Proper etiquette is defined by certain social rules about good manners, being considerate, and avoiding public embarrassment. Although etiquette may seem old-fashioned to some people, it is still important to guide personal interactions in our world today, especially in households that employ domestic staff members.
Here is a look at the proper etiquette in a home so that you can practice respectful and well-mannered interactions with staff members, guests, and others in your own household.
Be Punctual 
No one likes waiting around, so the considerate thing to do is always be on time and stick to the established schedule. Staff members should arrive to work on time or a few minutes early, while employers should be punctual with interviews, meetings, and other scheduled events with their staff.
Show Gratitude
It is important to say thank you for kind deeds and gestures, no matter what your role is in a household. Give genuine compliments when they are warranted and accept compliments graciously and humbly when they are given. Employers can put their gratitude into action and not just words by offering monetary tips for an exceptional job done or a special occasion.
Be Respectful in Conversation
Household employers should speak to their staff members with respect and never talk down to them or embarrass them intentionally. Likewise, employees working in a home should be respectful when asking questions, delivering daily reports, and communicating with other people in the household too.
Use Discretion
A certain amount of discretion is needed in many employer/employee relationships in a household. This could involve keeping family secrets safe, making sure financial information stays confidential, or avoiding certain areas of the house that are off-limits to non-family members. Ask only questions that you really need the answers to and do not pry unnecessarily into the lives of people that you work for or who work for you.
Pay Attention to Details
In a domestic staffing relationship, there are many details to take notice of and focus on. Many people hire staff members because they don’t have time to take care of these details themselves. So, this is where employees can really step in and make a big difference in terms of cleanliness, organization, and productivity.
Take Initiative
In the beginning of a working relationship, a staff member may only be able to take direction from an employer or manager while getting more comfortable with the job. But over time, staff members should take initiative in their areas of expertise and make smart decisions on their own without having their hands held 24/7. This shows competence and confidence, while increasing the value of staff members that you have hired.
How to Improve Etiquette in Your Home
If your household could use a proper etiquette makeover, Household Staffing International can help. The butlers that we work with are etiquette specialists and can assist with everything from household staff management to property management, guest satisfaction, and tending to the employer’s various needs. Modern butlers keep the spirit and relevance of etiquette alive so that everyone is kinder, more considerate, and more respectful of each other.
To hire a butler for your own home and enjoy the social and convenience benefits, fill out our online form to start your search. If you have what it takes to be a great butler and practice appropriate etiquette in any situation, complete our job application to tell us about your experience and background.