At Merry Maids, we prioritize an inclusive community to make sure our team members are comfortable and happy with their employment, and Merry Maids of East Troy is a great example. This office located in East Troy, Wisconsin, does an exemplary job ensuring their team members work collaboratively so all people feel supported. Located just a short distance from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, the team has welcomed five members of the Deaf community to its staff.

Owner Theresa Waterman and manager Megan Eldert said the connection began when an employee who attended the school began working at Merry Maids. Over time, she brought school friends in as her coworkers. 

Shared understanding

Like always when working with people speaking different languages, everyone works together to make sure everyone has a shared understanding.

Although all team members can text on their phones to communicate, people also like teaching and learning sign language.

“Everyone appreciates you trying,” Theresa said. “When it’s a holiday, we look up how to sign the greeting, like ‘Merry Christmas,’ and they will help you get it right.”

The staff members also enjoy teaching each other for daily work functions. 

“When hearing and Deaf team members are working together, they can sign ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ to each other,” she said. “It’s just interesting, and we love how everyone works together to communicate so well.”

Personal connections

Andreana Weldgen, one of the Deaf team members, has been working at the East Troy location since 2020.

“All of us love this job, and we didn’t experience any communication barrier at all,” she said. “We all had wonderful bosses, coworkers and clients.”

She actually discovered Merry Maids for a different reason.

“I was first exposed to a cleaning service when my dad hired one while my mom was battling cancer,” she said. “I really appreciated them coming to my parents’ house, because it helped them a lot. That’s how I started this job at Merry Maids – it’s interesting, it’s physical, and I like satisfying clients. That’s my priority.”

Customers also appreciate the East Troy team members.

“We had a customer who knew sign language, and everyone was excited about that,” Theresa said.

Through open communication and a willingness to learn, the East Troy office is able to serve its community and clients even better.

To learn more about how to become a part of the Merry Maids team, please visit our site.