Costly, but worth it
Zhang Cheng was one of the first to enjoy the services recommended by the association.
The help comes at a price, though. Each two-person suite at Happy Homeland costs at least 600 yuan a day, but Zhang considers it a price worth paying.
"At least we don't have to worry about cooking three meals a day, and it saves the trouble of visiting one another while celebrating the family reunion," he said.
"Moreover, we can arrange different activities such as card games, table tennis and calligraphy in the same compound. Our parents can also make friends with their peers there. It's very relaxing."
To provide a wide range of affordable options, Zhang Baoxia said the association's portfolio this year includes many budget hotels and community-based senior homes.
"The services are also available to domestic helpers who choose to stay or even bring their families to the city for the holiday," she said.
Xia took that statement with a pinch of salt. "I doubt most domestic workers would be willing to spend money on hotels, as they are very sensitive to price," he said.
"But the gesture the city has made to show that their services are appreciated, especially during the holiday season, is genuine."
Demand for domestic workers usually drops to a yearly low during the first three days of Lunar New Year when families have to pay three times the usual wage, as stipulated by the labor laws.
The main shortages usually occur before and after the holiday when most domestic helpers are still in their hometowns, Xia said.
"As long as they remain in the city, they can return to work as soon as the holiday is over," he said.
He added that the usual practice for companies that provide housekeeping services is to offer bonuses or other incentives to retain domestic workers during Spring Festival.
Wu has spent the past four Spring Festivals in Shanghai with her hometown peers.
She regards the bonus she receives from the housekeeping company, which usually ranges from 600 to 800 yuan, as an incentive to stay.
"It's not much money, but at least you feel respected," she said.
She added that she usually saves her annual leave for a visit home in July, because that's when the school summer vacation begins and her employer takes a family vacation.
"It's a pity I can't spend Spring Festival with my family, but during summer I can stay at home for around two weeks," she said. "It is good timing for me, too, as I have three school-age children."
(Lin Shujuan reports from Shanghai.)
