Are you the proud owner of a luxury property? Whether it’s a sprawling mansion, a stylish penthouse, or a serene waterfront villa, owning a luxury property comes with its own set of responsibilities. From keeping your property in top-notch condition to ensuring it retains its value, proper maintenance is key.

Importance of Maintenance for Luxury Properties

Luxury properties are not just a place to live; they are a symbol of your success and a significant investment. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain and care for the property to protect the investment and ensure it continues to exude opulence and elegance.

Tips for Maintaining Your Luxury Property

Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are essential to identify any issues or maintenance needs before they escalate into costly repairs. Hire a professional inspector to assess your property at least once a year to catch any potential problems early on.

Landscaping and Curb Appeal

The exterior of your luxury property is the first thing guests and visitors see. Invest in landscaping to enhance the curb appeal of your property. Well-manicured gardens, lush lawns, and elegant hardscaping can elevate the overall look of your property.

High-Quality Upkeep
Luxury properties are built with high-end materials and finishes that require specific care. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity of these materials. Regularly clean and polish surfaces, repair any damages promptly and replace worn-out components to keep your property looking pristine.

HVAC and Electrical Systems

Maintaining HVAC and electrical systems in luxury properties is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Regular inspections by qualified professionals help identify any potential issues early on. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs and downtime. Additionally, scheduling routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters and checking electrical connections can help extend the lifespan of these systems. Prioritizing maintenance not only ensures comfort and safety but also protects the value of the property.

Security Systems

Security systems in luxury properties offer advanced features like facial recognition technology and smart sensors. These high-tech solutions provide top-notch protection against potential intruders and enhance the overall safety and peace of mind of residents.
Maintaining security systems in luxury properties is crucial for ensuring the safety of residents and their belongings. Regular maintenance checks can help identify any issues early on, preventing potential breaches. Keeping security software up-to-date is also essential to safeguard against cyber threats. Implementing strict access control measures, such as using biometric scanners or key card systems, can enhance the overall security of the property. By investing in routine maintenance and advanced security features, luxury properties can maintain a high level of protection for their residents.

Appliances

Regular maintenance of your appliances is crucial. It helps prevent breakdowns and extends their lifespan. Simple tasks like cleaning filters and checking for leaks can save you money in the long run. Consistent maintenance also ensures that your appliances operate efficiently, saving energy and reducing your utility bills.

Hiring staff

Everything that we have mentioned so far in the blog requires organization and overseeing. This can be very time-consuming. This is where many would benefit from hiring a house manager to fit the role. Of course, a PA can also do many of the jobs but without prior experience in working in a household, they can lack the attention to detail and a keen eye to stay on top of these tasks. Being proactive before things go wrong is key to maintaining your luxury property.

Hiring staff to maintain your luxury property can make a significant difference. Having dedicated professionals ensures that your property is well-kept and all needs are promptly attended to. From housekeeping to landscaping, a skilled team can enhance the overall experience of living in a luxury property.

At Polo and Tweed, we can help by advising the number of staff your property requires based on your needs and can source these staff for you. We have a great pool of experienced candidates on our books to help you on your way. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.

The post Maintaining Your Luxury Property appeared first on .

Are you on the hunt for your dream job but struggling to stand out among the competition? One often overlooked aspect of the job search process is the importance of your references. Having strong, relevant references can make a significant impact on your chances of landing that coveted position. In this post, we’ll discuss how sorting your references can help you secure your dream job.

Why Are References Important?

Before we dive into how to sort your references, let’s first understand why they are crucial in the job search process. References serve as a validation of your skills, work ethic, and character from individuals who have worked closely with you in the past. Hiring managers rely on references to get a better sense of who you are as a candidate and how you may perform in the role they are looking to fill.

