How to Keep Your Nanny or Family Assistant Happy On the Job

Written by Brooke Strickland for Nannies Plus

A thriving family team is invaluable!

When you find the right nanny or family assistant that you absolutely love and who fits well into the dynamics of your busy home, you want to make sure you keep them happy on the job!

Here are some tips on how to do that.

#1: Recognize and reward a job well done.

An undervalued employee may feel disrespected or unappreciated. To avoid this, encourage your employee by telling them that they are doing a good job. If you see them going above and beyond, reward them with a bonus, a raise, or an unexpected paid afternoon off. An employee that feels seen and heard is someone who will continue to give their best!

#2: Don’t overwork them.

Don’t assume that your nanny or family assistant can always stay late or adjust their hours to accommodate your schedule. This may make them feel like they are being taken advantage of. They usually have families and schedules of their own, so they likely will not take kindly to being overworked in the long term. Be respectful of their personal time!

#3: Stick to their assigned job duties.

When you first hired your nanny or family assistant, you agreed on a set of primary job duties. Don’t start adding extra duties without discussing it with them or without increasing their wage! One of the best ways to avoid confusion about job duties is to have a written work agreement upon hiring. That way, both parties know what is expected. If more or different duties need to be added, they can be written into the contract, after you both agree.

#4: Pay them fairly.

Fair compensation is not just the right thing to do, it is a legal obligation. If you don’t compensate your employee well or pay them the proper overtime when they work late, they may start looking for a new job sooner rather than later. So, from the get-go, offer a fair and competitive wage with benefits that keep them happy, healthy, and committed to your family and the job.

There are wonderful nannies and family assistants looking for positions in San Francisco, the East Bay, and in Marin and Sonoma counties. If you’re looking for a wonderful addition to your family team, let us help introduce you! Contact us today to get started.