Based upon the responses, it seems like there is a wide range of differences between employees and their expectations. Likewise, how employers treat their help. One couple I know have a maid and gardener 1x a week, 4 hours. They always provide their workers lunch. Another employer provides her maid with bus money, pastries for breakfast, coffee, and castoff clothing and household goods. There are those employees who pout or hint at getting something, and others who would never think of doing so.
I have been an employee in the past, and I have done--and continue to do--menial labor. I shovel holes, I paint walls, I use a drill and a saw-zall. I know how hard that work is and I appreciate the effort and treat the workers more than fairly, or so I believe. However, I am feeling that the more I give, the more is expected, and it has become a vicious cycle.
Yes: the best idea is to sit down and have a calm discussion to make clear our (employer) parameters.