How to Sort Your References To Find Your Dream Job

Choose the Right People: When selecting your references, it’s essential to choose individuals who can speak to your strengths and qualifications for the specific job you are applying for. Consider former supervisors, colleagues, or mentors who have firsthand knowledge of your work performance.
Update Contact Information: Make sure you have up-to-date contact information for each of your references. This includes their current email address, phone number, and job title. You want to make it as easy as possible for potential employers to reach out to them.
Categorise by Relevance: Not all references hold the same weight for every job application. Sort your references based on their relevance to the position you are pursuing. For example, if you are applying for a housekeeping role, a reference from a previous head housekeeper may carry more weight than a reference from a different department or line of work
Contact referees ahead of time to warn them you are looking for a job. This call can mean a lot. Tell them that you apologise in advance that they will be contacted and that you understand that their time is precious. Not only is this a courtesy call but it shows that you are planning ahead and will reinforce the positive feeling they have of you. It can act as a reminder to them of the time when you worked for them.
Written references are still accepted, often followed by a phone call to confirm they still stand by the reference that they wrote. This gives instant feedback and can speed up the hiring process.

Bad References

Your employer can give you a bad or unfavourable reference, but only if they genuinely believe it to be true and accurate and have reasonable grounds for that belief.
An employer giving a negative reference must genuinely believe it to be true and have reasonable grounds. This ensures accuracy and fairness in the reference process, benefiting both the employer and the employee. It also encourages transparency and integrity in employment practices, promoting trust and professionalism in the workplace.

What is the difference between corporate references and domestic references?

Corporate references and domestic references serve different purposes. Corporate references are typically used for professional settings, such as job applications or business partnerships. They focus on an individual’s work ethic, skills, and achievements in a professional capacity.
On the other hand, domestic references are received from a private household, either from the employer himself/herself or from their PA/ House Manager. They highlight qualities like reliability, trustworthiness, and compatibility in a more casual or personal setting.
Each type of reference provides valuable insights into an individual’s character and abilities, tailored to the specific context in which they are needed.

If you’re applying for a domestic staff position you’ll be working closely with high-profile families and their luxury properties. So you can almost guarantee your references will be checked. If a family is deciding between you and a handful of other candidates, your reference may be the deciding factor. Sort your references to find your dream job.

We check references for candidates and we believe this is an important part of the process of using a good agency. We know the right questions to ask to extract genuine and important information. If you are searching for work then keep an eye out for jobs on our vacancies page and apply.  For more information Contact us.

The post Sort Your References To Find Your Dream Job appeared first on .

Are you in search of the perfect domestic staff to help you manage your household and make your life easier? The decision to hire domestic staff is a big one, and it’s important to consider all your options before making a decision. One of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to self-hire or use a recruitment agency like Polo & Tweed to help you find the right candidates. Read our blog to help make your decision on finding domestic staff.

Self Hire: Pros and Cons

Self-hiring domestic staff involves posting job ads, conducting interviews, and doing all the background checks and vetting on your own. This option may seem cost-effective at first, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Some of the pros and cons of self-hiring include:
Pros:

• Cost Savings: You may save money on recruitment agency fees by self-hiring.
• Direct Control: You have full control over the hiring process and can tailor it to your specific needs.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: The hiring process can be time-consuming and may distract you from other important tasks. Managing the recruitment process independently on platforms like Gumtree can be time-consuming. Screening applicants, conducting background checks, and verifying references require a significant amount of effort. This process can be overwhelming and may not always yield the best results due to the manual nature of the tasks involved.
• Limited Reach: Your job postings may not reach as many qualified candidates as a recruitment agency’s network.

Using Polo & Tweed: The Benefits

On the other hand, using a reputable recruitment agency like Polo & Tweed can offer a range of benefits that make the hiring process easier and more efficient. Some of the benefits of using a recruitment agency include:

• Expertise: Recruitment agencies have the experience and expertise to source and vet candidates effectively.
• Wide Network: Agencies like Polo & Tweed have a wide network of qualified candidates, increasing your chances of finding the perfect match.
• Time-Saving: By outsourcing the hiring process to a recruitment agency, you can save time and focus on other important tasks.

The Polo & Tweed recruitment team thoroughly vets each candidate. When a candidate comes to us, they present us their CV and their references and any certificates they might have. We then spend quite a lengthy period of time checking their references, making sure that they are who they say they are. We interview them, we talk to them at length, we double-check the references, and we verify their DBS (which is a criminal background check).

