Guidelines for Managing Household Employees
Last updated May 2025
The National Committee on Household Employment (NCHE), before it closed its doors, developed a set of standards and a model contract for employers and their household employees. The standards and contract were formulated in hopes of making employer-employee relationships more businesslike.
The guidelines below are taken from NCHE’s Code of Standards for Household Employment, with certain modifications made to reflect current circumstances.
Wages and Hours
According to Illinois law, the hourly wage for housecleaners must be at least minimum wage. As of this writing, Illinois’ minimum wage was $15 per hour. Chicago’s minimum wage is $16.20 per hour for employers with four or more employees.
Higher wages should be paid for jobs requiring previously acquired training or special skills.
Wages and paydays should be agreed upon in advance.
Gifts of clothing and/or food should not be considered part of payment.
Any overtime must be paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate, according to Illinois law.
Working Relationships
A written agreement between employer and employee should clearly define the duties of the position, including specific tasks and frequency of performance.
Time schedules should be agreed upon in advance of employment.
If an employer does not require the services of a day worker for the agreed-upon time, the employee should be notified at least one week in advance or else be compensated in full.
The employee has the responsibility of notifying the employer as soon as possible if they are unable to report to work.
Rest periods, meal times, phone privileges, and time off for private activities (such as religious observances or recreation for live-in employees) should be agreed upon in advance.
Appliances used for cleaning work should be efficient and safe, and should be used carefully.
Work and work relationships should be discussed periodically with the intent of improving efficiency and cooperation.
A professional working relationship should be maintained by both parties.
