Serving China: Household service company in Shandong employs laid-off workers

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Household service is becoming a booming industry in China, but it's far from mature. A company in Eastern China's Shandong province is trying to raise the bar of the industry, while employing lots of laid-off workers. CGTN's Xu Mengqi has more.

Starting from the face, and then onto the limbs and the toes. Liu Guixiang, a senior maternal-child nurse at Jinan Sunny Sister Service, is teaching a class on how to bathe a baby. And her students. All aspiring to become as professional as she is.

LIU GUIXIANG SENIOR TRAINER, JINAN SUNNY SISTER SERVICE "They have all come from different walks of life. Some switched careers, some are farmers who lost their land, and some are laid-off workers. They are looking for new beginnings, and with the industry of household services on the rise, it's a good chance for them."

Shi Zhaoping, one of Liu's former students, spent months out of work. Now her skills have made her one of the most sought-after nurses.

FAN QIUJUAN SHI ZHAOPING'S EMPLOYER "She is very professional, very attentive to my child. She also prepares my meals according to my nutritional needs."

Fan Qiujuan's need for professional care is echoed among China's rising middle class.

According to a 2017 report by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the country's household services industry employed more than 25 million workers in 2016, a 9.3% increase from a year earlier.

More than 30% of the workers were needed for maternal care and child rearing, while 16.3% were required for elderly care.

XU MENGQI JINAN, SHANDONG "Despite an increasing number of enterprises and employees, supply for household services in China still falls far short of demand. And with the fast expansion of the industry, unnerving cases have emerged that reveal a lack of professionalism as well as relevant laws and regulations."

In June of 2017, a domestic helper in eastern China's Hangzhou city grabbed national attention. The helper set a fire in her employer's apartment, killing three children and their mother.

And in Guangzhou the year before, a caregiver murdered her 70-year-old client in the woman's home. Both cases shocked the nation.

Zhuo Changli, CEO of the Sunny Sister Service, gave us her take on how to change the industry’s culture.

ZHUO CHANGLI CEO, JINAN SUNNY SISTER SERVICE "Quality service and profits are equally important for this business to move forward. Just as President Xi said, this is a rising industry that benefits both migrant workers who offer the service and urban families who need it. But in the end this is a type of work that needs compassion."

Starting off as a charity project that offered employment to laid-off workers, Sunny Sister has now grown into an industry leader, with more than 200 franchises across China.

For its employees, their lives have improved financially, and in other ways.

SHI ZHAOPING MATERNAL-CHILD NURSE, JINAN SUNNY SISTER SERVICE "When I take good care of the child, I also get smiles and recognition from the family. It makes me feel fulfilled and see a better side of me, that is of value to the society and the family that I serve."

Passionate and proud, Shi Zhaoping is now helping others to find confidence in their work. Xu Mengqi, CGTN, Jinan, Shandong province.