If someone is performing household work in or around your private residence, they may be classed as a household employee. This means that you, as their employer, have certain responsibilities such as handling payroll and tax obligations.
Understanding what a household employee is and what that means for you as an employer can help you feel confident and prepared as you begin the hiring process. With the right guidance and support from ABC Nannies, hiring household staff does not have to feel complicated or overwhelming.
- What is a household employee?
- Becoming a household employer
- How our household staffing agency supports household employers
1) What is a Household Employee?
A household employee is someone you hire to work in your home and whose duties and schedule are directed by you as their employer. If you control what work is done, how it is performed, and provide the tools they need to do the job, that person is considered your household employee rather than an independent contractor.
Most household staffing roles fall under the category of household employee, including nannies, family assistants, personal assistants, housekeepers, household managers, and more. These roles are built around long-term relationships and ongoing support, providing consistent, reliable help rather than occasional or one-off services.
Many of our clients are surprised to learn that even part-time help still qualifies as household employment. What matters most here is the working relationship, not just the number of hours worked.
2) Becoming a Household Employer
When you hire someone who is classed as a household employee, you take on certain legal and practical responsibilities: this includes paying wages legally, handling payroll and tax obligations, providing a safe work environment, and clearly communicating job expectations.
Beyond legal obligations, being a household employer also means setting clear schedules, defining duties, and establishing agreements that foster a respectful and professional working relationship. While this may sound intimidating at first, it doesn’t have to be. Household employer responsibilities are totally manageable with the right guidance and support, and they exist to protect both your family and your employee.
3) How our Household Staffing Agency Supports Household Employers
Working with a professional household staffing agency takes the stress out of hiring and managing household employees. At ABC Nannies, we help families every step of the way, including:
- Clarifying your household needs so you know exactly which role is the right fit for your family.
- Screening dozens of candidates and hand-picking the most qualified household professionals for you to interview.
- Guiding you through the hiring process to ensure a smooth and successful match.
- Providing resources and guidance to help you better understand your responsibilities as a household employer.
- Offering introductions to vetted, professional tax and payroll agencies who work closely with our clients to coordinate payroll, taxes, and administrative tasks to ensure you’re organized and compliant.
- Ongoing support post-hire to ensure your household staff relationship continues to run smoothly.
At ABC Nannies, we believe that household staff should bring relief, not more pressure. With our professional support and guidance, families can focus on enjoying their home and time together while knowing their household team is set up correctly and professionally.
Discover the ABC Nannies difference. With over 30 years of proven success, ABC connects exceptional nannies and household staff with local families who value professionalism, reliability, and top-notch care.
- If you’re a candidate looking for your next position, apply here.
- If you found this article useful, you might also enjoy this: Household Employee Roles and Responsibilities.
- If you’re a family looking to hire a nanny, we’d love to help. Complete our Family Application here.
