When you hire someone to help care for your loved ones or manage your home, clear expectations and mutual trust are key. Whether you're employing a nanny, senior caregiver, or housekeeper, having a household employment work agreement is one of the most effective ways to ensure a strong, respectful working relationship.
At HomeWork Solutions, we’ve supported families in legal household employment since 1993. One of the first things we recommend when hiring? Put it in writing. A well-crafted agreement helps prevent misunderstandings, supports legal compliance, and sets a professional tone from day one.
What Is a Household Employment Work Agreement?
A household employment work agreement is a written document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment. It sets clear expectations for both the employer and the employee—including responsibilities, pay, schedule, and benefits.
While not mandated at the federal level, a written agreement is required in some states, especially where Domestic Workers’ Bills of Rights are in place. Even when not required, it’s a best practice that protects both parties.
Important Note: Your agreement must follow federal, state, and local labor laws. Even if both parties agree to terms outside of the law—like waiving overtime—those terms are not legally enforceable. Employees cannot sign away rights protected by law.
Why You Need a Work Agreement
A written agreement is more than just a formality. It’s a proactive way to:
- Clarify job expectations and daily responsibilities
- Prevent conflicts through transparency
- Support legal compliance with wage and labor laws
- Foster professionalism and respect from the start
- Provide a framework for resolving issues or changes
Whether your employee is part-time or full-time, live-in or live-out, this document lays a solid foundation for the employment relationship.
What to Include in a Household Employment Work Agreement
Each household is different, but here are the essential components every agreement should cover:
- Employment Basics
- Start date
- Job title and detailed description of responsibilities
- Primary work location
- Employer and employee full names and contact details
- Work Schedule
- Expected work hours and days
- Expectations for weekend, evening, or overnight shifts
- Procedure for requesting schedule changes
- Compensation and Tax Withholding
- Gross pay based on an hourly wage (even guaranteed hours should be expressed as an hourly rate)
- Overtime rate for hours over 40/week (required by federal law for non-exempt employees)
- Pay frequency and method (e.g., direct deposit, paper check)
- Payroll tax withholding details, including:
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
- Federal, state, and local income taxes
- Confirmation that you will issue a W-2 annually (as required by law for household employers)
- Job Responsibilities
- Childcare routines, if applicable (meal plans, nap schedules, activities)
- Household duties (laundry, cleaning, errands, pet care)
- Special care instructions or expectations (e.g., allergy protocols, educational support)
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Vacation time (number of hours, and procedure for requesting)
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Expectations around family travel or working during school breaks, if applicable
- Benefits and Reimbursements
- Additional benefits, such as:
- Health care reimbursement
- Education reimbursement
- Retirement plan contributions
- Reimbursement(s) for:
- Cell phone or work-related technology
- Parking or public transportation
- Mileage, if driving is required
- Confidentiality and Privacy
- Non-disclosure expectations
- Rules around social media posting and online sharing
- Use of nanny cams or in-home video monitoring (transparency is key)
- Household Rules
- Smoking policy, guest policy, or dietary rules
- Child discipline approach
- Screen time limits, toy usage, and household safety policies
- Transportation Expectations
- Whether the employee is expected to drive as part of duties
- Use of a personal or family vehicle
- Safety requirements (seat belts/car seats, no texting while driving, etc.)
- Additionl required auto insurance coverage (if applicable)
- Performance Reviews
- Check-in schedule (e.g., 30 days, 6 months, annually)
- Criteria for raises, bonuses, or promotions
- Process for updating the work agreement
- Notice and Termination Policies
- Notice period agreement for resignation/termination
- Grounds for immediate dismissal (e.g., safety violations, misconduct)
- Severance policy (if applicable)
- Final paycheck procedures
- Amendment Clause
- Statement that the agreement is a “living document”
- Process for mutual updates as family or job needs evolve
- Live-In Accommodations (If Applicable)
- Description of housing provided
- Meal arrangements
- Privacy and access to household amenities
Get Started: Download Your Work Agreement Template
To make it easy, we’ve created a customizable Household Employment Work Agreement Template that covers all the key elements listed above. It’s written with clarity, compliance, and flexibility in mind.
Download Work Agreement Template
Final Thoughts
Taking time to put together a thorough, legally sound work agreement isn’t just about protecting your family—it’s about starting your employment relationship on the right foot. It demonstrates professionalism, builds mutual trust, and helps prevent future stress.
At HomeWork Solutions, we’ve been helping families like yours for over 30 years. From payroll setup to ongoing compliance support, we’re here to make household employment simple, legal, and stress-free.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us anytime for expert guidance tailored to your situation.