Estate Managers, families, and homeowners who are considering hiring household staff must eventually determine whether a live-in or live-out arrangement will suit them best. We explore live-in vs. live-out placements and the unique aspects of each.

Live-In Household Staff

Hiring live-in help means they reside either in your home or in a residence located on your property.

This provides you with the utmost convenience, as staff members are already there. By always residing on your property, live-in staff are immersed in the rhythm and dynamics of your household, translating to a high quality of service for you. Live-in staff may also be easier to manage in terms of scheduling, as Principals or the House Manager can discuss shifts with them directly.

Jobs that provide living accommodations can help your staff provide a high quality of service and give them the opportunity for greater focus on their roles. In addition to these advantages, live-in jobs also have some considerations.

The fact that live-in estate staff are always on your property will mean professional boundaries will have to be drawn and adhered to and a great amount of trust must be established and nurtured. Just as with any role, live-in household staff members will require breaks and time off so they may return to work refreshed and ready for the day.

Household Staff Ideal for Live-In Arrangements

Certain types of staff members are well-suited for live-in positions. Nannies, Butlers, Housekeepers, and Private Chefs are some examples of staff members who can be ideal for consideration on a live-in basis.

It can be advantageous to have a live-in Nanny vs. live-out Nanny, as they can be present in the mornings when children must get ready for school and breakfast and lunches must be made, while a live-out Nanny will have to first commute to your home.

Having a Butler living on your premises can ensure uninterrupted service. Live-in Housekeepers are able to ensure your home is always clean and organized. Live-in Private Chefs can focus on sourcing fresh ingredients, planning menus, and preparing your family’s meals.

Live-Out Household Staff

Employing live-out household staff members means they reside off-site and commute to your property to work.

This type of arrangement does not require you to have space in your home or on your property to house your staff, which can be an advantage for Principals who are not prepared to house live-in staff. Professional boundaries are much easier to maintain with live-out staff who are only present during certain hours of the day, which can benefit Principals who prefer their privacy.

For live-out staff, this arrangement allows a greater degree of privacy and flexibility with working hours, as they may be more clearly defined.

Some considerations for live-out arrangements include making allowances for unexpected delays that can occur during the employee’s commute. This type of staff will not be at your property all the time, meaning they may need to be updated on the last day’s happenings in order to provide high-quality service.

When hiring live-out staff, it will be important to find employees who will maintain discretion and uphold your privacy, as they will be engaging in many interactions while outside of your home.

Types of Staff Ideal for Live-Out Arrangements

There is a range of Domestic Staff positions ideal to have on a live-out basis, including Personal Assistants, Chauffeurs, Personal Chefs, and Household Managers.

Personal Assistants can be ideal when someone is needed during business hours to manage communications, schedule management, and perform other administrative duties. Chauffeurs who live off-site can provide service customized to the specific needs of Principals and their family members, without the commitment of living on-site.

Personal Chefs can arrive only when needed to prepare the day’s or event’s meals and clean the kitchen. Household Managers can be present during business hours to manage contractors and Domestic Staff and manage challenges that may arise throughout the business day.

Before You Hire

Having the right live-in or live-out Domestic Staff can make a world of difference to the quality of service you and your family members enjoy. This is why it is vital to ensure you know where to find them and then vet them to confirm their qualifications and experience.

The employment contract offered to any employee should clearly define working hours, pay, overtime, and bonuses, among other items.

After they have been in your employ for an agreed-upon period of time, the contract and the role should be reviewed to ensure both parties find it satisfactory or whether some aspects require revision.

Working with an experienced Domestic Staffing Agency such as Staffing at Tiffanie’s will eliminate the need to do all the above on your own, which can be daunting and time-consuming.

Why Our Clients Choose Us

Staffing at Tiffanie’s has been matching discerning clients with high-quality Domestic Staff since 1998. The refined and meticulous process we have developed allows us to find staff members who are a match to household dynamics, work ethic, and personality.

During your comprehensive consultation, we collect all of the details surrounding what you want and do not want in a domestic employee. The next step is to create your customized job description, which will attract high-quality candidates.

We submit your job description to our extensive and exclusive network.. We will hand-select only top applicants to present to you for your review.

Do you require Domestic Staff? We are a Premier Household Staffing Agency that can match you with the best professionals. Contact us today for more information.