Is a cleaner part of the family, or is it just a job?

Clause 1 of the Charter

The plain answer

The warmest households mean it kindly when they say a cleaner is "part of the family" - but that phrase is where a lot of trouble starts. It blurs pay into gratitude, hours into goodwill, and duties into whatever comes up. Kleana's first clause draws the line on purpose: the arrangement is between a household or business and a working professional, and it is only that.

Practically, that means the work is defined, the pay is money and not favours, and nobody on either side may propose, imply or expect anything romantic or sexual - in conduct, in language, or as a condition attached to the work or the pay. This part of the Charter is not open to negotiation, even between willing adults: if that is what someone wants, the working engagement ends first.

Treating it as a job protects both sides. The cleaner is paid and respected as a professional rather than leaned on as a favour. The household gets reliable work on clear terms instead of a relationship that quietly changes shape. "Part of the family" has no notice period and no rate - a job has both.