Returning to Work in Massachusetts

May 26, 2020 | COVID-19, Hiring an Employee, Household Employee Management

As part of an executive order from Governor Charlie Baker, nannies and other household employees may return to work in Massachusetts provided families comply with state mandatory safety standards for their homes.

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:

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.