Paul Sullivan, in his Wealth Matters column this week, discusses the mistakes made by people who employ household help — anyone from housekeepers and nannies to chefs, butlers and estate managers. Nor is this an issue just for the wealthy anymore, Paul writes, because many two-income couples rely on an array of workers to keep their households going.

The employers’ responsibility begins with complying with employment and tax laws, staffing experts said. But the tougher issue often is properly distinguishing between professional and personal relationship. The experts said that treating the household help the same way as a subordinate at work may be difficult but is crucial to a well-functioning house.

Do you have any advice on treating household employees? What measures have worked for you?

Article source: http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=4719a2f923be1dfe999639adb2db97fb