October 26th, 2017

The changing role of Household Staff

Over the past century, the role of household personnel has altered drastically.
Due to the changing social relationships and lifestyle, the status of domestic staff has acquired new meaning and the duties and responsibilities expected have changed a lot.
​Nowadays, the choice of becoming a domestic worker is no longer a way of life but a career decision.
 
First, the nature of employment is different. Today, in contrast to the past century, the household personnel are officially employed and pay taxes. It is no longer on an informal basis. The proper legal employment contract is signed between two parties where not only all the terms and conditions are stated but also a detailed description of the nature of the job, duties and responsibilities, salary, workload, vacation, etc. 

These days, it is also very popular that the personnel are self-employed and work for several households at the same time. Moreover, the employment process of domestic staff is similar to the employment of any other workers. The candidates are interviewed regarding their personal characteristics and professional skills. It is a common practice to check their DBS and recommendations from previous employers. 

Secondly, the traditional roles of the staff have changed. In the past, the staffed households with butlers, housekeepers, cooks, handymen, footmen, and valets were extremely popular.

Today, it becomes less and less common to have many staff in the house. Usually, it is the number of responsibilities for one person, which is increasing, and not the number of people responsible.
Modern butlers would do much more than just greeting guests and taking care of the wine cellar. Cooking, housekeeping, driver and handyman duties could also be a part of their responsibilities.

---

As a result, over the years some of the professions are becoming obsolete, while, on the other hand, due to the changing lifestyle new positions are appearing. ​House manager jobs, PA, members of family office, personal shopper or personal trainer jobs are becoming more popular and the demand for such staff is rising every day. 
​
Thirdly, the level of erudition and professionalism of the staff has increased recently. In our days, there are many professional institutions for domestic staff where they can receive special training and diplomas after the completion of the course.
Whether it is a nanny, housekeeper, or butler you are looking for, it is no longer difficult to find someone well educated and certified. 

As the profession of household personnel is becoming more prestigious with years, the number of schools is growing accordingly. Moreover, the level of service has grown significantly.
Now, it is very common to employ a luxury restaurant chef as a family cook, or a housekeeper from a 5* hotel for a private house, and a chauffeur may combine the roles of a driver and a bodyguard for the family.  

Nevertheless, the nature of relationships between household personnel and their employers might have changed; the one thing, which still remains the same, is the popularity of hiring domestic staff.
It is essential that the staff are professional and hardworking, flexible and can conduct themselves in highly respectable manner; whose personal and professional skills, work experience and qualifications match the requirements of the employers’ household. 

Morgan & Mallet International is a professional agency with an extensive experience in the recruiting of household personnel.
Our team have developed thorough and rigorous selection process in order to find the right candidate who will meet all the requirements and would match your lifestyle.
​
Whenever there is a need for hiring any domestic staff, we are always happy to assist you in finding the best professional for your household.