What Belongs in a Household Employee Work Agreement

Beyond childcare, every household role benefits from the same clarity in writing.

A written work agreement is not just for nannies. Whether you are hiring an estate manager, a housekeeper, a private chef, a personal assistant, or a household couple, the same principle holds: the placements that last are the ones where expectations were made explicit from the start. The particulars differ by role, but the structure of a sound agreement is consistent.

Begin with the role itself, defined specifically. Household titles can mean very different things in different homes, so an agreement should describe the actual responsibilities rather than rely on a job title alone. An estate manager's remit, the staff they oversee, the properties they cover, the budgets they hold, looks nothing like a housekeeper's, and vagueness here is where role creep and resentment begin. Spell out what the work is, and, where useful, what it is not.

Then the working terms: the schedule and hours, expectations around overtime and how it is compensated, and the compensation itself stated as a gross figure with pay frequency and method. For senior roles, this section may also cover bonuses, a retirement contribution, or other negotiated elements. For live-in roles, accommodation and any vehicle provided belong here, as do travel and overnight arrangements where the role involves them.

Benefits and time off come next, vacation, sick and personal days, holidays, and any health insurance or allowance, followed by the expectations that protect both sides: confidentiality, which is central for anyone with access to a family's private life and especially for senior and estate staff; how the household operates and how the professional fits within any existing team and chain of authority; and how performance, reviews, and raises will be handled over time.

Finally, the agreement should reflect the legal frame, that the person is an employee with taxes and any required insurance handled properly, and address the nature of the arrangement and the notice each side will give. For roles that involve managing other staff or significant assets, a little extra specificity about authority and reporting saves a great deal later.

As with any nanny contract, the value is not bureaucratic. A clear agreement lets a professional step into a complex household with confidence and lets a family hold a role accountable to what was actually agreed. A good agency helps structure these agreements, and we recommend one for every placement, of every kind.

A note of caution: employment law and agreement requirements vary by state and change over time. This is general guidance, not legal advice; have any work agreement reviewed by a qualified professional for your situation and jurisdiction. This is the standard Nannies + more…® brings to every family we serve.