Hiring a nanny is more than just employing someone to look after your children; it’s about welcoming a trusted individual into your family’s daily life. From fostering your child’s growth to managing your home in your absence, nannies do a lot for your family. Recognizing their efforts with timely raises is essential. Unsure when to give your nanny a raise? Let’s break it down:
- Annual Review: Like most employment scenarios, nannies should have annual reviews where performance and salary are discussed. Evaluate their job performance, including punctuality, reliability, and how well they engage with your child(ren). Consider annual increases to account for inflation and increased living costs. Recognize your nanny’s ongoing commitment. A raise shows appreciation for their dedicated service over the years. If, for some reason, you don’t feel your nanny’s performance merits a raise, it is extremely important to let them know what they can do better to earn a raise in the future, and to decide whether this nanny is still the right fit for your family.
- Increased Responsibilities: If your family expands, so does the nanny’s workload. When you have a new baby, or if older children need more attention, consider a raise. Assigning extra tasks like meal preparation, additional household chores, etc. should come with a salary boost.
When your nanny handles unexpected situations with grace, consistently exceeds your expectations, and/or receives positive feedback from your child(ren), it’s time to reward their hard work. - Professional Development: If your nanny has taken courses or received certifications in relevant areas, this added expertise benefits your family, and should be compensated. Nannies who obtain higher education degrees in child care, education, or other related fields can command higher pay due to their enhanced skills and knowledge.
- Market Changes: Regularly check average nanny salaries in your area. If you find your nanny’s pay below the median, it’s probably time for a raise. If your nanny receives or mentions better offers, it is a good idea to match or exceed these in order to retain them.
What if you can’t offer a raise? Although it’s customary to give an annual raise, it’s not always financially possible for families to give a raise. However, even a small increase is better than no raise. Like you, nannies are professionals who rely on their compensation to cover their expenses, so it is a cost you will want to prioritize budgeting. If a raise is truly impossible, make sure to have a discussion with your nanny about when they can expect the raise.
Raising your nanny’s salary is more than just adjusting their pay; it’s a means of showing respect and gratitude for their important role in your family. Regularly reviewing your nanny’s performance, responsibilities, and the competitive landscape ensures they feel valued and motivated. Keep communication open and discuss performance and salary transparently to maintain a professional and happy relationship.