A housekeeper may have twenty years of experience and still encounter situations that require new skills. Every family has its own routines, every residence has different requirements, and the responsibilities of domestic staff can evolve over time.
Professional training can therefore be valuable even for those who have worked in private households for many years.
The references are excellent, the interview went well, and the candidate appears to meet all the family's requirements. However, it is during the first days of employment that both parties begin to understand how the working relationship will develop.
The probation period allows families to assess a domestic professional's skills in practice and determine whether the arrangement meets everyone's expectations.
The duration depends on the employee's contractual classification.
Under the Italian National Collective Labour Agreement for Domestic Workers (CCNL), the probation period is 30 actual working days for employees classified at levels D and D Super and 8 actual working days for employees in other categories.
The probation period is paid, and either party may terminate the employment relationship without notice, subject to the applicable contractual provisions.
It is important to agree on and properly document the probation period when the employment contract is established.
The first days of employment provide an opportunity to observe aspects that may not emerge during an interview.
When hiring a housekeeper, families should pay attention to how the professional organises daily tasks, handles cleaning products and household materials, and follows instructions.
Communication, problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to the household's routines are equally relevant.
However, expectations must be clearly communicated from the beginning. Even an experienced professional cannot be expected to know every household preference immediately.
Starting work in a new home requires an adjustment period, regardless of previous experience.
Providing a clear overview of responsibilities, explaining priorities and allowing time for regular feedback can help prevent misunderstandings.
If an issue arises, addressing it promptly and providing specific guidance gives the employee an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments.
A well-managed probation period allows both the family and the employee to assess the working relationship under realistic conditions.
Allure Domestic Staff supports families in recruiting housekeepers and other domestic professionals, carefully considering professional skills and compatibility with each household's requirements.
For more information about our recruitment services, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Finding qualified domestic staff in Milan is becoming increasingly challenging for many families. Household needs have changed, expectations have grown, and the employment market looks different from just a few years ago.
What are the main challenges families face when looking for a housekeeper, nanny or other domestic professional?
Over the years, at Allure Domestic Staff, we have noticed a change in what families expect from their household employees.
Today, greater attention is paid to the quality of work, independence and the ability to adapt to household routines. Even small aspects of daily household management, which might previously have been overlooked, are now assessed more carefully.
This makes it particularly important to establish which skills are essential and which responsibilities should take priority.
For example, a family looking for a nanny who also performs some housekeeping duties should primarily assess the candidate's childcare skills, without necessarily expecting the same level of expertise in cleaning.
Another challenge is the gap between families' salary expectations and those of potential candidates.
Many families prefer to hire domestic staff who already live in Milan to reduce commuting difficulties, delays and disruptions caused by public transport strikes.
However, this preference needs to be considered alongside the cost of living in the city, particularly housing expenses.
Offering an appropriate salary is therefore an important factor in attracting qualified candidates who are willing to work in Milan on a long-term basis.
Hiring domestic staff for a private residence in Italy requires not only a careful selection process but also full compliance with current regulations. Contracts, employment classification, social contributions, and tax obligations must be managed precisely, especially in high-profile contexts where staff members hold positions of trust.
In this article, we outline the key legal and contractual aspects for those who wish to hire domestic staff in Italy in a regular, safe, and transparent manner.
In a field where competence, flexibility, and discretion are key, ongoing training is not optional—it’s essential. UHNW families who rely on domestic staff for the daily management of their homes seek professionals who are constantly up to date, able to work methodically, and adapt to formal, international, or complex settings.
Allure Domestic Staff promotes targeted training programs focused on etiquette, protocol, household organization, and professional soft skills to ensure the highest standards in any situation.
Summer often brings a shift in lifestyle for many families—whether it’s relocating to a second home or spending the season aboard a yacht. In these settings, the quality of domestic organization plays a crucial role. Having a well-prepared, discreet, and adaptable team is key to experiencing the season with true peace of mind.
Whether it's a private villa in a holiday destination or a luxury yacht, seasonal domestic staff must be trained to manage different rhythms, unique spaces, and high expectations.
