I hope you’re doing something you enjoy this Labor Day.
Summer is winding down and we’re hitting the six month mark with the pandemic. There’s been tremendous change in our lives and we’re spending A LOT of time at home. School is remote and many jobs are now virtual. There’s been little to no long distance travel. And eating out at restaurants is slim to none.
But all is not lost! Many of you are true innovators and forward thinkers. You have adapted to make the best of the new normal. And here’s a look at what I’m seeing…
Schooling
Private educators are in high demand and short supply, being hired quickly with the new school year commencing. Since June I’ve been searching nationwide for stellar teachers who ideally also have experience working in private homes.
One client sought a career nanny who could pivot and help with educating the five and eight year olds if in-person learning doesn’t occur, which seems quite likely now. Another needed a teacher to lead a learning pod for five children in middle school from three different households.
Whether it’s hiring an awesome facilitator to keep kids focused during distance learning, a tutor to enrich and assist with homework, or a certified teacher for your learning pod, there are great options out there. I’ve developed a talented pool for those of you still in need.
Safe Escapes
Many clients who have homes in the wine country, mountains or on the coast have left their primary homes in urban areas to shelter in place at other properties. While we thought this would be for several weeks initially, it’s now apparent that we need to plan for the year.
With this has come some staff changes such as hiring an energetic executive housekeeper to keep things sparkling clean and organized for an active San Francisco family of four now residing in St. Helena. One couple needed a nanny to be based at their Lake Tahoe home vs. their Marin home, while another wanted a personal assistant who has the flexibility to be in their Healdsburg home more often than the city for the next year.
Chefs
More clients are hiring private chefs for the first time. I’ve had twice as many chef searches this year compared to 2019. One client wants to go 100% vegan and has hired a chef to help her with that goal and travels to the summer house on the east coast. Another client said she was given my contact information two years ago and finally decided this is the time to hire! She’s in Napa Valley and hiring a chef with great front of house skills since they frequently entertain. It will free her up to enjoy time with friends and family. She is actively interviewing now and can’t wait to hire this chef!
Dining out has been completely redefined and the benefits of having a private chef are many. Appreciating your own property and hosting small groups is fun, memorable and safe. Doing so with a private chef who creates delicious meals and helps you entertain enables you to engage with your guests in a relaxed manner.
Staffing Adjustments
I’ve been discussing with clients how to best staff for the long term. They want to feel secure in their decisions when there is no handbook for any of us to follow. How are you creatively deploying human resources and people power?
Some of the basics hold true now, more than ever. Open communication is KEY. Make sure you are communicating often and clearly with your staff. Get that giant whiteboard out. Do a brainstorm together and think about how together you can help those in your circle and in your community.
How can you have your needs met and live the lifestyle you desire? List all the tasks that need to be accomplished for your household. Which require a presence in the home? Which do not? How do current staff fit into this? Where are the gaps?
Don’t lose incredible staff members! Perhaps you modify an assistant’s or estate manager’s job description to draw upon their strengths and give them new challenges.Then, filling in gaps with new hires can help you create your strongest team yet.
This is a time of reflection, transformation and renewal. What roles can continue to be done virtually for years to come? Or, be a combination of virtual and onsite?
The trend toward high level assistants and estate managers working virtually has been increasing over the past four years. I have placed several candidates who work primarily from their own homes and come to the property once/week for in-person meetings and onsite tasks.The clients love having the privacy and the candidates are so much more productive. There are fantastic tech tools available to make this a reality. I’ve seen it be incredibly successful in many households.
During the pandemic, I’m finding many candidates are taking risks and pursuing long term dreams they shelved in the past. They’re focusing on what they value and making changes. Aligning this with clients’ new job descriptions has been an interesting new task for me as a recruiter.
Final Thoughts
Creating your sanctuary where you feel relaxed, nourished and attended to is very possible during these uncertain times. Each home has its own unique needs. How do you define that for yourself and how can I help you make that happen?
I welcome your thoughts, comments and questions as we all navigate through these waters. May you find new silver linings on a regular basis.