Domestic Worker's Rights

A Domestic Worker's Rights policy explains the minimum pay, overtime, breaks, written notice or contract terms, leave eligibility, safety and anti-discrimination protections, privacy expectations, and any required separation notice that apply to domestic workers under applicable state and local laws.

How to Write a Domestic Worker's Rights Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• Define who the policy covers and confirm you'll provide a written agreement describing the core terms of employment.
• State pay standards, including minimum wage and overtime.
• Explain break and time-off-from-work expectations, including meal and rest breaks and regular days of rest for live-in roles.
• Summarize access to benefits and paid sick and safe leave where required.
• Commit to a safe, respectful workplace, including equal employment opportunity and protections against discrimination, harassment, and violence.
• Address privacy and surveillance limits, including respect for private spaces.
• Explain how to report workplace concerns and injuries, and confirm non-retaliation for raising issues.
• Describe separation expectations, including advance notice and exceptions for serious misconduct.

For advice on writing a Domestic Worker's Rights policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.