Resources & Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Domestic Staffing

Whether you’re considering hiring your first household employee or expanding your existing team, this comprehensive guide will demystify the domestic staffing process and empower you to make informed decisions every step of the way.

At its core, building the right household staff is about creating harmony in your home and ensuring smooth daily operations.

We’ve created this definitive resource to share our expertise in domestic staffing, making the hiring process accessible and manageable for anyone looking to build their household team.

By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll be equipped to:

Define and articulate your household staffing needs
Navigate the recruitment process from job descriptions to final offers
Understand domestic employment tax and legal obligations
Establish professional boundaries and management practices
Create a positive work environment that retains quality staff

All Chapters

Chapter One

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Domestic Staffing

Household Staffing has developed this comprehensive guide, dedicated to all the basics and nuances of the domestic staffing industry, so you know what to expect when hiring a household employee.

Chapter Two

Understanding Your Needs

Creating the right domestic staff structure is crucial for a well-managed household or family office. In this chapter, you'll learn how to evaluate your needs and select qualified professionals who will maintain your standards of excellence.

Chapter Three

Creating Job Descriptions

A well-crafted job description is essential for attracting qualified candidates who match your specific needs. In this chapter, you'll learn how to create effective job listings for domestic staff that clearly outline expectations, qualifications, standards, and compensation to hire the best help.

Chapter Four

Legal & Regulatory Considerations

Becoming a household employer comes with key legal and financial responsibilities. This chapter outlines everything you need to know about hiring domestic staff legally, including tax obligations, visa requirements, and fair pay standards.

Chapter Five

Recruitment Strategies

Finding and retaining qualified household staff requires a thoughtful, professional approach. This chapter explores recruitment strategies that ensure high standards and legal compliance.

Chapter Six

Screening & Interviewing

Finding the right domestic staffing hire requires a thoughtful and systematic interview process. In this chapter, you'll learn strategies for evaluating household staff candidates, from conducting interviews and reference checks to using personality assessments.

Chapter Seven

Reference Checking

References are often one of the best methods to gather information about your potential hire. In this chapter we cover effective reference checks for hiring household staff focusing on work history, reliability, and red flags.

Chapter Eight

Contractual Agreements

A stellar employment contract is vital when hiring household staff. This chapter outlines the key components of this comprehensive document including work schedules, compensation details, privacy clauses, and benefits packages.

Chapter Nine

Orientation & Onboarding

Proper orientation and training are essential components for the success of your new hire. In this chapter we explore key aspects of the onboarding process, conducting trial periods, training opportunities, and written work agreements.

Chapter Ten

Managing Domestic Staff

Effective household staff management requires clear communication. This chapter explores strategies for maintaining positive relationships, including communication techniques, conflict resolution, and performance review best practices.

Chapter Eleven

Ensuring Well-Being & Fair Treatment

A positive work environment fosters long-term success. In this chapter you'll learn key strategies for establishing a healthy workplace, including effective onboarding processes, health and safety guidelines, and policies that promote work-life balance.

Chapter Twelve

Termination & Transition

Managing the departure of household staff is a sensitive yet necessary reality of being a domestic employer. This chapter guides you through the termination process, including how to handle separations professionally, consider severance packages, and manage the transition for both remaining staff and family members affected by the change.

Chapter Thirteen

Resources and Tools

Hiring domestic staff can quickly become an overwhelming task. In this chapter, we explore practical tools for creating effective job descriptions, drafting contracts, developing strategies for recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.

Chapter Fourteen

Wishing You Success in Employing Domestic Staff

Whether you're considering hiring your first household employee or expanding your existing team, we hope this comprehensive guide has demystified the domestic staffing process and empower you to make informed decisions every step of the way.

Ready to Hire? Start Today

(212) 600-2085 or info@householdstaffing.com