Its important to find the perfect domestic staff for your home. Before a candidate reaches finalist status, there are several steps in the hiring process. Initial screenings, phone interviews, and possibly multiple rounds of in-person interviews are all part of the journey to becoming a top contender for the position. These early stages are crucial for employers to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and fit for the role before making a final decision.

Making the Right Choice

When deciding how to find the perfect domestic staff, there are several factors to consider. One important aspect is the candidate’s experience and qualifications. It is crucial to ensure they have the necessary skills to perform the required tasks. Another factor to keep in mind is their personality and compatibility with the household. Communication skills and reliability are also key factors to consider when making this decision.

Cost Comparison

Using an agency for recruitment can be costly upfront, but it can save time and resources in the long run. Agencies have access to a wider pool of candidates, which can lead to quicker hires. Additionally, they handle the entire hiring process, from sourcing candidates to scheduling interviews, saving your team valuable time. While there is an initial investment, the efficiency and expertise of recruitment agencies can often outweigh the costs. Self-hire is of course the cheaper option to begin with but this can cost you time and money in the long run.

Conclusion will it be Self Hire or Polo & Tweed?

So if you are looking for a very high standard of staff , which is what Polo & Tweed specializes in, coming to an agency gives you that peace of mind and guarantee of quality.

Time to make that decision and decide from self hire vs Polo & Tweed, we are experts in the finding the perfect domestic staff. You know that we are here for you through the hiring process and afterward to make sure you’ve found the perfect domestic help for your home and family.

Start your search for a domestic helper today or contact us with any questions about the process.

The post Self Hire vs Using Polo & Tweed appeared first on .

This time of year when the sun is shining and the days are longer is great for feeling motivated. Now is the time to get some jobs done that may have been left untouched for a while. Here are 5 Great Housekeeping Tips for the Month to get you started.

1. Clean Cupboard Shelves

Countertops and the fronts of cupboards get wiped down daily but it’s the insides that often get left. In the kitchen it’s surprising how quickly the cutlery drawer can accumulate crumbs and food storage often ends up with split items or sticky jars. Begin with taking everything out and checking the dates. Wipe or wash clean any bottles, jars or canisters. Using the brush attachment on the vacuum to clean out any debris. Wipe clean with a general all purpose cleaner or a mild detergent. If you have stubborn marks then you can rely on the baking soda to do the job. Sanitise door handles and allow cupboards and drawers to dry completely before putting everything away.

2. Clean the Fridge

Prepare yourself well for this by grabbing a large cooler box or bag and some ice packs to empty items from the fridge into. Cleaning out the fridge can take longer than you realise if it’s not been done for a while. It also means you don’t have to rush because food items are left out whilst you get the job done. Remove all the drawers and shelves and wash them in the sink. Wipe the inside of the fridge out with a neutral odour free product such as vinegar and water. Avoid strong chemicals as food can absorb odours. Cotton buds are great for getting into the corners of the fridge or shelves. Check dates on all items and ensure they are clean and return to the fridge. Try and organise your fridge with labels facing forwards and use containers to stack and make space.

3. Cushion Revival

We all love cushions in a house, whether its on a bed or sofa. Over time they can look a little sad and flat, they need plumping to bring them back to life. Moisture can build up inside the filing making them lifeless and heavy. The best option if possible is to put them outside to dry out, or you can opt for a low short setting in the tumble dryer to fluff them up. When we plump cushions and give them a beating we are releasing the fibres and this allows the air to circulate better. Regularly fluffing cushions can help maintain their shape and prevent them from looking flat. Similarly, rotating and fluffing pillows can keep them looking plump and comfortable. These simple tasks can help extend the life of your cushions and pillows, ensuring they remain in good condition for longer.

