Scared to lose a fantastic nanny

[Anonymous]

Our truly brilliant, loving and amazing nanny took the job with us because she can walk to work. She cut her regular hourly rate by $5 an hour. Her past employers have been millionaires in huge estates with amazing perks.

She tells us how happy she is with us and our baby lights up when he hears her voice in the morning.

I do everything I can to give our nanny flexibility (rarely takes it) and freedom. But I still worry we’re going to lose her! What else can I do?

[Anonymous]

Never underestimate the power of no commute in this city (or any city). The ability to walk to work is a perk in itself.

Be kind to her, OP. That really is all. She took your position knowing her salary and lack of rich-people perks. Just be kind and respectful. Remember to compliment her when deserved and thank her.

[Anonymous]

If you know she cut her hourly rate, why not increase her pay? If you can’t afford an increase in the hourly rate you’re paying her, then heap praise on her, ask her what other things might increase her job satisfaction, and pay her the biggest holiday bonus you can afford.

[Anonymous]

Duh, give her a raise if you value her. How much is you kids well being worth to you?

[Anonymous]

She may have been lying about her rate.

[Anonymous]

When we couldn't afford to give our cherished nanny a raise I would add in 50 dollar gift cards to trader joes or gas stations with her pay. It was just something to remind her how valued she was. 50 bucks over an 80 hour a week was just 62 cent an hour which seemed insulting but the gift cards didn't seem that way. Just an idea I had that seemed to work for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She may have been lying about her rate.

No she wasn’t. I talked to her last employer who told me what she was paying her. OP here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Duh, give her a raise if you value her. How much is you kids well being worth to you?

OP here. Please understand that I would give this wonderful woman her old rate if there was anyway we could possibly afford it. Even her reduced rate is a stretch for us but my baby’s well being is of utmost importance to us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When we couldn't afford to give our cherished nanny a raise I would add in 50 dollar gift cards to trader joes or gas stations with her pay. It was just something to remind her how valued she was. 50 bucks over an 80 hour a week was just 62 cent an hour which seemed insulting but the gift cards didn't seem that way. Just an idea I had that seemed to work for us.

Thanks! This is a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never underestimate the power of no commute in this city (or any city). The ability to walk to work is a perk in itself.

Be kind to her, OP. That really is all. She took your position knowing her salary and lack of rich-people perks. Just be kind and respectful. Remember to compliment her when deserved and thank her.

OP here. Will do! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never underestimate the power of no commute in this city (or any city). The ability to walk to work is a perk in itself.

Be kind to her, OP. That really is all. She took your position knowing her salary and lack of rich-people perks. Just be kind and respectful. Remember to compliment her when deserved and thank her.

Great! Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. The jobs that mean the most to me are ones where I feel appreciated and listened to. If she brings up and issue with your kid, listen and really consider it, and if you take her suggestions give her credit for the idea! I can’t tell you how many nanny employers remember all my ideas and suggestions as things they independently thought of on their own, and it makes me feel so under-valued. It is also much easier to work with people who are on the same page wrt things like discipline, scheduling, and overall philosophy (e.g., I am a get-outside-and-play nanny and I am never happy for long working with families who want me doing worksheets with their 3-year-old).

One other thing that is always nice: every so often, if you can, come home a little early and let her go home too, or if you have a random day off work for Columbus day or something, give her the day, or at least let her come in late so that she can sleep in. Of course I mean without cutting her pay for the week. Most nannies work long hours by the nature of the job (we have to work all the hours you work, plus all the hours you commute), so a break is usually much appreciated.

Finally, if you would be open to a nanny share, you could offer to let her find another family that she thinks would be a good fit if she ever decides that she needs to be making more. That would save you money but keep your beloved nanny if she and you were both interested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nanny here. The jobs that mean the most to me are ones where I feel appreciated and listened to. If she brings up and issue with your kid, listen and really consider it, and if you take her suggestions give her credit for the idea! I can’t tell you how many nanny employers remember all my ideas and suggestions as things they independently thought of on their own, and it makes me feel so under-valued. It is also much easier to work with people who are on the same page wrt things like discipline, scheduling, and overall philosophy (e.g., I am a get-outside-and-play nanny and I am never happy for long working with families who want me doing worksheets with their 3-year-old).

One other thing that is always nice: every so often, if you can, come home a little early and let her go home too, or if you have a random day off work for Columbus day or something, give her the day, or at least let her come in late so that she can sleep in. Of course I mean without cutting her pay for the week. Most nannies work long hours by the nature of the job (we have to work all the hours you work, plus all the hours you commute), so a break is usually much appreciated.

Finally, if you would be open to a nanny share, you could offer to let her find another family that she thinks would be a good fit if she ever decides that she needs to be making more. That would save you money but keep your beloved nanny if she and you were both interested.

Thanks! I don’t want a share and nanny is against them but I love your perspective. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Always let Nanny know how valued + respected she is by thanking her often and letting her know you appreciate this + that.

To me as a Nanny, receiving praise and gratitude mean so much to me.

[Anonymous]

Give her extra perks of time. Come home early occasionally, go in a bit later occasionally, give her an extra vacation day or two. Time off means a lot.