By Aussy Aportadera
When you’ve finally found a nanny you and your kids adore, the question becomes: “how are you going to keep them?” The quick answer to this is to be a good boss, but that’s always easier said than done.
Just think of your ideal boss in your own work and apply those same principles when employing a nanny. The one thing to note about your employer-employee relationship, however, is that they are more than just an employee. Your nanny is an addition to your family. They are part of your team.
Nannies perform better when they are supported and valued by you. And what you get out of this is that peace of mind that they will thrive as they care for your little ones. Here are five ways you can best support your nanny so that they can best support your family:
Keep Things Transparent
Giving mixed messages to your nanny will only make them suspicious of you. Start right with a contract that covers everything from their tasks to their compensation and benefits. Lay down all your expectations clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
If you’ve never drafted a nanny contract before, here are a few things you have to include:
- Scheduling or the total number of hours you’ll guarantee your nanny every week
- Job responsibilities especially if you’re requiring your nanny to do other tasks aside from childcare such as cleaning, laundry, pet care, etc.
- Ground rules like what you allow and restrict your kids to do, acceptable food and the schedule of meals, screen time, and the like
- Compensation details which will include overtime pay
- Benefits you’ll be providing such as health insurance, cell phone service, reimbursement for commuting expenses, etc.
- Paid Time Off which will include sick days and holidays
Communication is Key
Good communication is crucial to any relationship—and the same thing goes for employers and their employees. Aside from your nanny contract, keep in mind that your nanny isn’t a mind reader. Make time to catch up or chat with them. Discuss what your expectations are before they begin working and let them know how you want your child to be encouraged, disciplined, played with, and taught.
Be sensitive about your nanny’s cues and if they are beginning to show signs of discontentment, ask questions that will bring out any apprehensions that they might have. If they feel like you’re open to communicating, they’ll approach you with their ideas or concerns.
Show Your Appreciation
When we feel like we’re being taken for granted, we often lose motivation which then affects the way we work. On the other hand, if we’re valued, we will often go the extra mile. The same thing goes for nannies. Focus on job satisfaction by telling them just how much you appreciate them and the job that they’re doing.
A little “thank you” at the end of every day wouldn’t hurt. You can also bring them small gifts like fresh fruit if you stopped at the grocery store on the way home. These seemingly tiny touches mean more to them than you think. If they have been doing a consistently amazing job at caring for your kids, consider giving them a performance-based bonus to make your appreciation for them even more tangible.
Another way to show your thanks is to insist on a healthy work-life balance. Encourage your nanny to have a life outside of work.
Keep It Professional
While your nanny’s place of work is at your home instead of an office, they still take their job seriously. Show that you’re confident with their skills and abilities by trusting that they’ll do a good job. Don’t micromanage and second guess all their decisions.
Avoid undermining your nanny’s approach in childcare. Be respectful and if you ever find something that you’d like done differently, suggest it in a constructive way.
Another thing to take note of is your nanny’s privacy. Your nanny has their own life. If they can’t babysit on a Friday night due to scheduled plans, avoid asking them exactly what those plans are. These healthy boundaries help maintain a good nanny and employer relationship.
Give Periodic Reviews
Much like any employee and employer, you and your nanny need to have a performance review without the kids. Schedule these once a year or every six months. This is where you can tell them about everything they’re doing well thus far, all the things that need to be improved, and goals for the future.
As your kids grow older, their needs change which shifts your nanny’s responsibilities. Reassess the nanny contract you gave them at the beginning and, if there are any changes in terms of duties, benefits, and compensation, discuss these with them.
Don’t forget to give your nanny the opportunity to provide feedback on how you’re doing as their employer. Listen attentively to any of their concerns.
A happy nanny means happy children and an even happier you. When you support, respect, and empower your nanny in every way you can, they will return the favor tenfold and stick with you for longer.