It seems that every day there are new regulations, suggestions or best practices for staying safe in our “new normal.” Remaining isolated forever is not an option. We will have staff in our homes for various reasons. Steven Callard, Partner of Private Staff Group shares his company’s tips on keeping you and your staff safe during these times. Safe measures protect both sides—you and your service team.
What should the foundation of safe practices for household staff?
Asking staff to change clothes before entering the home is one place to start. For example, having fresh laundered clothing for staff to change into. Simple black pants and white shirt, etc. Providing disposable gloves and face-masks is also highly recommended.
Is live-in help the safer option?
Some people are reluctant to let in outside domestic workers, as they may have travelled via mass transportation or simply because of their exposure to others. If you have separate quarters, you may want to consider a live-in situation. Keeping your staff in your home and on property protects all. Everyone can share supplies, food and work together in a clean environment. We’ve also had clients rent separate apartments or residences to use as staff quarters.
What if I am not comfortable with staff in my home?
It’s understandable that people may decide to eliminate any and all outside persons, including vendors, from entering the home during this time. In these cases, we are helping clients furlough staff—typically with full or partial salary.
Some people have decided to simply get out of town during the pandemic, heading to remote vacation homes or yachts. What’s the best way to handle the relocation process?
PSG clients have relocated to homes as far away as New Zealand. Most are taking private jets to second homes as an extra precaution. Extensive sanitary cleaning of jets, homes, cars, etc. is critical for peace of mind. We have seen clients send staff ahead to conduct cleaning and then quarantine themselves [staff] for a couple weeks before joining the client in the home. Chefs have been taken to second residences as they can handle all the kitchen, shopping, cooking, etc. They are required to wear proper PPE outside and inside the home, thus reducing exposure risks.
What other services do you offer to help in these trying times?
We have partnered with clients to hire assistants who work virtually. We have exceptional service staff who are willing to live-in, travel to remote home locations, and preform multiple services such as cook, housekeeper, server, family assistant, etc. PSG finds the best candidates who are prepared to clean properly and work as a trusted partner to keep you as safe as possible while creating a pleasant household environment.
If you are not looking for long-term assistance, we have wonderful candidates available for short interim situations. PSG and the client often work together to design and implement the right cleaning, orientation and training. Background checks and payroll are offered as well.
Help in the home can be completely safe and help us manage during this unprecedented confinement.
Private Staff Group (“PSG”) is a boutique and specialized recruitment search firm serving the distinct staffing needs of exceptional clients for their household, estate, personal and business. PSG clients typically have multiple homes, large homes, dynamic lifestyles and high expectations for service excellence. Continuation of safe domestic services is possible with proper and custom steps and attention to protections for both the family and the staff. Privatestaffgroup.com; 866-282-7729