Orientation: Domestic work remains a main source of employment for many South African women. Despite legislation directed at protecting the rights of South African domestic workers, research indicates that many still experience marginalisation and a sense of powerlessness. This prompts a need to understand the factors that could enhance a positive work experience for domestic workers. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to a positive work experience for domestic workers in South Africa. Motivation: Because of limited work opportunities and a lack of access to finance and education in South Africa, domestic work will continue to provide a source of employment in the future. It is thus important to implement strategies to enhance the positive nature of the domestic work experience. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative design, utilising a semi-structured interview format for data collection purposes, was utilised. The sample comprised seven domestic workers and seven employers of domestic workers. Main findings: Thematic analyses extracted job security, wages, working conditions and the relationship with employer as the most important considerations for domestic workers. Employers of domestic workers highlighted compliance with legislation, perceiving the employee as part of the family, retirement planning and respect as important factors. Practical/managerial implications: It is proposed that employers purposefully comply with the relevant legislation to promote feelings of job security, and that domestic workers are educated in the legal requirements surrounding domestic work. Employers are further encouraged to establish open and trust-based relationships characterised by respect and consider the need for post-retirement provision. The importance of education and training in professionalising the domestic work sector is raised. Contribution/value-add: The results of this study contribute to promoting the value and status of domestic work by providing a voice for marginalised employees and promoting a humanistic and positive work experience.

中文翻译：

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促进南非家庭工人的积极工作经验

方向：家政工作仍然是许多南非妇女的主要就业来源。尽管有旨在保护南非家庭佣工权利的立法，但研究表明，许多人仍然遭受边缘化和无助感。这促使需要了解可以增强家庭工人积极工作经验的因素。研究目的：本研究的目的是探讨有助于南非家庭工人获得积极工作经验的因素。动机：由于南非的工作机会有限以及缺乏融资和教育的机会，家政工作将在未来继续提供就业机会。因此，重要的是实施战略以增强家政工作经验的积极性。研究方法/设计和方法：利用了半结构化访谈格式进行数据收集的定性设计。样本包括七名家政工人和七名家政工人雇主。主要发现：主题分析提取了工作安全性，工资，工作条件以及与雇主的关系，这是家庭工人最重要的考虑因素。家庭佣工的雇主强调遵守法律，认为雇员是家庭的一部分，退休计划和尊重是重要因素。实际/管理上的影响：建议雇主有目的地遵守相关法律，以增进工作安全感，并应针对家庭佣工的法律要求对家庭佣工进行教育。进一步鼓励雇主建立以尊重为特征的开放和基于信任的关系，并考虑退休后条款的必要性。人们提高了教育和培训在使家庭工作部门专业化中的重要性。贡献/增值：这项研究的结果通过为边缘化的员工表达心声并促进人文主义的积极工作经验，有助于提高家政工作的价值和地位。