In an increasingly mobile world, many high-net-worth families are hiring household staff who are not only responsible for tasks at home but also travel with their employers across the globe says Morgan Richez, co-founder of the most well know International household staffing agency Morgan & Mallet International.
These roles, ranging from nannies, butlers and private chefs to chauffeurs and personal assistants, come with unique challenges and responsibilities.
Ensuring a smooth process of hiring and creating a tailored employment contract is essential to meeting both legal and practical needs.
In this article, we will explore the key steps to hiring household staff for international extensive travel and creating a solid work contract that covers the nuances of a mobile job.
The growing demand for traveling household staff
Global mobility among ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) has led to an increased demand for household staff capable of traveling internationally. In fact, studies show that approximately 15-20% of UHNW families hire domestic employees specifically for roles that involve travel.
Whether it’s a nanny to accompany the children on holiday, a private chef to ensure dietary needs are met on the go, or a chauffeur to navigate new cities, the responsibilities of these roles are both wide-ranging and demanding.
Salaries and expectations
Due to the unique nature of these roles, household staff who travel with their employers can command higher salaries than their non-traveling counterparts. For example:
- A nanny traveling internationally can earn between $80,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the level of responsibility and experience.
- A private chef might command salaries ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 annually, particularly if they are well-versed in various cuisines and able to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Personal assistants managing travel logistics and schedules can earn between $90,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the role.
You may check our 2024/2025 salary guide on our website for more roles.
Why families hire traveling household staff
Families often hire household staff who travel for several reasons:
- Consistency: Familiar staff ensure that the family’s routines and preferences are maintained, no matter where they are in the world.
- Flexibility: Having trusted staff on hand allows for seamless transitions between different countries, time zones, and homes.
- Security: For many UHNW families, privacy and security are top priorities. Trusted domestic staff who travel with them provide an added layer of safety and discretion.
Step 1: Identifying the right household staff
The first step in hiring household staff for travel is to define the specific roles and responsibilities required. When recruiting for a travel-based position, consider the following:
- Experience: It’s important to hire candidates who have prior experience in traveling roles. This ensures they are familiar with the demands of international travel, such as long hours, managing jet lag, and navigating foreign cultures.
- Skills: Depending on the role, different skill sets are needed. For example, a nanny might need to be bilingual to communicate with local caregivers, or a chef may need to know how to source local ingredients in different countries.
- Adaptability: Traveling household staff must be highly adaptable, able to adjust to different environments, climates, and time zones while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
Where to find qualified staff ?
Recruiting traveling domestic employees requires a specialized approach. Morgan Richez of Morgan & Mallet International emphasizes the importance of working with a household staffing agency that has a global network of candidates.
“We’ve seen a sharp rise in demand for nannies, chefs, and personal assistants who can travel at a moment’s notice. It’s essential to hire staff who are not only skilled in their duties but also understand the intricacies of global mobility,” he says.
Step 2: Navigating the legal aspects of employment
When hiring household staff who will be traveling internationally, the employment contract must be carefully tailored to account for the complexities of global work. Each country has its own labor laws, and failing to comply can lead to legal issues.
Visa and work permits
One of the first challenges is obtaining the necessary work visas for your employees to travel with you. Depending on the destination, some countries may require specific work permits for domestic staff. It is important to:
- Research visa requirements: Each country has different rules for household staff. For example, the U.S. requires B-1 visas for domestic workers accompanying their employers, while European countries have varying regulations.
- Ensure compliance with local laws: When in a foreign country, you must abide by its labor laws. This may include adhering to working hour limits, providing specific benefits, and paying local taxes.
Insurance and health coverage
Another important consideration is health insurance. Since traveling staff will be moving between countries, they will need international health insurance that covers medical care in multiple locations. In many cases, the employer is responsible for providing this insurance.
Taxes and payroll
When it comes to payroll, things can get complicated. Your household staff may need to pay taxes in multiple countries depending on the length of stay in each location. Working with an international payroll service like Morgan & Mallet or consulting with a tax advisor can help ensure that both you and your staff comply with tax regulations.
Step 3: Creating the employment contract
A well-structured employment contract is essential when hiring household staff who will be traveling. It should clearly define the expectations, responsibilities, and benefits associated with the role.
Key elements to include in the contract
- Job Description: Clearly outline the duties of the employee, including any specific responsibilities while traveling.
- Working Hours: Specify expected working hours and how overtime will be managed, especially considering the irregular hours that often come with travel.
- Travel Requirements: Detail how often the employee will be expected to travel, the duration of trips, and how travel arrangements (flights, accommodation) will be handled.
- Salaries and Benefits: The contract should state the agreed-upon salary, travel allowances, and any bonuses. Ensure it includes details about health insurance, housing (if applicable), and vacation time.
- Country-Specific Legal Requirements: Include any clauses necessary to comply with the labor laws of each country the staff will be working in.
- Termination Clauses: Detail the terms for contract termination, including notice periods and severance pay if applicable.
Example clause: travel expenses
For example, a typical employment contract for a nanny traveling with a family might include the following clause:
“All travel-related expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and transportation, will be covered by the employer. Any additional personal expenses incurred during travel are the responsibility of the employee.”
This ensures there are no misunderstandings regarding who is responsible for which costs during trips.
Step 4: Onboarding and training
Once you’ve hired your traveling household staff, it’s important to properly onboard and train them for the unique demands of the job. This might include:
- Training on family preferences: Ensuring the staff are aware of your family’s routines, dietary preferences, and travel habits.
- Safety and security protocols: For high-profile families, it’s crucial that household staff understand security protocols, especially while traveling.
A Strategic approach to hiring traveling household staff
Hiring and contracting household staff for global travel requires a thoughtful approach to recruitment, legal compliance, and contract drafting.
By working with experienced staffing agencies like Morgan & Mallet International, you can ensure that you find skilled staff who are ready to meet the challenges of international work.
As Morgan Richez puts it, “Finding the right traveling household staff requires a mix of experience, flexibility, and trust. By creating clear contracts and ensuring legal compliance, families can enjoy seamless support no matter where they are in the world.”
