What Are The Qualities of a Good Housekeeper?
When hiring a housekeeper, loyalty is of the utmost importance. As a professional and highly-recommended housekeeper agency in London, we only consider applicants who have worked in a similar position for at least two years. When a household hires a housekeeper, they want someone who can commit to the job and will hopefully be with them for many years and understand their requirements and expectations which can only be built through working with a family for many years.
When looking for a housekeeping role, carefully consider the years you can commit to the role and if this is something you can fulfil on a long term basis. Of course, unexpected situations can occur down the line, but your intentions are important.
Discretion is Vital
Working in a private household amongst a family, it is of course likely you may see or hear private situations as you go about your work, however, it is important you keep this private and never disclose what you hear or gossip about it. Never eavesdrop on a conversation and if suitable, remove yourself from the situation and carry on about your business.
As an employee either living in or working daily within a household, you should be conscious of respecting the privacy of your employers and maintain their privacy. It is an expected characteristic of the job role and household staff should be aware of their need to remain discreet.
Sometimes you may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement or non-disclosure agreement upon your employment.
Picking Your Moments
The perfect housekeeper will understand when and where their presence is not suited. For example, if they are planning to clean a room but notice it is occupied with a family gathering, business meeting or any other occasion, they will get on with cleaning other areas and return later. Alternatively, they will politely ask if they are permitted to enter before getting on with their business.
They will know when it is acceptable to ask any questions or enter a room, being able to read any situation and have good personal skills. Politeness and manners are of the upmost importance at all times and as someone with experience of working as a housekeeper, you should be well versed in etiquette.
Flexible Approach To Working
The ideal housekeeper will be flexible, while the majority of the time you should have agreed working hours, there may be the odd occasion where this needs to change and you may have to work earlier or later than usual, such as helping with a function such as a party or dinner or setting up for a last minute visitor.
There might be occasions where your usual schedule of work may be disrupted by something else that needs urgent attention or assistance, so organisation is also an important skill to possess so you can keep on top of your usual tasks and reorganise should this happen.
Looking for a Housekeeping Agency in London?
If you are looking for work as a housekeeper in the capital, The Graham Agency is a leading housekeeping agency in London. We have been working in this industry for over 35 years and have built up a loyal base of both households and household staff, obtaining much of our work through recommendations which has led to our glowing reputation in the industry.
If you are an experienced housekeeper, please get in touch about joining our agency and we will help find you the ideal role.