Domestic workers, or maids, may be no longer be a staple of North American homes. But she is a figure central to the running of many households around the world. The Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America are all regions where domestic workers cook, clean, and help with children.

I interviewed many maids/nannies in the research for my novel, The Dohmestics, about this intimate employee-employer relationship. (PS tell me what you think about this potential new cover for the novel in the comments below).

In real life, the Shelter Me project has developed a handbook for employers to handle those questions that first time employers often contemplate: how many hours should she work? What is a fair salary?

Here’s to everyone who puts in a hard day’s work receiving appreciation for their efforts.

Have you ever employed someone in the home?