4. Line Dried Washing

Where possible it’s great to be able to hang clothes outside to dry. Be careful that you are not damaging fine garments by leaving them exposed to direct sunlight though. However, most people leave their washing line or whirligig out all year round. Give this a pressure wash and clean with a cloth and detergent. Aim to eliminate mould or mildew that could get onto freshly washed linen and clothing. It might be time to splash out on some new pegs, avoid cheap pegs that don’t last long and leave an indent onto clothing. Aim for pegs that are rounded and durable, and be careful of where on the garment you place the pegs, the seams and under armpit area is a good position.

Our final great housekeeping tip is:

5. Window Care

Some people have window cleaners for the exterior and just clean the interior. However, many forget to clean the inside frames of the windows. This is where bugs and spiders have most likely been hanging out for the winter. Try not to leave this until you really need the windows open for fresh air, you could be swamped with dead bugs, and lots of cobwebs. Regularly opening windows for fresh air is crucial to prevent a buildup of dead bugs and cobwebs. By maintaining a routine of ventilation, you can ensure a cleaner and more pleasant living environment.

We would love to hear about any housekeeping tips that you may have. We love to read Good Housekeeping for new amazing tips, take a look here.

A good housekeeper will be on top of all the housekeeping items above, however if you are not sure this is being done or scheduled then Polo & Tweed can help. We can advise on a consultancy basis how to get the most out of your staff. Did you know that we also can help with creating schedules? Contact us here to find out more. Or give us a call 0203 858 0233, and speak to one of the team.

The post 5 Great Housekeeping Tips for the Month appeared first on .

People look at delegation as a sign of strength, it empowers you to focus on important tasks. It’s time to share the responsibility and delegate to those who have the right skill set for the tasks.
Good communication is essential, after a time staff will be able to pre-empt your moves but until that day allow them to flourish with maximum communication. Start by defining the task, giving clear objectives and any guidelines you may want to follow. Provide the necessary resources to ensure success.

Delegation Involves Trust

Hire the right people, keep them and then trust becomes a two-way street. Trust your team and family.
When business booms there is a need to delegate in your personal life too, and that begins at home. You can justify a house manager, a team of housekeepers, a chef and maybe even a butler. Their job is to aid you in making sure that any time you have is either spent productively at work or enjoying yourself. Don’t even entertain the time wasted micro-managing the staff at the house. Delegating to the house manager will give you a sense of freedom and add to a positive environment at home and work.

Benefits of Delegating

The benefits of delegating means you can reduce stress in your life and lighten your load. It will also empower those around you. Staff need structure and if they are delegated with a responsibility then it can allow them to grow and show what they are capable of. This also allows you to see where strengths and weaknesses lie.

All the things that you had to concern yourself with before in the home are now taken care of by staff.
A personal assistant working with the household team can share your calendar so they understand what is expected of them and when the house needs to be guest ready, buying extra food, linens sent out to be cleaned, silver and glasses polished, last minute areas that need tidying, that downstairs loo needs a detailed clean.

The house manager will ensure that table linens are freshly pressed, flowers are ordered, the dry cleaning has been sent out and the cleaner is now taking on a role as a housekeeper. They know that ahead of guests arriving for a dinner party means that the entrance hallway is tidy and clean with shoe baskets cleared and ready to welcome guests. The fridges are stocked and the butler has chosen the wine that pairs perfectly with the meal the chef is preparing. All this is done by delegating to the team.

Monitor Progress

Do not be afraid to highlight areas of concern you may have with tasks missed, it may have been miscommunication. Delegation doesn’t come without its challenges, it does require effort and input at the initial stages. Take issues as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. This should not be confused with micro-managing but more of support and guidance, encouraging open lines of communication.

Reward Success with Positive Reinforcement

When delegation has the desired outcome and success is achieved then it’s important to share this with staff. Positive reinforcement promotes continued support. Staff need to know that they are doing a good job but they also need to be kept on their toes.

We understand the importance of delegating and how a house manager can lighten your load, if you would like to discuss how we can help you with recruiting staff in your home to make your life easier please do not hesitate to to contact us. Polo & Tweed are experts that specialise in the recruitment of domestic staff for clients worldwide! Searching for the right candidate can be tedious and extremely time-consuming.  Our exceptionally experienced team can find you the right person effectively. You can get in contact with us here or call us on 0203 858 0233.

