In private staffing, salary transparency isn’t about publishing pay scales, it’s about setting clear, aligned expectations between client and candidate from the outset, particularly as roles become more complex and tailored. Salaries, and whether or not the industry is keeping up, are a hot topic and gaining momentum. Demands are increasing, expectations are higher than ever, and staff are negotiating salaries that reflect these shifts. As mentioned in our recent article, What You Expect and How We Deliver It , we’re seeing a steady rise in requests for hybrid roles, house managers who can also plan and manage events, for example. Naturally, dual or blended responsibilities are one reason salaries are expected to rise across the board. So, does being clear about salary expectations from the outset really make a difference to how long staff stay? The Link Between Transparency and Retention When employers are open and honest about salaries, bonuses, benefits, and what progression really looks like, it naturally creates a sense of trust. That trust forms the foundation of stronger, more stable relationships between clients and their staff. As private staffing recruiters, we see first-hand how this kind of transparency positively impacts household dynamics especially in UHNW environments. We’re often seeing clients take a clearer approach to pay discussions with both existing staff and new hires. Why? To avoid dissatisfaction and, ultimately, reduce the risk of high staff turnover. Retention matters. It saves time, money, and it allows deeper, long-term relationships to form within the household. Staff who feel genuinely valued and who receive salaries that reflect the current demands of the industry are far more likely to stay in their roles long term. Balancing Discretion and Clarity Despite the growing importance of clarity and transparency, discretion still plays a vital role in UHNW households and full salary disclosure may not be the right fit for every client. That said, there are still effective ways to provide your staff with the clarity they’re looking for. This could include structured pay brackets, clearly defined progression pathways, and tailored bonus schemes. We regularly support both clients and candidates with conversations around salary, contracts, bonuses, and how these can evolve, particularly once a candidate has passed probation, exceeded expectations, or hit agreed performance targets. The Impact of Transparency If you’re looking to improve retention within your private household or estate, offering greater transparency around salaries can be a powerful step towards building trust and long-term stability within your team. Retention is key to the smooth running of any household, and essential for maintaining long-term stability and discretion. Other ways we recommend clients improve staff retention include introducing transparency in other key areas. For example, implementing performance reviews every six months helps ensure both staff and principals are aligned, with a clear understanding of expectations and needs on both sides. Similarly, creating a safe working environment where staff feel comfortable raising concerns and know they’ll be listened to builds trust and loyalty. At EHC , we understand the need to strike the right balance between clarity and discretion and we encourage open conversations about how that balance can work in each unique household. When pay is clear, trust follows and with trust comes longevity. For a confidential conversation, feel free to get in touch with us at info@ehc-ltd.com .

We understand that as a UHNW individual or family office, you need more than just staff. You require discretion at the highest level, true flexibility, and service that feels effortless. Building your household team isn’t just about hiring, it’s about protecting your family’s privacy, values, and way of life. Expectations around service, loyalty, and professionalism are constantly evolving, which is why the way staff are selected and trained is key to creating a trusted, high-performing team. Multi skilled staff The highest level of private staff are rarely one-dimensional. A house manager with a refined understanding of personal service, or a PA with a background in events management - these multi-skilled professionals are increasingly in demand. At EHC , we consistently see clients seeking candidates who bring a broad range of expertise and the adaptability to support dynamic household needs with efficiency and discretion. We understand the importance of this versatility and represent an elite pool of candidates whose experience spans multiple roles and specialisms. From those who have extensive experience in demands of formal service to professionals with operational, travel, or management backgrounds; our selected talent is equipped to confidently join high performing households where adaptability is key. Discretion is non negotiable Discretion is non-negotiable when it comes to staffing your private household but emotional intelligence is what ensures longevity and that your expectations are consistently met. The key is retaining staff who can instinctively navigate high-pressure environments, understand unspoken boundaries, and adapt effortlessly to change whilst still being able to provide the highest level of service and provide support without it being asked for. Bespoke Private Staff training Because every household and family office is different, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training . At EHC , we provide bespoke service training tailored to the unique requirements of each residence, estate, or principal. Whether your team needs to refine formal service standards, adapt to a specific cultural protocol, or develop skills for multi-residence coordination, we design and deliver training that reflects your environment and expectations. Our goal is to ensure that every staff member performs with confidence, precision, and presents a deep understanding of your personal standards from day one - whether that be through online training courses or bespoke on site training. How we support you At EHC , we’ve had the privilege of supporting some of the world’s most prestigious families and estates. With deep experience in luxury household management, we understand what it takes to elevate your private staffing and domestic operations to the highest standard. We take the time to listen closely and tailor our approach to your unique requirements. Backed by a trusted global network of trainers, consultants, accountants, and legal experts, we deliver a truly bespoke service that reflects the individuality and discretion our clients deserve. Contact us at info@ehc- ltd.com for a confidential discussion.