ARTFULLY DOMESTICATED…

When settling into a new role in the private sector, what makes a good recruit great?

January is often a time when many of our recruits begin new positions. It is a month within the domestic market, where moves are made.

Recruiting and contract

We help all staff settle into these positions by providing them with a thorough job description as part of the recruitment process, so that from the off – and with agreed contract – the likelihood of misunderstandings are avoided. A special clause regarding confidentiality can be included in the employment contract, setting boundaries for employee and employer from the very outset.

The demands of a new role

Of course, settling into a new job ought to be demanding. All at once, the new employee feels both excited and anxious. Interestingly it can feel the same way for the employer, and it can help to the rookie to remember this.

Understandably, there will be hope and expectations on both sides. It helps to keep in mind that every household and employer will be vastly different. It does not pay to make comparisons to any previous position(s) held, for no two jobs will ever be the same.

Adjustment period

Learning how the new household is run and getting to know how new employers want things done takes time. It is within a domestic staff’s remit to meet a household’s expectations, and make it work. In this adjustment period, employers have the chance to get to know their new member too.

Tread sensitively
There may be a chance to genuinely make improvements to the way things are achieved in a household, and in this case, changes should be broached sensitively. Any suggestions ought to add value and be effective. Working households are steeped in routine for a reason.

Confidentiality

Eventually staff may be party to the relationships and personal lives of employers and families, especially when living in. Working within someone else’s home means confidentiality must be maintained at all times. Contracts are put in place for this reason.

Communication is key

It is absolutely vital to keep good communication lines open. Eden recommends sitting down to talk every month, making sure that both employer and employee are happy with the status quo. This can help to dispel any problems as they arise, keeping relations fresh.

Give it time

The domestic sector makes for interesting and unique work. Do remember that early days can sometimes give rise to misgivings. Perhaps there are very big shoes of a much-loved long-standing staff member to follow in. Remaining professional and doing the best job you can, will help. Like any job, it can be a good few months before one fully finds their feet.

A note to employers

It is worth noting that staff in the private sector don’t only have to find their feet, they have to circumnavigate an entire home, and the family residing within, and all of their routines as well.

For domestic staff, it’s more than just learning the ropes. It’s learning (and respecting) the minutiae detail of each individual private household’s numerous ‘ways’. Those ways that make all the difference to a household. Those that are akin to how smoothly things run – or don’t run. And of course, it is the ability to interpret and appreciate these all-important ways, which will make a good recruit great.

Eden is here to talk and should you have any concerns please contact us for friendly advice on

+44 (0)207 471 6000