Nanny benefits and pay increases has often been a cause for much debate and uncertainty leading to misunderstandings, miscommunication and even higher turnover for nannies, housekeepers and other household staff. While a nanny may have a unique role working privately for a household, they have the same needs as any other professional including the need for paid time off, pay increases and mileage reimbursement if no car is provided for on-the-job car use. Offering fair benefits to your nanny demonstrates your appreciation for their important work and provides them the necessary time-out they need to refresh and provide better care and services to your family when they are working.

Here are some of the most common and customary nanny benefits offered:

PAID TIME OFF (PTO)

Paid time off may fall under several different categories or can be grouped together and used however the nanny chooses. Full time nannies typically receive a minimum of 10-15 paid days off which may include two weeks paid vacation and a combination of personal/sick days at the discretion of the family. It is important that families offer sick days to avoid nannies coming to work sick to avoid being docked. Part time nannies will often receive one week equivalent or more of paid time off. Nanny agencies will know what the nanny has been offered in the past and what their expectations will be.

PAID HOLIDAYS

Nannies should be offered a minimum of all major or bank holidays. This is a minimum and often families will offer additional holidays where they will not be working and will likely spend time with their own family. If the holiday falls on a weekend, families should consider offering the day before or the day after in observance of the holiday. Nannies may have special requests in regards to certain holidays where they celebrate or spend traditional time with family or otherwise such as Good Friday. Your Nanny Agency will be able to let you know of any special circumstances or requests.

GAS MILEAGE AND USE REIMBURSEMENT

If the nanny is required to drive during working hours for things like picking up children from school, driving to activities or to run errands, a car would ideally be provided by the family for work use. However, if the family does not have an extra car and the nanny is amenable to use of their own car, a weekly reimbursement should be provided that factors in the amount of driving required. This should not be a part of the salary but a separate additional amount based on some agreeable amount. Feel free to check online for the current gas mileage rates.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Families are not required to offer health insurance but it should be of concern. The nanny will become an extension of your family and will be taking care or your home and children, therefore you would hope she remain healthy. Some may have insurance through a spouse plan or may have their own health insurance coverage already. If not, families may seriously want to consider offering at least a 50% contribution to nanny health insurance plan after a probationary period has been completed.

PAY INCREASES, RAISES AND BONUSES

Raises and bonuses should be standard every year and your family can decide on whether to base the amount on a strict percentage, performance or the family budget. Raises should be offered on the anniversary of employment each year at the standard rate of 3-6%. The addition of a new baby will bring about added responsibility and should also be a time of increase (separate and in addition to the annual raise). Care for another child should equal a minimum of 10% increase or higher to the nanny’s salary. Bonuses are at each family’s discretion and come at any time throughout the year to show appreciation but certainly most families offer a yearend bonus (around Christmas time) of at least one week’s pay or more. Some of our nannies receive a generous bonus of 2-4x their salary because the family truly loves them!

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

These nanny benefits are not expected but provide a nice gesture including paid cell phone (especially for those families who text nanny constantly and want pictures snapped and sent often), nanny car, paid gym membership, paid metro card (standard in NYC, Brooklyn, Jersey City and Hoboken), paid meals and many other fringe benefits that the family may have access to offer.

The truth is, there is no limit to the appreciation you can show your nanny by offering fair and generous benefits. In return you’ll retain a happy, content and well-rested nanny who loves her job and offers you a great peace of mind. If you love your nanny, demonstrate it by offering fair benefits and if you don’t particularly care for your nanny, contact More Than A Nanny Agency and we will help you find a nanny you will want to keep forever!

#nannybenefits #benefitstooffernanny #customarynannybenefits #nannyraises #nannybonuses #nannychristmasbonus #howmuchpayincreasetogivenanny #nannypayincreases #annualnannypayincreases #housekeepersbenefits #howmuchtopaynannyfornewbaby #nannypaidtimeoff #nannyvacationtime #whichbenefitstoofferyournanny #nannyhealthinsurance #nannyendofyearbonus #nycnannyagency #njnannyagency #fairfieldctnannyagencies