Written by Brooke Strickland for Nannies Plus

Believe it or not, the end of 2022 is right around the corner.

With this time of year being a season of giving, it is standard for families to recognize their nanny or family assistant with a holiday bonus. There are many great reasons why you should consider participating in this trend. We have included just a few of them below.

#1: It’s common practice.  

It’s your choice whether to provide a bonus or not, but keep in mind that a large majority of household employers recognize their nannies or family assistants in this way. Try to calculate the bonus into your annual budget so you aren’t caught off guard when bonus time arrives.

#2: It’s a thoughtful and generous way to say thank you.

Nannies and family assistants give loving, attentive care to your children (and home!) daily. Providing a bonus shows your gratitude for what they do for your family and acknowledges that you value their efforts and commitment.

#3: Recognition creates longstanding loyalty with your nanny.

Finding a nanny or family assistant that you love is important so creating a relationship with them that stands the test of time is key. Treating them with respect and recognizing their hard work regularly with a ‘thank you’ and a bonus is one way to build greater loyalty. A nanny or family assistant that feels underappreciated or overworked may not give their best, or they might even consider finding a new job somewhere else.

#4: You can get creative with the bonus.
While money is the most common type of bonus, there are some great alternative options out there, too. For example, consider gifting your nanny with an airline gift card that pays their way to see their family and friends on a trip. Or gift them with extra days of paid time off so they can relax and re-energize. Another idea is to give them a substantial gift card for a place where they love to shop or eat.

Remember, holiday cash bonuses are taxable income, and must be reported accordingly.

If you aren’t sure how to properly calculate this into your nanny’s wages, talk to a household payroll specialist to make sure you get it right. Nannies Plus partners exclusively with HomeWork Solutions to help family teams pay their nannies and family assistants accurately and on time.

If you are looking for a new professional nanny or family assistant to join your family team in Sonoma County, San Francisco, the East Bay, or Marin, call us today to start the search. We look forward to helping you find the perfect person to join your family team!