How Do You Educate Your Employer About Bonus?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could always make a comment about how you were reading a really great article about being a great boss and how your boss has some of those qualities. You could offer to forward the link. There are several out there - google throws up a few.

Or look for an article about how to keep your nanny - I've read a few on the net and mention it and offer to forward link - obviously you will need to make sure the article you find mentions a bonus!

Lol, that's not obvious AT ALL.

[Anonymous]

You could just tell them that you are greedy and are expecting a bonus, even though many, many people in different industries do not receive one.

[Anonymous]

As an MB, I'm trying to think about a way in which it wouldn't be off-putting and coming up short. I do find it a bit hard to believe that they don't know at all that some nanny employers give a bonus in December. So I think you would really run the risk of hinting at something they already know about and have chosen not to do - they may disagree with you that it's standard, they may think they're paying you to do your job and that you haven't gone so so far beyond that job description that more money is needed, they may feel they give you lots of perks and appreciation otherwise, they may just be cheap and think they can keep you without the expense of the bonus, who knows?

Do they give you gifts otherwise?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could just tell them that you are greedy and are expecting a bonus, even though many, many people in different industries do not receive one.

Expecting a bonus, when you know you've done above and beyond your job, in an industry where it is common practice doesn't make someone greedy. You however sound bitter. Does a waiter/waitress who doesn't get a tip, even if their only mistake is serving cheap patrons, not have a right to be miffed? If you have earned, but don't receive one, it says something about your employers. They're either uninformed, cheap, or they don't appreciate your performance. It leaves a nanny guessing and looking for greener pastures.

[Anonymous]

OP here- thanks for the replies. I know it does sound greedy to expect a bonus. But I am 100% sure that my bosses don't understand customary nanny practices. They are absolutely wonderful people, but completely clueless.

I know for sure they can afford to give a bonus, they are multi-billionaires and live a life of extreme luxury. And they grew up that way. They tell me daily that they appreciate everything I do. They do notice how I go above and beyond.

I like how PP used the "Server not receiving a tip" comparison. I see at many touristy restaurants around the city have a note to international tourists, that it is customary to tip in the US. Tipping is optional in restaurants but it is customary. Just like a nanny bonus is customary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- thanks for the replies. I know it does sound greedy to expect a bonus. But I am 100% sure that my bosses don't understand customary nanny practices. They are absolutely wonderful people, but completely clueless.

I know for sure they can afford to give a bonus, they are multi-billionaires and live a life of extreme luxury. And they grew up that way. They tell me daily that they appreciate everything I do. They do notice how I go above and beyond.

I like how PP used the "Server not receiving a tip" comparison. I see at many touristy restaurants around the city have a note to international tourists, that it is customary to tip in the US. Tipping is optional in restaurants but it is customary. Just like a nanny bonus is customary.

Do they show you appreciation in other ways? High salary? Extra days off? Etc? Did they give you a holiday gift?

[Anonymous]

First time nanny employer here who has never received a holiday bonus in my nonprofit career. When do people give out bonuses? I was thinking of doing the card the last day before the holidays but my husband says we should do it this week.

Op, maybe it's still coming? Or maybe you're right and they have no idea it is common. I know though if my nanny mentioned it to me I would feel awkward, though I sometimes wonder if she doesn't think things I do, like give her extra paid weeks off, are perks. She sort of acts like extra vacation is expected, which to be honest rubs me the wrong way and make me not want to give a huge bonus.

[Anonymous]

To all the posters complaining that they never get a bonus, why exactly do you think bonuses are common? They really aren't common in the DC area. I don't know anyone who gets one. Gift cards and presents yes but these full week bonuses are not very common. You shouldn't feel bad it isn't a reflection on your performance.

[Anonymous]

OP here-

13:03 PP- I get paid mediocre for my level. Not bad, not great. They again are clueless on pay too. I don't get paid holidays. They don't give holiday gifts or birthday gifts. But they often re-gift gifts to me. Sometimes great gifts they got from someone else . But they do show appreciation with constant kind words. That's why I have stayed with them. But words don't pay the bills.

