Returning to Work in Massachusetts

As part of an executive order from Governor Charlie Baker, in-house services like nannying are now allowed in Massachusetts provided the family complies with the state’s Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.

These standards will apply universally to all workplaces that are open in Phase 1 and are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

For families that employ a nanny or other household worker, their home is considered the workplace or work site.

The safety standards include:

Social distancing

• All persons should remain at least six feet apart to the greatest extent possible, both inside and outside workplaces
• Establish protocols to ensure that employees can practice adequate social distancing
• Provide signage for safe social distancing
• Require face coverings or masks for all employees

Hygiene protocols

• Provide hand washing capabilities throughout the workplace
• Ensure frequent handwashing by employees and adequate supplies to do so
• Provide regular sanitization of high touch areas, such as equipment, doorknobs, bathrooms throughout work site

Staffing and operations

• Provide training for employees regarding the social distancing and hygiene protocols
• Employees who are displaying COVID19-like symptoms do not report to work
• Establish a plan for employees getting ill from COVID-19 at work and a return-to-work plan

Cleaning and disinfecting

• Establish and maintain cleaning protocols
• When an active employee is diagnosed with COVID19, cleaning and disinfecting must be performed
• Disinfection of all common surfaces must take place at intervals appropriate to said workplace

As of now, Massachusetts has not posted sector-specific safety protocols and best practices for the household employment industry. For more information, visit the state’s COVID-19 Updates and Information web page as well as Reopening Massachusetts, which provides guidance to businesses as they reopen or prepare to do so.

Additional resources

If you’re planning on hiring or bringing back your nanny, be sure read:

• Creating a Return to Work Plan for Your Nanny
• COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Available to Your Nanny
• FAQs: Employing Household Workers During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Also, review our COVID-19 Resources for Household Employers.

Hiring a nanny?

Download Your Guide to Hiring a Nanny. In this guide, we lay out the steps on how to hire a nanny the right way and maintain a strong relationship with your employee.