Further Reading here.

The post The Importance of Delegating: How a House Manager Can Lighten Your Load appeared first on .

Time and Place

Firstly, find the right time. Ask for a meeting, if you have not mentioned ahead of time what the meeting is about then be realistic that they may not be able to give you an answer straight away because they are not prepared for this. Asking for a raise can be nerve-racking, however, remember the old saying ‘If you don’t ask you don’t get’. Be confident in your approach.

Do you Deserve a Pay Increase? Have You Contributed?

Be honest and ask yourself that question ahead of asking for a meeting or a time to talk with your boss. Ensure you are going to the right person, and follow the right chain of command to show respect.

Be Prepared

Present your case well and prepare in advance for this. Discuss achievements that have happened so far since you gained employment. Acknowledge the time spent in employment so far. Express why you are an asset to the workplace, and remember to convey how you feel about the position. Mentioning that you enjoy working for them and can see your future there is far better than asking for a pay increase to have lavish holidays.

Try and have an idea of the amount you would like as a pay increase and be able to explain that figure. It is a percentage? Ahead of time do some research on current salary trends for your role. Consider if anything was put in the contract or employee handbook at the beginning of employment regarding pay increases. If so, are you ahead of this or perhaps you are past this point for example after a year of employment?

Use the Right Words

Try to avoid trigger words and phrases that might rile your boss. Do not compare yourself to another staff member who is making more than you. While this can be frustrating you may not know the agreements or specifics of your colleague. Use phrases such as “I love working here and would like to be able to come to some agreement that suits all parties.”
Avoid the real reason you need a pay increase. “I need more money because I am in debt”. While your boss may feel bad for you it’s also not their concern, they hired you to do the job and not to share over. Instead, draw the conversation to what you have accomplished.

Prepare for the Worst

You may get a flat-out “yes”, or “no” or be left with a “maybe”. Have you thought about the best way to react? Remain professional and calm and take time to go away and have a think. You may want to discuss this with others such as your partner.
Avoid using ultimatums or making threats due to the fact you didn’t get the desired outcome you had hoped for.

If it’s a “no” because of funds then you have to decide if the reasons behind this are a concern for your future or perhaps just at this moment in time. Maybe you were unrealistic in asking for a pay rise when you have only been there 5 months. If they give a reason that is performance based then consider this and ask yourself how you can improve. Make a plan of action. If the reason is beyond your control then perhaps you can be sent on a training course to develop yourself, maybe there is a budget in place for training. Whilst it doesn’t give you a pay rise it does aim to improve you as a person. As well as career development opportunities in the future.

If you need that pay increase and cannot survive without it and feel that it’s unfair and you feel unappreciated then maybe it is time to move on. Remember to leave a good lasting impression and not one filled with a bitter tone.

Let’s hope you are well prepared, you use positive language and the outcome is what you were hoping for.

As a recruitment company, we always aim to sort the right package for the client and the candidate. Having this in place ahead of time prevents unnecessary surprises and changes in the future. If you want to discuss salary guidelines you can get in contact with us here or call us on 0203 858 0233.

The post How to Ask for a Pay Increase? appeared first on .

Learning how to retain staff is an important task for principals or managers. By Increasing retention you can build a good team, create a happy workplace and also reduce agency fees down the line.

Make a Positive Start

Ensure that there is a smooth and professional onboarding process from the moment they gain employment. This means providing them with accurate and realistic job descriptions, and giving them time to read through the employee handbook. Provide staff with specific training within the first week of employment for as long as it takes, and give them guidance and support throughout. Allow for a good flow of communication so they can report back to you with any immediate concerns and they can hopefully be dealt with.

Pair With Someone

If possible then new staff should be paired with someone to work alongside with for the first stages. This lets them feel welcomed and they can learn on the job the right way from the beginning. Having a mentor allows people to gain confidence in their new role as well as exposure to new and different perspectives.

