Do you know the 6 things to consider before training your staff? For many clients, domestic staff are a part of their lives in their properties around the world. Often these staff members become an integral part of the family and property network, providing the principals with the desired care and attention they require.
From time to time, however, standards can slip. Now is the difficult decision to let a staff member go or undertake domestic staff training. If you have decided on staff training you will want to ensure you get the best for your staff. Because it will be reflected in the way your home functions.
We’ve put together these six tips to consider before selecting a training service.
1. What type of training do you need?
Think about the household staff training you require. Is it for a specific member of staff or do you need the entire household brought up to speed? Clients are always looking for unique and bespoke training plans, as every household is individual. From specific silver service training to entire schedule rework, a good training centre will be able to guide you in what you need.
That being said, the clearer idea you have of the type of training can help as a starting point and get you in the right direction. No matter what type of domestic worker training you require, once you’ve decided. The next step is to find the right service provider.
2. Picking the right training provider
There are many training providers to pick from, and it is always great to have choice, but sometimes too much choice can make it harder to pick. Don’t just go with the first result on Google, take your time to do your research. The last thing you want to do is have your staff go to training twice because the first service was inadequate. It’s worth it to find the right staff training program.
If you speak to a company, ask to speak to previous clients or students who have undertaken the training. Ask to see sample modules or speak to the trainer(s). Google the company and see if there are positive (or negative) reviews out there. Consider budget and timeline. The cheapest isn’t always the best option, nor the most expensive.
Once you’ve decided on the training provider you want to use, find out about the process itself from start to finish and their after sales care (as this is as important as before the training). The best way to get a recommendation is word of mouth as this will mean that you are generally heading in the right direction with your training provider.
3. Safe environment to train
Often candidates who are working in domestic roles may get a sense that the principal is not happy with their specific skills in an area, but the dynamic between principal and staff can be a tricky one, and the candidate can often feel embarrassed to ask for advice or guidance. By providing the domestic worker training in a positive and safe environment, it can allow them to ask questions without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Trainers should be well versed in this situation and thus be discreet and sensitive to the ego! The best way for someone to learn is by positive enforcement and this should be a key aspect to training. Speak to your service provider about the way they approach the training and try to gauge if it’s right for you or your staff.
4. Theory vs Practical
It’s vital that household staff training takes place in both a theoretical and practical application. People learn in different ways. Some people learn visually, whilst others rely on what they hear and the actual skill required to do a specific job in the domestic world is often a physical one. It’s vital that the domestic staff training is balanced and equal in its application.
There is no point doing hours of theory on Silver Service, relying heavily on books and manuals if the staff member learning is expected to physically learn the task. There should be a balance between theory and practice and it is important that your service provider reaches this.
This will be clear with the location and the approach they take. When you speak to previous students or clients of the company be sure to ask this question. Positive enforcement is key as this will enable your staff or yourself to develop in a strong manner. If you are looking for a training provider, ask and get examples about how the school or training centre balances theory vs practical application.
5. Cost
There are many different service providers that advertise training and education services. Do your research! If you feel it’s time that your household staff training should take place. Then speak to at least 2 or 3 service providers. Ask to speak to references of past clients. Or candidates who have undertaken training (and don’t let them fob you off with the ‘confidential’ line). Tip: Ask to speak to the trainer themselves.
Don’t always go for the most expensive offer. And by no means go for the cheapest. Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is! Ultimately ensure that the T&C that you agree to are clear. And that the service provider will give you what you need to execute your household staff training.
6. Location
Most training that we offer and conduct at Polo & Tweed is in the clients home. This ‘in-situ’ training works the best. As the domestic worker can practice and improve in the location within which they work. For example, hotel training should be conducted within the hotel. So you can use the facilities the hotel staff are expected to use each day.
A good training provider can help source and find the perfect location for your needs. Trainers can be flown around the world. From superyachts, private jets and holiday villas. This to help train your staff and improve the finishing touches in the service skills.
Domestic staff training can make a major difference in the way your staff and home is run. The domestic staff will become more efficient. And the detail and finishing touches will be noticed by principals, guests and everyone who stays. Staff productivity increases and staff relationships can become easier. Ultimately the client will get what they want which is a perfectly run home.
Are you more confident now knowing the 6 things to consider before training your staff? Perhaps you want your home run like a boutique hotel, or a relaxed and informal country estate. No matter what your requirements are, or however big or small your team of staff is. If you need any more advice or even just some more guidance. Our team at P&T can help your domestic staff reach perfection in their daily duties. Why not get in touch today. We look forward to hearing from you.