Holiday Bonus for Nanny of 2 Weeks?

[Anonymous]

We would absolutely, typically give our nanny 1 week pay as an annual/holiday bonus. In this case, she’s been with us just 2 weeks and then we’re taking 2 weeks off for the holidays so need to decide on a bonus amount now. I am inclined to do 1/2 week pay now but don’t want to be cheap or have her think we don’t appreciate her. 2 weeks in and we think she’s awesome but a whole week’s pay seems like a lot fora 2-week relationship. Thoughts on amount or how to handle?

[Anonymous]

Of course you prorate. Two weeks in she's not going to get a full weeks pay.

[Anonymous]

My goodness! I’m very generous and err of side of too much but a box of chocolate for two weeks* is plenty!! Are you paying her for the two weeks you’re gone OR was she told before hire that she wasn’t being paid? If paying / chocolate covered. If not - give her $50 and thank her for being there when you get back.

*If you give her $$$ for working two weeks-what do you give next year to recognize for 52 weeks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My goodness! I’m very generous and err of side of too much but a box of chocolate for two weeks* is plenty!! Are you paying her for the two weeks you’re gone OR was she told before hire that she wasn’t being paid? If paying / chocolate covered. If not - give her $50 and thank her for being there when you get back.

*If you give her $$$ for working two weeks-what do you give next year to recognize for 52 weeks?

Agreed, except make it $100.

[Anonymous]

Skip the chocolate, it's what you give when you don't have any other ideas.

She's a nanny so cash will be welcome and a small token coming from the kids.

[Anonymous]

Assuming the two weeks off for the holidays are paid, I would give her a $25 gift card to Target or Starbucks.

If the two weeks aren't paid, you've got bigger problems, and a small bonus won't fix that.

[Anonymous]

As long as you are paying her for your 2 weeks of vacation, you can give her $100 and a card with a note saying how glad you are that she is caring for your kids.

If you are not paying her for those 2 weeks...she may spend them looking for a new job.

[Anonymous]

I would pay her for the two weeks, $100 and a small gift.

[Anonymous]

I think 1/2 week makes plenty of sense. But remember that bonuses aren't for performance last year--they're for what you want next year. You leave a bad taste in her mouth and you're gonna have a bad time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think 1/2 week makes plenty of sense. But remember that bonuses aren't for performance last year--they're for what you want next year. You leave a bad taste in her mouth and you're gonna have a bad time.

m

Jeez. A bonus is for PAST PERFORMANCE. A bonus isn’t a bribe given to a grown adult when you want them to do a good job in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think 1/2 week makes plenty of sense. But remember that bonuses aren't for performance last year--they're for what you want next year. You leave a bad taste in her mouth and you're gonna have a bad time.

m

Jeez. A bonus is for PAST PERFORMANCE. A bonus isn’t a bribe given to a grown adult when you want them to do a good job in the future.

Yeah that's why I posted. So many people think this. It's not true or a helpful way to think about things. You pay the bonus so they don't quit/start looking for new job. All bonuses are really retention bonuses.

[Anonymous]

In my mind it might matter if you think her former employer for the past year will give her a holiday bonus. If I had a nanny all year that left in early December I would still send a gift to her to thank her for the year (or maybe would have given one upon her departure). If she’s not getting a holiday bonus from anyone else (and I realize there’s no way for you to know for sure most likely) I’d still do at least half a week of pay. Our normal bonus is 2+ weeks of pay but I get that she hasn’t been around very long. It’s been a hard year for everyone

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think 1/2 week makes plenty of sense. But remember that bonuses aren't for performance last year--they're for what you want next year. You leave a bad taste in her mouth and you're gonna have a bad time.

m

Jeez. A bonus is for PAST PERFORMANCE. A bonus isn’t a bribe given to a grown adult when you want them to do a good job in the future.

. +1

Two weeks is a very short time to accrue a bonus. If you do you are extremely generous and a better person than I am. I might get her a $100 gift card and a box of chocolates

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for everyone’s helpful replies. Yes, the 2 weeks are paid and was trying to think through an appropriate cash holiday bonus and you’ve all given me good info/options to consider. Many thanks!!

[Anonymous]

$50- $100 gift card is plenty.