Hiring live-in staff? A live-in set up might mean something traditional, like having your nanny live in a spare bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, or a housekeeper or estate manager in a guest suite or in an on-property apartment.
However, some household employers are rethinking the arrangements they make for their live-in employees, offering more creative or flexible options that work well for both the family and their staff.
By offering stand-out accommodations, employers can attract the best of the best in the industry, improve retention, and even boost morale.
Thinking of onboarding new staff this spring or summer? Or perhaps you’re looking to upgrade your current live-in options. It’s important to remember with any space you provide, that your household employee values – and needs – privacy and a sense of personal space and belonging.
Here are some interesting, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed arrangements to consider.
The Live-In Option
Private Home or Accessory Dwelling Unit
A detached guest home or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) are two of the most popular living arrangements that you can provide for your employee.
Employees appreciate these selections because it provides them with full privacy when they are not working, offers a separation of work and their own time, and may give them a better way to come and go or feel independent.
It also gives both employees and families clear boundaries, while keeping the staff members close by in case they’re needed.
Private Wing or Basement
Some families decide to renovate their basement into a private living space that can be used for household staff.
Others choose to add a separate entrance to create a comfortable and private guest wing, allowing staff to have their own space in one section of the home.
This feels like a ‘home within the home’ and can be an outstanding option to keep your staff close while also giving them the independence they want.
Hybrid Living Arrangements
Many of today’s household employers hire part-time employees but still want to offer benefits that welcomes the most qualified and experienced people in the domestic staffing world.
Hybrid residences can be a good option for this type of work scenario. For example, some families choose to hire a nanny to work Sunday through Wednesday and live on-site at your home, then have them go to their own home or apartment during their off days.
Or perhaps you have a live-in private chef or personal assistant who only works on the weekends, and you want to provide a comfortable space for them during their downtime.
This model can be appealing for candidates who enjoy the benefits of living and working at the property but want to maintain more of their own personal life.
Off-Site Housing
While live-in does often does mean on the actual property, sometimes employers provide off-site housing a creative and convenient option.
This could include paying for your staff to rent a nearby apartment, offering a housing stipend, or leasing a condo within walking distance.
This is an especially great option if you live in an urban area.
Co-Living Staff Home
For larger homes employing several staff members, a shared living space can be a great way to build camaraderie and community among your team.
Consider purchasing or renting a home nearby or building an accessory dwelling unit or apartment on your property that houses more than one person.
A well-designed living space that has several individual bedrooms with shared common areas, a large kitchen space and outdoor area, and convenient parking is an option that some household employers find beneficial and domestic staff find enjoyable.
Important Things to Remember
As you think about what kind of staff you’re employing, remember that not all liv-in arrangements look the same.
For example, a part-time private chef role may look different than a full-time nanny position. So, think about the type of schedule each job requires, how much privacy the person needs to do their job well, and what would be the best way to attract and retain an employee for the long-term.
Tailor the living arrangements to the needs specific to your home, while keeping boundaries, comfort, and respect at the top of all decision-making.
Why Household Staffing
Ready to hire for your home? At Household Staffing, our 98.7% placement success rate speaks for itself. So, don’t delay!
Our outstanding team is ready to help you start the hiring process so you can onboard a professional employee – or team of employees – for your home this year.
Call us today or submit our New Hire Form to get started.
