How Will Coronavirus Affect Domestic Estate Management?
Estate managers have been laid off and furloughed, unsure of when they’ll return to the workplace. Housekeeping staff is likely employed onsite in some capacity, but the estate manger’s duties may be conducted offsite, behind the scenes, during Coronavirus disruptions. For now, this is consistent with norms the world over: Work at home if possible or don’t work at all.
Media attention to traditional caregiving jobs and the working conditions of the future is a welcome focus if we’re to effect necessary change in our industry. Estate management is different, however. Though some may consider us members of the traditional caregiving workforce, our specific role is less understood and tends to receive less attention. To some extent, we must find our own way through the epochal changes surrounding us.
During my recent interview of a 37-year veteran of consulting to UHNW family offices, I learned that she is advising her clients to move permanently toward less staff onsite. She also recommends replacing estate managers with facility-management software programs accompanied by annual service contracts. “This is the wave of the future for luxury property management,” she insists.
Coverage of staffing-related issues presents various takes on the future of domestic estate management.
The Wall Street Journal piece “For the Rich, A Dilemma…” suggests the wealthy must now do their own laundry. To paraphrase Bryan Peele, president of the Estate Management Coalition, everyone is being sent home.
Forbes’ "Looking Ahead: How Silicon Valley Will Be Reshaped In Wake Of The Pandemic" describes potential relocation of households from the Bay Area, where many UHNW families maintain residences.
The New York Times article "Please Cancel Our Housekeeping" examines how the pandemic has affected undocumented and uninsured employees.
For her part, Melinda Gates is focused on what needs to change about our current caregiving system. Her plan calls for additional support of paid leave, flexible work options and changing norms at home.
Melinda Gates’ Caregiving Plan (Source)
As alluded to in The New York Times, many workers in this industry are undocumented, paid in cash and lacking in benefits. The onslaught of the pandemic and its economic impact means we’re in danger of losing an essential workforce.
Moreover, our industry is bound by a culture of “If you don’t do it, I’ll find someone who will.” Some employers believe the rules don’t apply to them. How will the pandemic affect an NDA-protected work environment where everyone is seemingly replaceable? Might this time in history be considered a catalyst for equality, an inducement to live by the rules no matter a person’s net worth? Will wealthy families recognize the value of people-managed properties vs. system-managed assets? How can we apply the pandemic-driven impetus for change to our unique caregiving niche?
We can’t predict the future, of course, but we can prepare for it by learning from each other’s experiences. It’s essential to become part of the conversation. I would love your input on the following:
Are you working? Onsite or offsite? Are you receiving full compensation?
How do you feel about working in someone else’s home, potentially carrying coronavirus to your family? Do you feel you have the power to say “no?”
Have you been asked to move in and/or self-quarantine?
Are you being required to perform tasks different from your pre-pandemic services
Do you feel your job will exist after the threat of Covid-19 subsides?
Is the world of domestic staffing, and in particular estate management, about to be turned on its head? If so, how can we adjust our services to create a win-win situation for us, our families and our employers?
Please leave your comments. Contact us if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.
xo,
Kelly
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