Old State Staffing | Household Staff

Housekeeper Meets With Family To Discuss Performance

The 10 Unwritten Rules of Hiring & Managing Household Staff

Finding the right people to run your home is nothing like hiring for a business. There’s no HR department to handle the vetting, no established onboarding process, and certainly no corporate handbook that covers what to do when your nanny and your housekeeper have a disagreement. Yet somehow, certain households manage to build incredible teams that stay for years, anticipate needs before they’re voiced, and operate with the kind of efficiency that makes running a complex household look effortless. The difference isn’t luck or unlimited budgets. It’s understanding the unspoken rules of private service. Here, we’ve compiled the 10 unwritten rules of hiring and managing household staff. These are the insights that get shared quietly

Private Driver Driving A Client In Washington DC

What A Private Driver Costs in DC

In Washington, D.C., time isn’t just money, it’s access, image, and opportunity. For our clients—whether they’re C-suite executives, political figures, or private families juggling packed schedules—reliable, professional transportation isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. We’ve seen firsthand how the right driver can transform someone’s daily routine, butt we’ve also seen professionals wait too long to make the switch from rideshare and on-demand services to a dedicated driver—and by the time they come to us, it’s often negatively impacted their personal and/or professional life. So how do you know if it’s time to bring on a private driver? What should you budget? And what separates a true professional from someone who just happens to be available

Which Household Staff Should You Consider Hiring First?

Keeping your household running smoothly requires overseeing many moving parts. Families, large estates, and property owners have the option of hiring staff who can support them and ensure that their property are well cared for. Not sure where to begin? House Manager / Estate Manager If you plan on hiring more than one person to work in your home, hiring a house manager is a good place to start. This person will manage other staff while also performing their own duties around the home. They are integrally involved in stepping in to assist other staff members in their work should they be absent. An estate manager is a professional with experience running larger estates or

Professional Meeting With Employee For Annual Review

Importance Of Annual Reviews For Private Staff

Why It Matters Household staff does a lot of work in the employer’s home. When employees know that they can expect an annual staff review, most look forward to an honest assessment of his or her job performance each year. In fact, annual evaluations often provide unique opportunities that can lead to important discussions about many of the daily happenings that fell by the wayside. Moreover, periodic reviews offer the perfect private moment for credit to be given where credit is due. It is exactly the time for someone in a management role to sing praises that staff members have already earned. Since some domestic helpers primarily work outside the house, review accolades are important

House Manager Or Estate Manager?

The main difference between an Estate Manager and a House Manager is the size of the household or estate that this person supervises. The Estate Manager is generally in charge of a sizable high-end estate, often with property, while a Household manager is in charge of a condo or smaller residence. Both positions require management, organizational skills, a firm budget and project management abilities. However, an Estate Manager will possess more experience as they are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of grounds, management of multiple staff members and project management (like renovations). A House Manager is typically responsible for a smaller residence (in comparison) and organizes hired vendors or part-time staff such as landscapers,

Person taking notes on housekeeper requirements

What To Look For When Hiring A Professional Housekeeper

Hiring a trained, professional housekeeper will bring an elevated level of quality attention to your decor, furniture, possessions and a high level of care for your home. Old State Staffing can help you when hiring a housekeeper while keeping your considerations in mind. Will you require a live-In Housekeeper or a full-time Housekeeper? While a full-time Housekeeper will go to their own home after work, a live-in Housekeeper room and board is part of the salary package. The benefits of a live-in Housekeeper include the security of having someone occupying the home all day, on-site when you need them. Communicate your expectations to the agency with a checklist prioritizing your specific needs. Do you have

2023 Employment Law Changes for Private Staffing Employers

Household & Private Staff Employment Changes For 2023

Every year Old State Staffing prepares a summary of new or updated employment tax laws and benefit information for employers of household or private staff employees. Household Employee 2023 Wage Base The IRS annually reviews, and adjusts as necessary, the wage payment threshold that obligates a family to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. These tax withholdings are reported annually on a W-2. This threshold will increase to $2,600 for 2023. Minimum Wage Increases Minimum wage under federal law remains at $7.25/hr, but states and local governments continue to set and increase minimum wage requirements at the local level. Be sure you check minimum wage and other requirements in your state before you negotiate a