In a private household, you want your team of domestic staff to be a well-oiled machine. Each person is crucial to the successful running of the day to day operations which keep your household functioning. But how do you ensure each cog is well-oiled and looked after? In other words, how do you find the perfect match for your team, and crucially, how do you retain them long-term?
Recruitment for private households has historically felt like a different world, where perhaps the same governing laws of employment did not apply like it does in corporate environments. The reality is however, that a private household IS someone’s place of work. Therefore, the same laws do clearly need to be adhered to.
Being a team player is an essential quality that all domestic staff should have. Each person should know their role inside out, and understand how to produce exceptional results for their client. A large part of this cohesion comes from creating a positive working culture. As private staffing specialists, our job is to find the perfect fit for your team, to ensure the right candidate matches your unique values and expectations. A positive culture doesn’t just make your household a more pleasant place to live; it helps attract and keep your best staff. After all, when staff feel they belong, they’re much more likely to stay!
This is particularly important as the UK prepares for shifts in employment laws that will impact private staffing. Having a recruiter who’s well-versed in these changes and knows how to find staff that meet both professional and cultural requirements is invaluable. It’s an investment that saves you time, money, and the headaches of repeatedly onboarding new staff.
A positive working culture in your private household isn’t just good for morale; it’s good for your investment, too. Happy, well-matched staff stay longer, which reduces the disruptions that come with turnover. Each time someone leaves, your household incurs recruitment fees, training expenses, and the time it takes to get a new hire up to speed. A satisfied team of domestic staff minimises these disruptions, giving you a household that runs smoothly, with fewer costs over time. Not to mention that happy staff are more productive and driven to exceed standards!
A strong culture within your private household goes beyond cost savings. When your team feels appreciated, they become more engaged and committed, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. This is the kind of environment where everyone thrives. A solid cultural foundation also leads to better teamwork; when everyone understands and supports the household’s goals, communication becomes effortless.
Staff members who share similar values can better understand and assist one another, resulting in fewer misunderstandings and a higher quality of work. They’re motivated to perform well because they feel part of something meaningful, not just an employee fulfilling a role.
Whether you’re an employer in a corporate setting or an employer within a private household, you are still under the same employment legislation.
At Shire & Wold, we recognise it can be difficult to keep abreast of the continuous changes within employment law, which is why we encourage employers and any individuals that are in the position of managing staff to seek professional legal advice with an experienced employment lawyer. This can of course be on-off advice on a contractual matter such as an employment contract, or can be also working with a legal advisor to provide update training throughout the course of the year.
That’s why we’re always on hand to communicate the latest changes to UK employment law, so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
There are some significant changes coming into place within UK employment law over the next 12 months, which will have a positive impact on private household workplace culture. This is positive for employers, as it means that your staff will not only be happier, but stay with you for longer.
There’s good news for those working in the service industry – with everyone from yacht teams, to luxury hospitality staff who consistently provide exceptional service and get tipped as a result. Employers are now required by law to “ensure the fair and transparent allocation of all tips, gratuities and service charges.”
The purpose of this change is to ensure that all workers get access to the tips that they have earnt, to recognise the excellent service received. As an employer, we recommend you should outline in writing how the tip process is upheld, and make this document accessible to all members of staff. This ‘Tipping Act’ came into effect from July 2024, and so workers in private households should start to feel the benefits of this through fairer and more transparent tip distribution.
October has been a month of celebrations. We celebrated Zoe’s birthday with a mini office party (which, of course, included bubbles!). We also gathered round as a team to have a ‘sofa chat’. This was in aid of World Mental Health Day and meant we could have a break from work to talk about our own mental health and any worries in a supportive group.
Dismissal and re-hire, also known as ‘fire and rehire’, refers to when an employer fires a member of staff and offers them a new contract on new, often with less favourable terms.
A new Code of Practice has come into effect to tackle unfair usage of the ‘fire and rehire’ method. We agree with this new legislation as it is important to protect workers from this mistreatment. We would always recommend to our clients that they facilitate honest and meaningful discussions with employees about their compensation and package to reach a conclusion prior to dismissal. Employers are prohibited from threatening dismissal in order for employees to agree to different terms.
According to the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, employers are now duty bound to protect employees from sexual harassment in the workplace, as defined in the 2010 Equality Act. Employers are now required to be proactive about the prevention of sexual harassment, and what to do if it does occur. Whilst this legislation applies in all employment settings, it can be more difficult to manage within a private household setting, where you are working with your employer in such a personal and private space.
These changes to UK employment law will see better protection for employees, and will contribute towards a fairer working environment. If you’re unsure how these changes will affect you and your domestic staff, please contact us and we can provide you with advice.
For private households, culture is foundational – it affects everything from daily operations to staff satisfaction. Collaborating with an experienced recruiter means you’re investing not just in skills but in individuals who can seamlessly become part of your household’s fabric. This approach creates a team that is loyal, productive, and genuinely invested in the well-being of the home.
With the right fit, your household can become a place where everyone feels valued and engaged.
By working with a recruiter who understands what makes your home unique, you’re laying the groundwork for stability, productivity, and a welcoming environment for everyone involved.
Here at Shire & Wold Staffing, we do much more than simply match skills to job descriptions. We focus on finding individuals who are compatible with your household’s unique values and practices, bringing harmony and cohesion from day one.
We work closely with our clients to establish what a positive household culture looks like to them. This means having a deep understanding of values, communication style, and what type of individual would mix well with the existing team. Engaging current members of staff in the hiring process also provides valuable insight into how the household functions on a daily basis, and the qualities which would be a useful addition to the team.
As private staffing recruiters, we understand that each candidate is unique, just like the household they’ll be working in. We ask interview questions based on real-life scenarios to help gauge how candidates would behave in similar situations they may encounter in their role. Our expert consultants use tools and assessments to measure compatibility beyond practical skills, identifying the right candidate who will thrive in your household team.
Are you ready for your next perfect match? Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can help you find the next addition to your team!
