By Elise Hickey: 4/29/23
Nanaline Holt Inman Duke Sir James Jebusa Shannon (American and British, 1862-1923)
Hiring domestic staff can be a daunting task, especially if you are looking for someone to work with you for a long time. You want to find someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and can meet your expectations. Here are some helpful hints for hiring professional, long-term domestic staffing employees.
1. Be realistic in your needs when creating your ad or responsibilities list.
For example, can one person be a driver, a chef, and a landscaper effectively all at once and fulfill your expectations? It is important to have a clear understanding of what you need from your employee and create a job description that is reasonable and achievable. Trying to find one person to fulfill multiple roles might not be the best solution.
2. Consider what a day in the life of your employee will look like.
What will their responsibilities be? Will they be working long hours? Will they have time off? Understanding the day-to-day expectations of the job will help you find someone who is a good fit for the position.
3. Will this be a live-in or live-out position?
If you are looking for someone to live on your property, you need to make sure that you have suitable living quarters for them. If you are looking for someone to work during specific hours and then leave, you need to make sure that their schedule is reasonable and works for both parties.
4. How will the living situation (i.e. available housing in your area) affect your employee?
If you are located in an area where it is difficult to find suitable housing, you may need to offer a higher salary or other benefits to attract the right candidate.
5. Compensation
Will they be working more than 40 hours per week? Will they work 12-hour days? Will you pay overtime? If the position demands are heavier in one season versus another, it is important to consider offering compensatory time off in the off-season. This is especially important if your employee will be working long hours or overtime during the busy season. Comp time can be a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and provide them with a much-needed break when things slow down. Be sure to discuss this with your employee during the hiring process so that expectations are clear from the start. Additionally, it is important to have a plan in place for scheduling and workload during the off-season to ensure that your employee is not left without enough work to do. Overall, offering comp time can be a great way to show your appreciation for your employee's hard work and maintain a positive working relationship.
6. Healthcare
How will you provide this for your staff? Providing healthcare benefits to your domestic staff is an important consideration when hiring long-term employees. It is important to decide how you will provide healthcare coverage and whether you will offer a stipend or directly provide health insurance. If you decide to offer a stipend, it might be a good idea to research average costs of healthcare in your area–either through the Marketplace or through private insurance carriers. Consider factors such as deductibles, co-pays, and coverage for pre-existing conditions when selecting a healthcare plan. Offering healthcare benefits not only shows your commitment to your employees' well-being but also provides them with peace of mind. Knowing that they have access to quality healthcare can be a significant factor in their decision to accept a job offer and remain with you long-term.
In the end, if you want long-term staff that will meet all of your expectations, you must first be honest with your expectations. Be clear about what you need and what you can offer in return. Finding the right fit may take time, but it will be worth it in the long run. Remember that hiring domestic staff is not just about finding someone who can do the job; it is about finding someone who can fit into your lifestyle and be a part of your family.
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