Finding the right housekeeper can be a difficult task and a nerve-wracking experience. Here are 10+ tips to prepare for a housekeeper in your home.
Congratulations on the new hire, so what is the next step? How can you help your new housekeeper to comfortably settle into your home? Here are a few tips:
Decide on the pay rates
First and foremost, you should agree on the pay rates. Will it be based on an hourly basis? Will the pay be weekly, or monthly? It is important to cross this off first before settling in with a new housekeeper. A contract agreement is preferred as it will be binding for both of you. It is important to pay the housekeeper on time.
Elaborate and be clear on her duties.
It is important for you to have a sit-down and explain to the new housekeeper what will be expected of her. Is she expected to cook, clean, or be a nanny to the children? Allocation of duties from the word go will prevent future disagreements on what he or she is expected to do. It is advised that you should draw a weekly plan of what they are expected to do.
Establish Working Hours.
The new housekeeper is a human, she will need time to work and some time to rest. It is crucial for you to establish the appropriate and adequate working hours and days. Agree from the start the days she is expected to be off and discuss what the agreements in case of holidays are.
Show her how to get around.
Most likely the new hire comes from a different area, so she does not know how to get by. Show her around the house, the different rooms. Familiarize her with the area around the estate or where you live.
Provide what she needs to get by.
If she is a full-time housekeeper, you should provide a bed and space for her to put her personal things. The room should offer the housekeeper some privacy. Give the housekeeper a welcome package that consists of essentials. Allow her to make a call back home to assure her family that she is well. This shows a good gesture and will ease the tension of the first day. Also, secure an insurance cover for your housekeeper to make her feel safe while working, read more here.
Introduce the housekeeper to family members, relatives, and pets.
Have a friendly meet up for her and the family. Let the kids get to know her as they will spend a great portion of their time with the new housekeeper. In case of family members that require special attention, be sure to inform her and give her clear instructions on how to handle them.
Teach her how to use the various appliances found in your home.
This is important as it will prevent any accidents from happening. Equip the housekeeper with the necessary safety tools.
Discuss the eating arrangements.
Is she expected to sit down and eat a meal together with the family? Or would she prefer to eat alone? What will happen if they are not comfortable eating what has been cooked? Will she be allowed to prepare her own meal? These are some of the questions that should be answered prior to employment.
Training.
It is important that the first few days that the housekeeper is to be trained on what is expected. She could be trained on how to operate various machines, how to cook certain dishes, or clean certain places. This will ensure that when she does her work it will be up to your standards as she will be able to mimic your example. Show her around the marketplace and where to get the groceries.
Introduce her to the neighbors and other domestic workers in your estate.
Human beings are social beings. By introducing her to her fellow domestic workers this will help her adapt more quickly and feel more at home.
Explain the house rules and the Country’s Laws.
Be clear on what principles, rules, and regulations that your household follows. If she is from a different country, inform her of your country’s law and policies. This will help her adapt easily and know what to do so that she does not get in trouble with the authorities.
Be approachable.
Lastly, be friendly and approachable. Create a good working environment for your housekeeper to easily perform her tasks. Have open communication with them. The housekeeper should be able to approach you in case of any issues or emergencies. Discuss how she can contact you if the need arises.
In conclusion, a new hire needs to be guided on what to do, so that she can be able to acclimatize to the new working environment and perform her tasks effectively.
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