Domestic Employers Unaware of Risks
Chubb to Provide Household Staff Management Services
WARREN, NJ, October 8, 2007 - Imagine starting a new job. Your employer tells you your hours but not much more. There is no human resources manual or
dress code. The people around you are constantly screaming at each other and you. You do not receive any feedback on your
performance or an annual review. Welcome to the workplace for many domestic employees-and a potential source of liability
for many household employers who are unaware of the risk they face.
In fact, the risk is significant. Housekeepers can get hurt on the job. They can be placed in compromising positions. And
they often can gain access to valuables and personal information, leaving a family vulnerable to asset and identity theft.
Yet, according to Chubb-sponsored survey of 600 people, more than 50 percent do not conduct background checks before hiring
their domestic help and more than 40 percent trust their workers with keys to their homes.
To help its high-net-worth and family office customers manage these risks, the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has added
household staff management services to its list of complimentary Signature Suite personal risk management services. Chubb has retained Teresa Leigh, a leading household and property management specialist,
to help customers assess their household staffing needs and develop job descriptions, employee protocols and manuals. Leigh
also can provide advice on interviewing potential employees, conducting background checks and evaluating and retaining staff.
"Quite simply, unhappy household employees are more likely to damage items, be involved in theft and file lawsuits," says
Christie Alderman, assistant vice president, Chubb & Son, and client services manager, Chubb Personal Insurance. "That is
why we are providing our high-net-worth and family office customers with resources to both help them nurture positive relationships
with their staff and reduce their risk."
"Many homeowners think of their 'help' as part of the family, but they are not," said Leigh. "State and federal employment
laws apply to the relationships between these household employees and their employers. Homeowners place themselves at high
risk if they do not manage their staff by communicating clear expectations. They also need a well-organized and documented
human resources file on every employee."
To help their customers find and keep qualified employees, Signature Suite also includes background checks and online access to information on personal employment topics. Other services available
through Signature Suite include personal security and travel-safety services and collections-management tools.
The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property
and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb's
global network includes branches and affiliates throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. Chubb
is a worldwide leader in insuring fine homes, automobiles, yachts, antiques and other collectibles, and personal liability.
Additional information on Chubb can be found at www.chubb.com/personal.
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