Returning to work is all the buzz. Copper masks, 10-4 schedules, racing to be the last to reopen.
Humans are eager to move on to a new normal. So how do we do that safely in the private service world and maintain lifestyles we enjoy living?
Uncertainty is here to stay. How can we make changes and be at ease in our households, which are our sanctuaries and most intimate settings?
I've spoken with over 70 of you—both employers and employees—in recent weeks. We’ve discussed how you're adapting and being creative with solutions. Here are four initial observations:
1. Evolving Scenarios
Some staff members moved on property early March (housekeepers, nannies, chefs, house managers) while others WFH or are on retainer while sheltering in place. This has led to clients re-thinking the structure of their household staff, streamlining positions, and seeing the value and productivity of some staff working remotely, perhaps for the long term.
Many of my clients switched their routines, now living in their wine country or beach house during the week. This has enabled some staff to work at the main residence, often alternating work days so only one staff member is in the home each day (e.g. the housekeeper comes on Monday, the personal assistant on Tuesday and Thursday and the chef on Friday). Some staff are now required to drive to the country homes to work there on a daily basis.
With June approaching, I’m seeing a gradual return of staff to main residences. It’s done in a methodical manner, for example property managers fever-checking staff with the garage being a space to transition and sanitize. Staff are changing into specific indoor clothing and shoes. They are taking breaks, including lunch, in their own cars and sanitizing the car thereafter. Hand sanitizer is in every room with door knobs being consistently cleaned.
2. Hiring + Firing
Two clients have called me to see how the market has changed. Have salaries gone down? No, I haven’t seen that. I have seen some stellar candidates giving serious thought to long term career plans during this global time-out and deciding to look for new opportunities.
One client has decided to make a long-term lifestyle change and downsized, laying off the personal assistant and chef with generous severance. I’ve heard from two furloughed candidates. Their employer is on lockdown with two staff members living onsite and two not working until early August. One has restructured and the chief of staff will absorb the personal assistant duties for the foreseeable future.
Another has added two full time camp counselors to his staff and expanded his bubble to include two more families with six children total. This is providing the kids with a safer, action-packed summer in the absence of camps. Clients are also hiring private teachers with the return to school campuses in the fall uncertain.
Some of you have called to ask me about creative ways to keep personal assistants and house managers busy while working remotely. Check out my list of project ideas for your assistant to focus on as we head into summer and continue sheltering.
3. Demand For Chefs
When I started placing household staff in the late '90s, there were many private chef searches. During the past two downturns (dot-com bust and 2008 great recession) the chef was often the first to be laid off. Now, chefs are a key piece of the equation since enjoying a meal at restaurants could be months away. The demand for private and personal chefs has ramped up. Chefs do the grocery shopping, stock the kitchen, and leave or serve nutritious meals for the family.
Need To Brainstorm?
I'm happy to brainstorm with you on ways to keep staff busy and productive, and if needed, right size your team.