Old State Staffing | Private Staff

Why Your References Matter

When applying for a role in the private staffing industry, there are several key components you need to submit to make a strong impression. The most important of these are your resume and professional references, although a cover letter or headshot can help too. While your resume and cover letter showcase your skills and experiences, your references provide a third-party validation of your capabilities and character. What are references for and why do they matter? References are provided by individuals who can vouch for your qualifications, work ethic, and character. They matter to employers because they offer an external perspective on your professional abilities and personal attributes. A great reference can strongly reinforce the positive

Household & Private Employment Changes For 2024

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 2024 Wage Base The IRS annually reviews, and adjusts as necessary, the wage payment threshold that requires families and private employers to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. These tax withholdings are reported annually on a W-2. This threshold will increase to $2,700 for 2024. Minimum Wage Increases Minimum wage under federal law was raised in 2009 and remains at $7.25/hr, but states and local governments continue to set and increase minimum wage requirements at the local level. Governments are recognizing the need to ensure household and

What You Should Know About Year-End Bonuses

The end of 2024 is right around the corner, which means that now is a popular time for household, child/family and family office employers to recognize their staff with an annual/holiday bonus. It’s a way of showing that you appreciate the work that they do, and more importantly, that you appreciate them. Private staffing positions require a great deal of customer service and going above and beyond in your work, and formally recognizing a staff member’s dedication is one of many ways that you can ensure your staff will remain dedicated to their job and loyal to you as an employer. Top Reasons Private Employers Give Annual Bonuses It Gives You A Tangible Way To

How To Set Up Payroll In 7 Easy Steps

Setting up payroll as a private employer may seem like a task that will take enormous time and effort, but Old State Staffing’s employment experts are here to break it down into 7 simple steps. Before you get started though, there’s a few things you’ll want, such as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and an employee agreement and/or employee handbook, outlining the terms of your employment relationship with your employee. Once you have these basics covered, you can then move forward with setting up your payroll system. While there are many vendors who handle payroll for private employers and small businesses, many employers prefer to manage payroll themselves. If that sounds like you, here are

Go Beyond Generic Recruitment Methods To Identify Talent

Whether you’re a family looking for your next nanny, an executive looking for an assistant or anything in-between, finding someone who is qualified and also a great fit for your role is one of the hardest parts of employing others. According to Capgemini, over 64% of family offices globally report difficulty finding qualified talent. With salaries for private staff to high-net-worth individuals often being $100 – 200K+, it’s crucial to understand what to look for when hiring and how to know if you’ve made the right hire. Let’s take a closer look at top traits to look for when assessing applicants and how to know when you’ve found the right person for your home, family

Staying Safe & Secure With Professional Security

Have you ever felt unsafe or insecure in your home, workplace or a public spaces? Do you wish you had a 360-degree view of your surroundings at all times like an owl? Well, you don’t need to grow feathers or turn your head all the way around to achieve that. Professional security and protection services can provide you with peace of mind, comfort, and confidence in any situation. Whether you need a discreet bodyguard, a visible armed guard, a team of security personnel for your estate, or anything in between, Old State Staffing can match you with the right security professional for your needs. In this article, we will explain the reasons why you may

5 Reasons Why You Need A Chauffeur/Valet

Are you considering hiring someone for personal or executive transportation? You might think that someone in this role is simply responsible for getting you from point A to point B, like a personal Uber, but a chauffeur is much more than that. He or she is a professional who provides personalized, consistent, safe and luxurious service to their clients. Here’s the top 5 reasons to hire a chauffer and what they can do to enhance your lifestyle: 1. Personalization And Consistency A chauffeur adapts to your needs and preferences, whether it is the temperature of the vehicle, the music you like, or the snacks you enjoy. A chauffeur also runs errands for you, such as

The Importance Of An Estate Manager

Do you own a large home or estate that requires a lot of work and attention? Do you often feel overwhelmed by the many tasks and responsibilities involved in maintaining your property? Do you wish you had more time to enjoy your life and focus on your business ventures? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might benefit from hiring an estate manager. An estate manager is a professional who supervises and manages the day-to-day operations of your home or estate. They can handle everything from staff hiring and training, to maintenance and repairs, to event planning and coordination. They can also help you with budgeting, marketing, and administrative tasks related

What Is A Domestic Couple & Why Do You Need One?

If you own a large estate, you know how challenging it can be to keep everything in order. You need to take care of the housekeeping, the cooking, the laundry, the maintenance, the gardening, the entertaining, and more. You may have hired several staff members to handle these tasks, but that can also be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. You have to interview, train, and supervise each individual, and hope that they work well together as a team. You also have to deal with the increased traffic, noise, and privacy issues that come with having more people on your property. What if there was a better way to run your estate? A way that would save

Challenges Facing Family Offices Of All Sizes

With at least 10,000 single-family offices in the world, half of which were formed in the last 15 years, family offices may feel like they struggle to keep with the pack. To keep pace with the increasingly complex and ever-changing tax, regulatory and accounting requirements, family offices must modernize their technology and operations. There are several challenges that family offices need to consider when choosing their operational framework: Accounting And Reporting Family offices are often managing assets that range from traditional equity to global markets to private equity to real estate holdings and fine art. While managing such a wide array of assets, managers must also maintain enough liquidity to meet demands from

Couple reviewing information on computer

Intro To Tax And Employment Laws Affecting Families That Hire Private Staff

Anyone who hires private staff to work for their household, estate or family should be aware of the tax and employment laws that apply to you as an employer. Hiring household employees comes with certain responsibilities and obligations that you should consider before deciding to move forward with hiring staff. Payroll Taxes As an employer of household employees, you are required to withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) for your employees if you pay them more than $2,300 in 2021. You may also have to withhold and pay federal income tax for your employees if they ask you to do so or if you pay them more than $4,400 in 2021. In

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

Reviewing Tax and Employment Law With A Client

14 Steps To Ensure Household & Private Staff Tax/Labor Law Compliance

If you are hiring a household employee, it’s important to understand your obligations as an employer. You must file all applicable tax forms, Social Security, Medicare, federal and state unemployment insurances and income taxes. These obligations apply to all full-time and part-time employees that you expect to pay over $2,600 (2023) in the course of a calendar year. Our Recommendations To Ensure You Are Compliant With Federal & State Law: 1. Obtain Household Employer Tax IDs (Federal And State). In order to report child care employment taxes and issue employee tax statements, you must obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. Your state will require you to obtain a separate number for state

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