Performance Reviews

This is something that we always advise. So often this is not done, and not always seen as important especially in the household with few staff. However if there is no senior staff member and it’s just the principals then this is just as important to do as there may be issues you are unaware of. Schedule appraisals in bi-annaully or annually. Also ensure that you speak with them when their trial period is complete, this is usually after 3 months.

Recognise Hard Work

Staff will feel more appreciated if you give them an occasional pat on the back for the hard work they have put in. Recognising hard work can be a small token gesture or as large as you like. It can just be a thanks and a nice conversation, or possibly an announcement to the team or a treat, such as an early finish, a bonus, a meal out, cakes bought for the afternoon, anything really. Small acts of kindness bring joy and kindness to the giver and receiver.

Offer Development Choices

Encouraging staff to continually grow by offering courses increases staff productivity. Invest in them and it directly invests in their future working for you. There are so many courses on offer with a varying budget. Consider, floristry, wine courses, leadership courses, first aid, master classes that are only a few hours long such as mixology, etiquette are a great start. Allow them to take the courses at a quieter time during the working week if possible.

Provide a Good Salary

Reward employees, but also don’t wait until it’s too late. If you have high expectations and longevity is important to you then pay a good wage to begin with. It encourages people to stay and feel appreciated. Otherwise the grass may greener the other side

Team Building

This really helps employees connect with each other. Colleagues get to know each other outside of work. It increases their chances of working better together. Put people out of their comfort zone, sometimes it’s where employees can surprise you and you can see potential in them in an area where you didn’t see it before. Natural leaders for example.

Communication

Keep the lines of communication well and truly open. We all need to have good communication skills and these involve speaking, listening, observing and empathising. There are of course many ways to communicate from face-to-face, over the phone, and online, so there really is no excuse not to communicate.

Keep employees engaged, perhaps they are bored, not challenged enough? How can you change that? Perhaps they can’t be promoted but they can take on some more responsibility?
Take a good look at the work culture. Is it genuinely a happy, productive work environment? Aim to develop a positive working environment.

Are you facing the challenges of retaining staff? Get in touch today with one of our experienced consultants . They will be able to help you find the perfect member of staff.

The post How to Retain Staff appeared first on .

Personal Issues

Whilst they say never to bring home life to work this may not be possible. What goes on out of work can affect how they are at work. It could be something life changing for them, something that leads them to worry about the future of their job but they do not know how to approach their boss to discuss this? We are all humans and life happens, showing empathy can go a long way to staff.

Communication

In any work place if there is a lack of communication then this can be where most of the problems with staff lie. When good communication is effective then everyone feels content. Often we are faced with multi nationalities which is wonderful. Sometimes we are faced with language barriers and this can be where there is a communication breakdown or segregations. Try and bring the team together by working with lots of different staff if possible. It’s surprising how quick a new language can soon become second nature when using it on a daily basis.

Are you Approachable?

Do staff ask for help and you don’t answer? Is their day a guessing game like playing the lottery? Sometimes you have to look in the mirror. Consider how you are as a member of the team, try and make yourself someone who is always approachable. If you are the principal it may be that staff are unsure if they should approach you or not. However you want this to run you need to make this clear to all staff from the beginning. Consider the fact that some staff may have worked in previous households with a completely different set-up. We always advise that people should ‘never assume’.

The Need for Appraisals

Many households do not hold regular staff appraisal meetings. It really doesn’t matter how few staff you have, if there are employees then appraisal meetings really need to be held. Do this as often as you like, it may only be needed once a year. However, it allows for freedom of communication and for everyone to speak about their employment. Together a plan can be made to improve or change a situation. It’s a way of tracking progress.

Hierarchy

Is there a hierarchy in place? Maybe there is not enough staff for this? However staff must still respect who they work for. If they don’t, then consider why this is the case. Respect is a two way street. Without hierarchies teams are much less likely to unite to achieve a common goal. With a clear hierarchy then it lends itself to have maximum communication and for everyone to report through the correct channels.

