that used to bring you comfort

What helps

Where possible, agree clear working hours and duties with your employer, and keep a simple record of hours worked.
Protect small pockets of rest during the day, even five or ten minutes of sitting quietly with tea.
Stay connected to family, friends or a faith community by phone or in person, even briefly, on rest days.
Practise slow breathing or a short stretch break when the body feels tense - this genuinely helps reset stress levels.
Know your rights around leave, wages and working conditions - understanding these can reduce the sense of powerlessness that fuels stress.
Speak to someone you trust if you feel disrespected or overworked. Naming the problem is the first step to change.

When to reach out for help

Reach out for support if exhaustion or low mood persists for weeks, if you feel trapped or unable to protect your own basic needs, or if you are experiencing unfair treatment, harassment or abuse at work. You deserve to be treated with dignity, and support is available to help you navigate difficult situations safely.

Getting help in South Africa

Domestic workers covered by an employer's EAP can speak confidentially to a Cleared Mind counsellor about work stress, family strain or difficult employer relationships. SADAG's Mental Health Line (011 234 4837) offers further support and can help with referrals. If you are experiencing abuse or unsafe conditions, the GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428) is available for confidential support and guidance.