The private service industry tends to be insular where many employers and employees
never have the opportunity to query about issues arising in a household. We have a
team of experts available to answer any questions you might have.
Below is a sampling of suggested topics you might be interested in or just create
your own. Also take the time to peruse our website, as the information you desire
might just be answered.
Employers / Hiring Representatives
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Employees / Candidates
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If you don't see your question on the list, we would be more than happy to respond.
Our team of experts is at your beckon call. Please be patient, it can take up to a
week for one of our team to get back to you.
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here to submit your question.
There are many ways to find staff; word of mouth, advertising or
working through a reputable agency.
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As in a corporate environment, one needs to spend time with the
employee explaining the policies and procedures of the home as well as conveying the
details of the job description. There will always be a learning curve. If one doesn't
share what one wants, and how one wants to see things, the employee cannot execute
appropriately. Sometimes it is assumed that since the employee is experienced in a
private residence that they will know what to do, not true. What they do know is how to
run the last home they were in and how to be of service to their last employer; but your
desires are unique to you and this needs to be articulated. Training takes time, time
that sometimes is not available, but it is the way to create a win-win situation and
retain an employee long term.
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Corporate policies have transitioned into private homes these days;
annual reviews, bonus structures, raises and benefits as well as kind words of
appreciation. Since this is the service industry many times the employee will not be
able to express to their employer their needs. It is up to the employer or their
management team to set up HR systems to take care of their staff. By being respectful of
the employee's time, efforts and energy the payoff will come back 100 fold with a
faithful, happy and long term employee.
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Historically, the service industry has been one that utilized the
"work up from the bottom" style of training. There is nothing better than long term
experience but it can be enhanced by training. Lately though there has been an influx of
new wealth and there is a shortage of qualified staff. Private one-on-one training from
an expert in the field or even a vocational program could help refine what might be
missing. Training is important, but no one can train for attitude.
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These are excellent ways to help ease one's new employee as well as
existing staff into their jobs. Yes, there are going to be changes in the lives and
needs of the household, but initial guidelines are essential. As standards elevate and
evolve, so will the position descriptions.
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The larger the home the more complicated it is to run. To assist one
in capturing these details household manuals have been created. This is now evolving
into computer software in which the needs of the home / grounds / family are integrated
into a complex but simple program that is accessible from anywhere.
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Salaries depend on location, experience and job details. Benefit
packages range from solely health insurance to health, dental, vision, retirement, long
and short term disability, yearly bonuses and raises as well as incentive plans. To
obtain the latest salary reports for your geographical area you might want to call local
or national placement agencies and ask for their input. They are always happy to assist.
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This depends on the size of the home / estate, the number of family
members and level of service standards desired. To thoroughly clean a home, the industry
standard is 5,000 square feet per 40 hour week for one housekeeper. If there is cooking,
laundry for more than two people, ironing of sheets and serving, another housekeeper may
be necessary. Vendor management, setting and serving of table and other projects might
stipulate the hiring of a household manager, personal assistant or estate manager.
Discussions with an expert in household assessments or a staffing agency will help in
clarifying one's staffing requirements.
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This is a very important part of employee retention and it is
imperative that all conflicts are addressed. One can utilize the skills of a coach or
simply sit down with each employee and obtain a clear picture of what has occurred.
Successful conflict resolution transpires by listening to and providing options for all
parties concerned.
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These terms seem to be different but technically they are the same.
"Professional" is preferred by the high tech employers or business employers and
"formal" is preferred by the old world / old guard homes. Each characterizes efficiency,
etiquette, protocol, decorum and appropriate communication.
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It is best to always do a lot of research before changing careers.
Reading up on the internet, purchasing books on the subject and meeting as many people
as possible that already work in the field will help you make an educated decision. To
obtain a position, word of mouth can be most effective but there are also vocational
schools that specialize in training and placing newcomers. Before moving into the
private service industry, you need to make the proper assessment if service in the
private sector is right for you.
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Know thyself. It is important to know what type of
environment you would be most productive and comfortable in: single staff member,
multiple staff, many layers of management, or direct report to the principal. Visualize
working for the Queen of England or Mary Smith down the street; only you will know if
you are a fit or a match for formal, informal, professional, report driven or hands-on
households.
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There are many different types and styles of agencies; boutique firms,
all purpose firms, national firms, and local firms, firms specializing in management
level employees or just nannies and housekeepers. One must do their research to find the
best fit. It is also imperative to have a well written, updated resume along with
letters of recommendation, a list of references relating to your past employment with
phone numbers and a recent professional picture. Agencies are hired by the client to
market their positions, but without good candidates, those jobs cannot be filled. This
is a partnership; help us help you.
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Keep it professional but warm, it is a home and not an office. There
is an old adage: "You are in the house, not of the house". There are many components to
maintaining boundaries in a private home. Remembering that there is a paycheck between
you is one and not getting involved no matter how hard you might want to will help. The
movie, "Remains of the Day" might be an extreme example but it has essential elements on
boundaries. The other boundary you need to keep is not being taken advantage of by the
needs of the home. Make sure you take your days off, or ask for overtime pay if you are
working additional hours.
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Salaries depend on many things; experience, job duties and
complexities of the work. Most homes pay health insurance but many times they offer
dental, vision, retirement packages, disability insurance and bonuses. If you are the
manager, setting these benefits up for the staff will help retain your team longer, if
they are in place, don't hesitate to do research on each benefit to make sure you are
getting the best product for the money for your employer as well as the staff. If you
are not aware of what different geographic areas offer employees, ask one of the
national placement agencies for their most recent information.
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Most jobs need their employees to multi-task. Everyone will have a
different way of mastering the intricate details, but most important is making sure they
are completed correctly and in a timely manner. Generating a task list and compiling a
Daily Log for your employer will not only create efficiency, but justify your position.
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Every job is challenging; it is how you cope with the challenge that
makes you successful.
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These terms seem to be different but technically they are the same.
"Professional" is preferred by the high tech employers or business employers and
"formal" is preferred by the old world / old guard homes. Each characterizes efficiency,
etiquette, protocol, decorum and appropriate communication.
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Longevity is an attribute that is highly valued by potential employers
and is imperative in the private service industry. Take the time to choose your next job
wisely and don't overlook a position that might appear to be a little "beneath" you.
Another way to advance in the profession would be continuing education. Whether you are
a constant reader of new literature for the domestic field, or you enjoy correspondence
courses or one-on-one learning, you can bring this knowledge into your present or future
positions. You never really know where the best opportunity lies; sometimes a situation
can be created for you when personalities match and skill sets are prized.
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