Structure

It is always a good idea to have good structure in place with the staff. Job roles and overlaps can sometimes mean there is frustration, jealousy or confusion

Consider the following:
Do they know how to behave at work?
Do they have a daily list?
Is there a schedule?
Who oversees what they do each day?

Is the household formal? Or it could be the opposite and be too friendly with staff-no boundaries. Sometimes this can be as case where when staff they started their job it was just them and it was a more casual working environment. However, 3 house moves later and 15 more staff has led into the household being run like a mini business with several employees.

What Type of Person Works in Private Residences?

This industry is not for everyone and that’s ok. The job can be a demanding job and staff are expected to be flexible and adaptable constantly. Staff should be people pleasers and enjoy working as part of a team. They should be open to new ideas and suggestions of improvements. With a good ability to communicate well and feel comfortable and confident at work.

If you are facing current problems with staff, then Polo and Tweed can help. Did you know that our industry experts provide consultancy services? Get in touch today, our consultants are readily available to help you.

The post Problems with Staff appeared first on .

IT Assistance

Digital work lists means that you can create and share items on the agenda with others. The downside to anything digital is the requirement to have a device with you at all times. Now with a housekeeper, this might be difficult. If you need an app on the phone, it does not look professional and can often confuse work with downtime. Some places have a no phone policy during work and this will need to be amended. Technology enhances communication and helps your team efficiently complete tasks. It’s good for the planet too, meaning less paper is required.

Digital support

Any apps that can ease the pressure of work have got to be a good thing. Great for inventories such as wine, dry goods, linens and cleaning supplies. They can at first be time consuming to enter all the information, and this can vary depending on the scale of the house. Once set-up though they simply aid you at work and keep the household highly organized.

Light Control

Lighting systems such as Lutron LED lighting control systems work by controlling the lights within a home as well as dimming and daylight management. You can set ‘night’ and ‘day modes and they can be incorporated with automated blinds too. Making a turn down session a breeze with the press of a button. Simple to use when you know how and if you had similar setups in other properties then you will transition easily into a new workplace. Those that are new to the system just need an explanation and an understanding. Very often the ‘smart systems’ are capable of so much, but often need experts to come in and set up properly taking into account the needs of the home. Some smart systems work off tablets that need charging, this may fall onto the housekeeper to take care of.

Modern Technology Appliances

Ovens that have a self clean function are called pyrolytic ovens.They are amazing but be mindful of the timing of them being set. Once started, they are locked and the process cannot be aborted. Understand the depth of the cleaning required and how long that would take. Ventilation is required and remember to take out unnecessary items ahead of time.

Robot vacuums

Have become quite the norm in many households and there are many affordable options as well as the high end ones. They still require you to program and maintain them. However in high traffic areas they can really offer support and help, leaving housekeepers to continue with other areas of the house. Especially when there are pets in the home that shed. Some are self emptying, remember that vessel still needs to be emptied!

Garment Cleaner

Did you know there is even a clothing care system that enables people to clean their clothes without actually putting them in the machine? The modern appliance works by having garments hung on the incorporated hook and scanned with a smartphone; users can clean the piece of clothing using the incorporated wand – which manually removes particles and dust. The ‘Air Clean’ functionality will deodorize clothes through the use of anion particles, which will finish the cleaning process and have garments ready for wear in no time, technology at its best.

Smart toilets

Have all sorts of functions, the most common being the heated seat. The settings themselves are easy to manage. Cleaners still need to know how they work and if there is any maintenance required and remembering to schedule this in.https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g39494829/best-smart-toilets/

Bluetooth washing machines

where you can set the time can be really helpful. So items are not sat in the machine overnight but can be set for 7am and ready for you to unload at 8am when starting work. It could be linens or rags or tea towels from last night’s dinner party. Perhaps you asked the butler to load the machine and you pre set it. The perfect harmony!!! The same can be done for dishwashers, the kitchen might be right below the master bedroom and the 3 loud beeps it makes after its cycle at 1am might be enough to send anyone crazy out of a deep slumber. Dishwashers can also be programmed to be put on first thing in the morning, ready to be unloaded.
MHVR systems-how they work and what you have to know

Advanced Technology Systems

Window Cleaners

AI powered window cleaners are really a thing. The robot is integrated with AI technology enabling it to operate automatically and easily detect frames or other obstacles on windows. Controlled via a remote control or your smartphone to making it an advanced piece of technology for modern consumers to take advantage of. It does however have cleaning pads that will of course need changing and the device itself moving to another location. We are not totally sold on the concept, unless in an apartment on the 28th floor!

