Are bonuses for appreciation or in expectation of future?

[Anonymous]

I won't be with my nanny family after July. MB mentioned that they have a spring bonus for me. I refused it. It was always my thought that bonuses are a way of retaining good employees. Since they obviously can't retain me, then their childcare budget should be spent on the proccess of hiring a new nanny. What do others think?

[Anonymous]

In case I wasn't clear, she definitely knows I am leaving.

[Anonymous]

I think bonuses should be given for appreciation and they should not be expected, nor should they be a "retainer" for future service. I also think people who wait to quit a job to get a holiday or yearly bonus are shady

[Anonymous]

If she knew you were leaving and still wanted to give it to you I don't understand your choice to refuse it at all.

[Anonymous]

It is a bit of both, but not a retainer. Receiving a bonus has a way of blurring my memory of the annoying things my NF has done throughout the year, which will make me less likely to continue to work with them. I wouldn't however feel like I had to stay with them until released because they gave me a bonus. If she knows you're leaving, and offered a bonus still, it is obviously not about retention.

[Anonymous]

Bonuses are not to ensure good service going forward - they're to show appreciation for work done.

[Anonymous]

Maybe she wanted to give you the bonus as a way of thanking you for your months/years of great service to the family.

It is a generous offering and it is entirely up to you OP whether or not to accept it.

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.............

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I won't be with my nanny family after July. MB mentioned that they have a spring bonus for me. I refused it. It was always my thought that bonuses are a way of retaining good employees. Since they obviously can't retain me, then their childcare budget should be spent on the proccess of hiring a new nanny. What do others think?

It sounds like you are angry with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I won't be with my nanny family after July. MB mentioned that they have a spring bonus for me. I refused it. It was always my thought that bonuses are a way of retaining good employees. Since they obviously can't retain me, then their childcare budget should be spent on the proccess of hiring a new nanny. What do others think?

It sounds like you are angry with them.

I agree too,she's is very upset....

[Anonymous]

I'm an MB. I give bonuses as a sign of appreciation, and because I want our nanny to continue to feel recognized and appreciated.

If she gave notice when I was already planning to give her a bonus (and assuming this was all on good terms) I would still give the bonus.

Your reaction seems strange to me OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I won't be with my nanny family after July. MB mentioned that they have a spring bonus for me. I refused it. It was always my thought that bonuses are a way of retaining good employees. Since they obviously can't retain me, then their childcare budget should be spent on the proccess of hiring a new nanny. What do others think?

It sounds like you are angry with them.

I agree too,she's is very upset....

OP here. Not at all. I meant that they "obviously cannot retain me" because I already quit. It it obvious that I am leaving (for reasons unrelated to the family--personal stuff). And they have mentioned that they are worried about money, etc and I know they are having trouble finding a suitable replacement. I just feel guilty already about leaving and can't imagine taking a bonus that could be spent on agency fees or something on top of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an MB. I give bonuses as a sign of appreciation, and because I want our nanny to continue to feel recognized and appreciated.

If she gave notice when I was already planning to give her a bonus (and assuming this was all on good terms) I would still give the bonus.

Your reaction seems strange to me OP.

Thanks. I guess it is strange. I just feel very guilty about leaving and wish that it weren't neccessary.

[Anonymous]

If you already refused it not much point worrying about it now. I think the bonus must have been in appreciation of your hard work and that they wanted you to have it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you already refused it not much point worrying about it now. I think the bonus must have been in appreciation of your hard work and that they wanted you to have it.

Yes, I am not really asking what to do, I was just surprised that they offered and wondered if my understanding of bonuses was a little off, which it aounds like it is.