Bonuses and Raises

Bonuses and Raises
compliments of: www.bestnannynewsletter.com

Q: I am a parent that has employed a nanny for the first time. What is an appropriate Christmas bonus and end of the year (Anniversary) bonus?



A: American nannies expect one week salary for holiday tipping/Christmas bonus. If you cannot afford one week salary be sure to speak to the nanny about this so that s/he is not insulted. Nannies that do not receive at least one week salary for a holiday bonus will feel insulted or assume that the smaller bonus is due to poor work performance.



End of the year/Anniversary bonuses are great but American nannies expect a raise at the end of each year. Sometimes families cannot afford to give their nanny a raise each year. If you feel that you cannot afford a raise at the end of each year discuss this with the nanny or s/he will feel insulted or believe s/he did not get the raise due to poor work performance. Salary raises above the cost of living should be determined with written job evaluations. You can ask your nanny agency for evaluation forms or use the forms enclosed in the June 2006 issue of Be the Best Nanny Monthly Guide.



Keep in mind that the best incentive for good job performance and keeping your nanny is paying her/him a salary higher than average. Also remember that when giving raises and bonuses that no one wants to work for a cheap family.