How to Keep Great Household Employees: 5 Proven Ways to Retain a Nanny, Housekeeper, or Home Manager

You finally hired someone great—someone who just gets it. They’re dependable, proactive, and make life at home feel less like chaos and more like calm.

And then… they’re gone.

They gave notice. Took another offer. Moved on. And now you're right back to square one—scrolling Care.com, texting your mom friends, and wondering, “Why is it so hard to find help that actually stays?”

Here’s the truth: keeping great household employee doesn’t come down to luck. It comes down to leadership.

I’ve spent over 20 years in the household management world—hiring, training, and supporting nannies, housekeepers, and home managers. And I can tell you with total confidence:

If you want to keep good household support long term, you need to treat it like a real job—because it is one.

Here’s how to do exactly that.

1. Respect Your Household Employee’s Schedule (It Builds Long-Term Trust)

It sounds simple, but this is where so many families slip.

If your household employee has agreed to work 9–3, they should be done at 3. Not 3:30. Not “just one more thing before you go.” That flexibility might work once in a while, but when it becomes the norm, it sends a message: your time doesn’t matter.

Think of it this way: would you want your boss regularly asking you to stay late “just for a minute”? Probably not.

Respecting the schedule you agreed on builds trust, shows professionalism, and helps prevent burnout.

2. Give Feedback and Show Gratitude to Keep Household Employees

One of the biggest reasons a great household employee leaves? They feel invisible.

This kind of work is often behind the scenes. When it’s done right, no one notices—because everything just works. But when it’s not appreciated, resentment builds fast.

Make a habit of giving simple, specific praise:

• “The fridge looks amazing—thank you for organizing it.”

• “I know laundry isn’t glamorous, but wow, it makes such a difference.”

  
  

And when something needs adjusting? Be honest and kind. It’s okay to ask for things to be done differently—what matters is how you say it.

Solution: Build in a casual monthly check-in to give feedback both ways. It doesn’t have to be formal—just intentional.

3. Offer Raises and Reviews to Retain Household Employees

If your household employee has been with you for a year—or even six months—and is doing great work, it's time to talk about compensation.

Would you stay at your job if your pay never increased and no one acknowledged your growth? Probably not. And neither will they.

Even a small raise or annual bonus shows: “I see the value you bring, and I want you to stay.”

Solution: Set a reminder for a yearly review. Come prepared with gratitude, feedback, and a raise—even $1–$2/hour goes a long way.

4. Provide Clear Systems to Help Keep Household Employees Long Term

A great hire can’t thrive in a chaotic system. If expectations are always changing or tasks feel endless, even the best household employee will burn out.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Create a clear list of responsibilities (and adjust it as needed)

• Be upfront about your priorities—what matters most each day?

• Use tools like a shared Google Doc, printed task list, or checklist (I have templates if you need them!)

  
  

Solution: My Master Task List and DIY Hiring Guide include plug-and-play tools to make this part easy—because clarity is kindness.

5. Treat Your Household Employee Like Part of the Team to Build Retention

At INJOY, we believe household support should be treated like any other team member—whether they work 15 hours a week or 40.

That means:

• Respecting their time and boundaries

• Sharing household systems they need to be successful (like routines, checklists, grocery systems, or calendars)

• Giving them the tools and communication they need to thrive

  
  

It’s all about professional, thoughtful support. When someone feels valued, respected, and supported, they stay.

Bottom Line: Keep the Right Help By Leading Well

You don’t have to do it all. You just have to support the person who’s helping you do it all.

Respect their time. Acknowledge their work. Pay them fairly. Communicate clearly.

These simple shifts are what turn short-term help into long-term support.

Want help building a system that sets your household employee up for success?

Download my DIY Hiring Guide or grab the Master Task List to make this part easy and repeatable.

And follow along on Instagram for more hiring tips and support for busy moms who want their homes to run smoother.