At V are Family, we believe in more than just providing luxurious holiday experiences – we believe in fostering social inclusiveness, self-reliance and empowerment within our organisation and communities. Through our unique hiring process and staff profiling preferences, we are transforming lives and uplifting individuals from the unorganised ‘domestic help’ sector to an organised platform as valued members of our professional staff.

More specifically, we extend opportunities to home cooks & home caretakers traditionally marginalised as uneducated or unskilled and help them enter the organised sector, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow both socially and financially.

The journey from domestic staff (aka servants) to professional staff in the vacation home hospitality industry is one of empowerment, growth, and transformation. At V are Family, we are committed to unlocking the potential of every individual, regardless of their background or education. By recognising and harnessing the power of soft skills, we create opportunities for social mobility, economic empowerment, and personal fulfilment.

The Value of Soft Skills

In our unique ‘home centric’ luxury service model, success hinges not only on technical expertise but more importantly on interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. These soft skills encompass a range of qualities, only absorbed by working at Indian homes, including:

• Understanding of a home environment especially with children, senior citizens, and ladies.
• Soft, respectful communication and body language.
• Empathy, especially when handling senior citizens.
• Adaptability to various needs of every member of a home.
• Problem-solving in a manner conducive to a home environment.

All the above are crucial for delivering a comfortable, acceptable, personalised, and attentive service to our guests. To the contrary, cooks with experience in hotels and restaurants with extremely limited exposure to guests do not posses the interpersonal soft skills for handling a home kitchen, which is frequented by family members regularly. Further, unlike hard skills, which can be taught through formal training programs, soft skills are often acquired through lived experiences and personal interactions. These individuals from the home segment, bring a wealth of invaluable soft skills and life experiences, enriching our team and elevating our guests' experiences.

Empowering Through Inclusivity

Our commitment to social inclusiveness extends beyond just providing employment opportunities; it's about empowering individuals through:

• Understanding and taking full responsibility of their home and duties.
• Allowing for independent decision making and teamwork with co-homeworkers.
• Accountability through self-audit and quantitative systems.

This allows our staff to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the organisation. By recognising and valuing the soft skills inherent in the unorganised home sector, we create pathways for upward mobility and professional growth. The aim is through empowerment and support, we foster a culture of responsibility and self-reliance, where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Elevating Status

One of the biggest transformations we witness is the shift from domestic help to professional staff. Gone are the days of uncertainty in pay, unsuitable living arrangements, and dependence on employers for basic needs. At V are Family, our team members enjoy the stability of regular salaries, safe and comfortable boarding & lodging arrangements, along with additional benefits and participation in Provident Fund (PF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) schemes.

Professional Training and Support

We invest heavily in the training and development of our staff members. From professional hospitality training to staff engagement activities, we provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their roles. Our comprehensive training programs cover a wide range of topics, including grooming, communication skills, service etiquette, and operational procedures. By equipping our staff with the necessary skills and knowledge, we create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Digital Savviness

Despite not having formal education, our home staff members are remarkably adept at using digital technologies. With the proliferation of communication apps and online tools, they can easily communicate with guests, coordinate tasks, and manage day-to-day operations efficiently. Moreover, our staff is encouraged to be proactive and independent, reducing their reliance on traditional hierarchical structures and fostering a culture of empowerment and autonomy.