First-time employer

[Anonymous]

We are in the process of hiring our first nanny. BTDT parents, do you pay your nanny's health insurance costs? If so, approximately how much does this cost you, and did your nanny search for and select a plan on her own, or did you assist her?

Also, does your contract guarantee your nanny an annual pay raise? If so, how much? I assume the nanny's salary would increase for each subsequent child- is this in addition to an annual pay raise?

I know this might vary a lot, but we are trying to get a feel for the industry standard for this area (DC in particular), if there is one.

[Anonymous]

We did not pay health insurance, but might now that there are options for everyone on the exchange. We can't afford an expensive option, so we'll probably give her $xxx, and share the cost.

I never put annual raises in the contract since there might be a point where we would "top out," or a raise might not be warranted.

[Anonymous]

We give $100 per month towards health insurance and it's up to the caregiver to find their own plan. We guarantee a review with potential for a raise. I would never guarantee a raise.

[Anonymous]

We did not pay health insurance in the first year, but added it as a benefit in year two (partial payment of plan). In year 3 we increased our contribution.

Nanny selects her own coverage (though we did help her try to figure it out as it's kind of a nightmare). You do not want to be in the business of determining his/her necessary or desired level of coverage, nor do you need or want to be privy to the full details of her personal health status.

We do not guarantee annual raises in her contract. We have given them but we do that based on performance and how we want to be as employers. I would never guarantee it as I wouldn't want to be locked in if performance were substandard.

I would increase pay for additional kids, but I don't see why that would have to be in a contract - though maybe the nannies who have been burned would feel that would be a good idea. I would be fine w/ some level of language in a contract around re-evaluating compensation in the event of a significant change in job responsibilities, hours, household needs, etc... If you put language like that in make sure it covers more than one scenario and is protective for both employer and employee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We give $150 per month towards health insurance and it's up to the caregiver to find their own plan. We guarantee a review with potential for a raise. I would never guarantee a raise.

We offer slightly more per month and also guarantee an annual review. Raises are not guaranteed.

[Anonymous]

no insurance.