Paid Time Off
One of the most important things to ask your nanny about is paid time off. Even if you only hire her part-time, you should still ensure she gets time off.
Some employers offer paid vacation and paid sick days. However, these are not federally mandated. You will have to decide for yourself whether or not to offer these benefits to your nanny. Whether you opt for paid vacation or paid sick days, the most important thing is to be clear about what you want from the deal.
The best paid time off plan will allow the nanny to take a break from her duties and enjoy a few moments. For example, if your nanny has a baby or young child, she may want to go for a short trip. Or, if your family is planning a long-awaited vacation, you will have to give your nanny some extra pay for letting them spend the holiday in your home.
Most employers offer at least two weeks of paid time off. This is the industry standard. If your nanny is on the job year-round, however, you may need to be more creative in your approach.
A nanny is an integral member of your family and should be treated as such. Getting a raise is common, but you should not expect to get a bonus for working your shifts.
If your nanny is close to full-time, you should also make sure to get her a week of paid vacation. Generally, the most common holidays that employers pay their workers are Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. But there are a few more.
In addition to paying for time off, you should consider offering nanny mileage reimbursements for driving your children to and from school. Also, be sure to check references before you make your hiring decision.
Taking the time to negotiate your nanny’s salary and benefits properly can be a good way to attract top candidates. While you’re at it, you should also put some money toward a nanny sick plan.
Flexible Schedule
If you’re searching for a full-time nanny, you will want to consider your schedule. You’ll need to ensure your nanny is flexible enough to change her schedule if necessary. Your nanny needs to be willing to work late. The more notice you give your nanny, the better.
Hiring a nanny for your family is a complicated process. During your interview, you’ll need to determine how much time your nanny can spend with your kids and how much care they’ll need. You’ll also need to decide whether you’d like your nanny to be on call. This can be handy if your kids get sick or have an emergency.
For example, your nanny might need to pick up your older child from school and drive him to sports practice. She may need to do laundry or help with your children’s chores. A nanny on the go can also help your children with their homework.
A nanny on the go can also be useful for your children if you’re vacationing. Most parents can’t afford paid holidays, but a nanny on call can keep your kids entertained and busy.
A nanny on the go can also be a lifesaver if you have a young infant. They’ll help your baby sleep through the night. Many nannies can be hired for a few hours at a time. These nannies will usually be able to take your baby on errands and play dates.
Having a nanny on hand can also be a good way to avoid paying for daycare. If your child has an illness or injury, a nanny on the go can provide the necessary care.
Whether hiring a nanny or using a nanny on call, it’s important to have a written contract. This will prevent awkwardness and ensure both parties know the exact responsibilities involved.
Pre-Tax Health Benefit
Hiring a full-time nanny can save you both time and money. However, you may need to learn how to take advantage of tax-advantaged benefits.
You can reduce your taxes and increase your take-home pay when you offer pre-tax health benefits. The Health Insurance Tax Credit for Small Employers is available if you pay half or more of the nanny’s premiums.
In addition, some household employers are now offering stipends for medical care. A professional development stipend can be as high as $1,000, and nannies should check with their employers to determine the health care benefits they are eligible to receive.
You can also use the Health Savings Account (HSA) if your nanny receives health insurance. HSAs are savings accounts that can be used to pay for deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
For example, if you pay your nanny $300 per month for health insurance, you can deduct the cost of the premiums on your itemized tax return. This can give you a significant financial advantage.
Many nannies want to ensure they get the same take-home pay as they would on the books. Getting a written employment agreement is a good way to make this happen.
When hiring a nanny, it’s important to discuss your needs and find a plan that will fit your budget and lifestyle. PeopleKeep can help you find affordable and effective benefits options.