13:11 PP- I don't think a bonus will come. It didn't last year. I've already given them their Hanukkah gifts last week. I would be really appreciative for extra vacation PP .

[Anonymous]

It is customary to give a bonus to anyone you hire in the service industry. House cleaners, hair dresser, nanny, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To all the posters complaining that they never get a bonus, why exactly do you think bonuses are common? They really aren't common in the DC area. I don't know anyone who gets one. Gift cards and presents yes but these full week bonuses are not very common. You shouldn't feel bad it isn't a reflection on your performance.

I had never heard of a nanny bonus, until my MIL asked me if I received one. She ran an in home daycare at one point and had always gotten tips from her families. I then started seeing the threads on here about it each year, with MBs asking what/when to give it, nannies claiming they get obscene amounts of money etc. I know some of them are lying, but its hard to see this year after year, along with the articles on websites and so on, and I have NEVER gotten one and my gift (if i get one)is usually in the range of $10-$20. It just really sucks having it be so in your face. Maybe its not actually common, but I have a hard time believing that. If I know about it, without actively seeking out the info, why don't my employers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here-

13:03 PP- I get paid mediocre for my level. Not bad, not great. They again are clueless on pay too. I don't get paid holidays. They don't give holiday gifts or birthday gifts. But they often re-gift gifts to me. Sometimes great gifts they got from someone else . But they do show appreciation with constant kind words. That's why I have stayed with them. But words don't pay the bills.

13:11 PP- I don't think a bonus will come. It didn't last year. I've already given them their Hanukkah gifts last week. I would be really appreciative for extra vacation PP .

OP, if they don't give holiday gifts or birthday gifts and they regift things to you instead, then they're probably just close-hold with their money. It sounds like your compensation "package" isn't going to change with them. So if you really can't justify staying, start looking and find something else or you're going to have to point-blank ask for a raise or paid holidays or whatever you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- thanks for the replies. I know it does sound greedy to expect a bonus. But I am 100% sure that my bosses don't understand customary nanny practices. They are absolutely wonderful people, but completely clueless.

I know for sure they can afford to give a bonus, they are multi-billionaires and live a life of extreme luxury. And they grew up that way. They tell me daily that they appreciate everything I do. They do notice how I go above and beyond.

I like how PP used the "Server not receiving a tip" comparison. I see at many touristy restaurants around the city have a note to international tourists, that it is customary to tip in the US. Tipping is optional in restaurants but it is customary. Just like a nanny bonus is customary.

It is tacky to have a sign at restaurants telling people it is customary to tip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could just tell them that you are greedy and are expecting a bonus, even though many, many people in different industries do not receive one.

Expecting a bonus, when you know you've done above and beyond your job, in an industry where it is common practice doesn't make someone greedy. You however sound bitter. Does a waiter/waitress who doesn't get a tip, even if their only mistake is serving cheap patrons, not have a right to be miffed? If you have earned, but don't receive one, it says something about your employers. They're either uninformed, cheap, or they don't appreciate your performance. It leaves a nanny guessing and looking for greener pastures.

Here is the difference, I don't EXPECT a bonus for going above and beyond my job. When you do your job, what you have earned is your salary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could just tell them that you are greedy and are expecting a bonus, even though many, many people in different industries do not receive one.

Expecting a bonus, when you know you've done above and beyond your job, in an industry where it is common practice doesn't make someone greedy. You however sound bitter. Does a waiter/waitress who doesn't get a tip, even if their only mistake is serving cheap patrons, not have a right to be miffed? If you have earned, but don't receive one, it says something about your employers. They're either uninformed, cheap, or they don't appreciate your performance. It leaves a nanny guessing and looking for greener pastures.

Here is the difference, I don't EXPECT a bonus for going above and beyond my job. When you do your job, what you have earned is your salary.

Your salary and benefits probably already reflect the expectation that you will kill yourself for the job. If I were making 6 figures, I wouldn't expect anything more than my salary either. People in service industries often perform extremely important jobs for very little pay. A bonus says thank you, we value your work, and we know you deserve more.