On October 24, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce and the Beijing Development and Reform Commission released a new set of guidelines titled “Measures to Promote High-Quality Development of Domestic Service Consumption” aimed at addressing key challenges in the industry and enhancing mechanisms to expand the supply of quality domestic services. The goal is to meet the diverse and personalized needs of residents in Beijing.
The guidelines consist of 22 measures, divided into seven main areas.
First, the initiative aims to expand the workforce in domestic services to ensure a precise match between supply and demand. Addressing the unique landscape of Beijing’s domestic service industry, characterized by a “large market with small players,” the effort will enhance overall service levels. This involves facilitating job matching in domestic services to support rural revitalization, broadening inter-provincial and inter-district cooperation, and utilizing platforms like short videos and recruitment sites to innovate ways for domestic service providers to connect with potential employees, including live-streaming job fairs.
Second, there is a strong focus on enhancing the quality of domestic service personnel through improved training and specialization. The plans include boosting vocational skills among workers, supporting enterprises in upgrading training facilities, holding various skill competitions, and encouraging educational institutions to strengthen programs related to domestic service while developing dual-degree projects that enhance both academic qualifications and job skills. Additionally, support will be provided for companies to establish professional training centers and develop instructional materials for domestic services.
Third, the guidelines promote the standardization of services, aiming to elevate the overall professionalism in domestic services. This includes speeding up the development of a comprehensive standard system, improving the construction of a credit system within the industry, promoting the use of a “Domestic Service Credit Check” app, and enhancing consumer rights protection through measures like digital home service certificates and accessible channels for consumer feedback.
Fourth, the initiative emphasizes support for domestic service enterprises to strengthen their operations and market presence. Key strategies will include integrating domestic services into community settings, optimizing social security measures, enhancing insurance systems, and providing financial support. Furthermore, the plan encourages the establishment of strong service brands and promotes transitioning companies towards employee-based models.
Fifth, innovation in domestic service consumption is encouraged to create new service scenarios. The guidelines support the convergence of domestic services with other sectors, such as exploring “senior care + domestic service” models, promoting digitalization in the industry, and advocating for domestic companies to leverage technologies like artificial intelligence to develop new consumption experiences.
Sixth, public service policies will be improved to enhance the working conditions for domestic service personnel, ensuring better job recognition and legal rights protection. The measures include providing legal assistance, fostering participation in various national and local awards, and enhancing housing support tailored to industry characteristics. There will also be efforts to facilitate career advancement through skills certification connected to wages and promotions.
Lastly, the guidelines stress the importance of collaborative efforts across various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. This includes strengthening organizational leadership, monitoring policy execution, enhancing public communication, and promoting a positive image of the domestic service industry to boost its appeal and the morale of its workforce.
In summary, these measures aim to usher in a new era for domestic services in Beijing, prioritizing quality, innovation, and worker satisfaction.