Alarms

Home security systems are extremely smart. When you get to understand how they work then they are relatively easy to control. As a housekeeper it may be part of your job to activate the alarm at the end of the day, or possibly at the beginning. Yet another thing to learn….. The list goes on.

So much that is available around us can make our lives easier but there is a balance. When everything works fine and is understood by its users then we know that’s a benefit. Often things go wrong and this can take time to fix. Some just want a pad and a pen for lists and a mop and bucket to clean with.

The role of technology in modern housekeeping can play a large part in a role as a housekeeper. Have you moved with the times? Do you embrace the technology around us? We would love to know your thoughts.

Did you know our expert consultants can even offer advice on gadgets and appliances as well as how modern technology can benefit the team?Get in touch with us today to find out more.

The post The Role of Technology in Modern Housekeeping appeared first on .

What the Roles Involve

There are many combinations of what domestic couples do, here are a few:
HK & Maintenance
Nanny & butler
Nanny and Gardner
PA and Chauffeur
Cook and Gardner
Perhaps all of the above is something you are currently doing. As well as your daily duties you may both have to help in other areas such as helping with service during entertaining

Positive Factors

Bear in mind that the with the power of two there will be two incomes or a combined salary, with many roles offering accommodation as part of the package. This will usually include all utility bills and council tax also being covered. With the cost of living currently this is a huge factor to consider when applying for a job or considering accepting a job . This set up allows the couple to save and make a plan for the future. It can lead to longevity in the workplace, which brings principals satisfaction, builds trust and respect.
Couples who communicate with each other about their work may have higher levels of relationship satisfaction.They will be accustomed to conversing well and working together resulting in the smooth running of the house. This can create a supportive and fulfilling environment, just try and keep this during the working hours.

Negative Factors

Managing work boundaries as a domestic couple can sometimes be a challenge, and not bringing home life to work is really important. There may at times be a difference of opinion, perhaps a way of doing something or conflicting priorities. There is no sole person in charge to go to for help. There may be a family office but always someone to answer daily questions.

Relationship

It can build a stronger bond. There is of course already teamwork and respect. Working towards common goals and learning to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, helping with that when needed. This can reduce stress, gives the sense of teamwork, decision making and problem solving together. It can be another pair of shoulders so to speak to take on the stress. Working together allows you to help each other where needed, therefore less likely to feel overworked.

Don’t Take Work Home with You

Personal and working lives are deeply entwined when working as a domestic couple. However, this can lead to an understanding of each other’s daily duties. Think of all the time saved at the end of the day conversing about the work day. Spend time talking about future plans and quality conversations that make you happy. Work related stress can affect your sleep quality and this can make you tired at work and difficulty with completing tasks or with attention to detail. However, with your partner by your side this can reduce work related stress. There is an immediate understanding without the need for a long winded explanation.

Location

If you do not have particular ties to an area then you can of course live anywhere. This broadens your search for work(subject to the legal right to work overseas). The world is your oyster. It means you can essentially start a new life or enhance your existing one to somewhere you only dreamed of working in the past.

Some domestic couples are often needed to work in multiple properties together. This can be seen as flexible for the principals, leading to consistency in each property and an advantage or perk of the job for the couple, the idea of working at the Bahamas beach villa for part of the winter can seem rather appealing.

The Power of Two: Thriving in Domestic Couple Careers. Get ready to embark on a rewarding career together in the world of luxury domestic service. Your dream job may be closer than you think and Polo & Tweed are here to help you achieve it. Get in touch with us today or visit our vacancies page for the latest roles.

The post The Power of Two: Thriving in Domestic Couple Careers appeared first on .