Nanny has Covid, how to handle sick leave

[Anonymous]

Our nanny (who we worship and want to keep happy) has Covid. I didn't realize we didn't put a sick leave policy in the contract, I thought we did but it only pertained to us giving her Covid, or us having Covid and her needing to quarantine. None of us have it. So far she's been out for five days, which I intend to pay for. How much more should I offer? She is pretty sick. We give 10 vacation days (she's used 9 this year), all Federal holidays plus day after Thanksgiving, her birthday etc and we'll be gone for two weeks this summer and she'll be off and paid. Just not sure what to do here, thank you.

[Anonymous]

You worship her and want to keep her happy? You obviously pay for the duration of her illness. Otherwise you are likely to lose her.

[Anonymous]

Is she vaccinated?

[Anonymous]

Pay her when she’s sick. Give her the time she needs. Otherwise she has to choose between going without pay and exposing you to her illness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is she vaccinated?

Yes, her booster was exactly six months ago though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pay her when she’s sick. Give her the time she needs. Otherwise she has to choose between going without pay and exposing you to her illness.

Ok, we will do this. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pay her when she’s sick. Give her the time she needs. Otherwise she has to choose between going without pay and exposing you to her illness.

+1

[Anonymous]

As a human, I'd hope you pay her for the time she needs.

[Anonymous]

If she is doesn't have a history abusing sick days , pay her otherwise pto

[Anonymous]

You pay her until she’s better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a human, I'd hope you pay her for the time she needs.

NP- I mean, I don't get unlimited sick leave in my job. Most jobs don't provide that. I don't think it's absurd for Op to ask how much sick leave to provide.

[Anonymous]

she's not going to infect you after day 5 but I would pay her until she feels well enough to work. I suspect if you tell her you'll take care of her until she feels well enough to work that if she a good person she will respond with gratitude and not take advantage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:she's not going to infect you after day 5 but I would pay her until she feels well enough to work. I suspect if you tell her you'll take care of her until she feels well enough to work that if she a good person she will respond with gratitude and not take advantage.

I would pay her until she tests negative. The day 5 thing is just a guess/approximation. Many still test positive after day 5.

[Anonymous]

When we had a nanny, it was in her contract that extended leave would be paid at 50% her normal rate. She could either use her PTO days for full pay or take a 50% rate.

We gave her 15 days of PTO per year, plus holidays, her birthday, and she had full paid time off when we went on vacation a few times each year.

It only happened once when she was out for a sick family member and then their death. I think it was around 3 weeks she was out. We paid 50% her rate for those weeks. I think that was fair. She was with our family from when my oldest turned 2 to age 9, almost 10. Definitely the best nanny we ever had and are still in contact with her and her family.

[Anonymous]

As someone who employs a wonderful nanny, this question makes me sad and irritated. It’s a salaried job. She is sick. She gets paid until she’s better. Isn’t that how your salaried job works?? You sound like a lousy employer, TBH.