Profile, Practices and Needs of California’s Domestic Work Employers

Among the report’s major findings:

1. Domestic work has become a core part of Californian’s lives. We rely on this work because it makes our lives possible and allows us to live with dignity.  16% of households or 2 million households in California employ domestic workers to provide care for children, housecleaning, support for seniors and people with disabilities.
2. Currently, domestic work is marked by informality and lack of standard labor practices. As the need for this work continues to grow, employers need guidance and support in establishing the home as a workplace. When employers set conditions for hours, pay, and benefits, half (49%) report that they did not do research or seek advice — they simply devised the terms themselves.
3. Families value domestic workers and need more support. Compared to most industrialized nations, we could do better in California and in light of positive policies such as minimum wage increase and paid leave, we are on our way in this state. Without public support, the burden of the cost care will fall on families and individuals who struggle to pay, or else, on workers who will work with reduced wages, reduced hours or uncompensated time. In fact, one third of employers, mostly homecare and childcare, would pay higher wages and 41% of employers need more support.