Today, we are launching 3-part series: “Avoiding Burnout in the Modern Estate.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the unique challenges — and practical solutions — to avoid burnout and turnover for the three positions that are most vulnerable to fatigue in private service. They are:

• Housekeepers: The Hidden Backbone of Every Estate.
• Nannies: From Caregiver to Family Anchor.
• Chefs & Culinary Staff: The Pressure Cooker Effect.

Burnout in High-Net-Worth Households

When people think about staffing challenges in UHNW and HNW households, the focus is usually on the leadership roles — the Estate Manager, the Chief of Staff, the Director of Residences. But here’s the truth we see every day: burnout usually doesn’t start at the top. It often begins with the non-managerial staff — the housekeepers, the nannies, and the chefs who carry the daily weight of running a household.

Burnout in private service isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s quiet. A housekeeper who misses details she never missed before. A nanny who loses patience. A chef who no longer creates with the same spark. None of this means they’re not skilled — it means they’re tired. And tired staff don’t last.

Housekeepers: The Hidden Backbone

Of all the roles in a household, housekeepers are the ones most often overlooked when it comes to burnout. But make no mistake — they are the backbone of every estate. They touch every room, every surface, every detail. They are the ones who quietly protect your linens, your antiques, your finishes, your sense of order.

Causes of Housekeeper Burnout

Housekeeper burnout often stems from the repetitive and demanding nature of the job. Endless cycles of vacuuming, polishing, and laundry can become monotonous when performed seven days a week without variation. Many housekeepers also struggle with the expectation of being “always on call,” as families frequently lean on them for coverage well beyond regular hours. On top of this, the lack of true downtime—whether working weekends, covering special events, or constantly going above and beyond—leaves little opportunity to rest and recharge.

Housekeeper Burnout: A Case Study

A family had a single housekeeper responsible for a home that was a little over 8,000 square feet — just above the common square footage that one housekeeper can realistically manage for a busy family. At first, it seemed manageable. But as weeks stretched into months, she began making mistakes she never made before — not because she didn’t care, but because she was exhausted. The solution was simple: add a second housekeeper on a rotating schedule. Seven years later, both are still there. That small structural change created stability, loyalty, and long-term harmony.

How Families and Managers Can Prevent Housekeeper Burnout

• Rotate Schedules: Even with one or two housekeepers, alternating weekends or guaranteed days off can be a welcome change to routine.
• Float Coverage: Having a relief housekeeper (even part-time) keeps the core team from burning out.
• Respect Off-Hours: A text message at 11pm may not feel like much to you, but multiplied over weeks, it can lead to resentment and fatigue.
• Acknowledge the Role: The best employers treat their housekeepers as trusted guardians of the home, not just “the cleaning staff.” That recognition creates loyalty and longevity.

Why It Matters

A burned-out housekeeper doesn’t just miss a detail here and there — they stop being that quiet protective layer every estate depends on to run smoothly. And when that happens, turnover is just around the corner. For employers, that often means disruption, retraining, and expense that goes beyond salary.

The best households understand this. They don’t just hire well — they structure the job so staff can thrive. That’s how you get a housekeeper who stays seven, ten, even fifteen years.

What’s Next in the Series

This is Part 1 of our series on “Avoiding Burnout in the Modern Estate.” Next up:

Part 2 – Nannies: From Caregiver to Family Anchor
Part 3 – Chefs & Culinary Staff: The Pressure Cooker Effect

At Crimmins, we don’t just fill jobs. We help families create households that last. Because in private service, longevity and loyalty are the real luxury.

Stay tuned for Part 2.