The uncertainty of the pandemic has destabilized our lives, creating stress and grief for us all. It also has made employing someone in our homes more difficult, as we navigate keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe as well as those who work in our homes.
The pandemic has also been especially difficult for domestic workers, the majority of whom still lack basic rights and protections under the law. As employers, its important we do everything we can to support the people who work in our homes, and provide us with essential care and support.
Pay the worker in your home
Perhaps the most impactful thing you can do is to continue to pay the workers in your home even if they can cannot come to work in case of quarantine, illness, or exposure. Thousands have taken our COVID Employer Pledge to do so, if you haven’t already you can do so here.
Hand in Hand has developed and collected the following guidance along with our partners at the National Domestic Workers Alliance to help you navigate this challenging time.
Having Difficult Conversations:
Vaccination Resources:
One of the best ways to keep our communities safe is to get vaccinated and boosted. Here are some resources around vaccination for you, and to share with the person you employ.
- 8 things to Know About the U.S. Vaccination Program from the CDC
- Information on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens from the CDC
- COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
- Videos: Black and Latino Health Care Workers Answer Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines
- Flier: Immigrants and the COVID Vaccine from North Carolina Justice Center
Working with a childcare provider or nanny during COVID:
- Nanny Employer COVID Checklist: A checklist for you to consider as you make arrangements to hire a nanny during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Sample Nanny Agreement during COVID: If you don’t already have a written agreement set up, you can use our sample as a starting point to create an agreement with your nanny.
- Virtual Learning. Ensure equity and fairness with the person hired to facilitate your child’s virtual learning. See our Employer Guide for Nannies Facilitating Virtual Learning and the Employer Guide for Online Pod Supervisors Facilitating Virtual Learning.
Working with a house cleaner during COVID:
- House cleaner Employer Checklist: Hiring a house cleaner? We’ve put together a checklist for things to consider during the coronavirus pandemic.
Working with a home attendant during COVID:
- Homecare and Attendant Employer Checklist: The coronavirus has changed what it means to hire attendants or provide caregiving in the home. Here are tips to challenge us to consider how to get the support we need and keep everyone safe.
- Tips for managing attendants/caregivers: This guide, created by Hand in Hand and Senior and Disability Action, offers ideas, recommendations and thoughts for getting through this crisis safely.
We’re in this together.
Hand in Hand will continue to offer resources as this crisis evolves to help you make sure you and the workers you employ stay safe and receive the dignity they deserve. We will continue to provide timely and relevant materials. Make sure to sign up for our mailing list to to receive these important updates and resources.
