Opinion needed on holiday bonus

[Anonymous]

So, we have had our nanny for less than a year. 8 months to be exact. When we hired her we were in a major bind and used her based on a friends reference. Overall, she did an okay job with the kids. My baby adored her, but my oldest was just okay with her. We kept her because she was responsible and reliable. and she was extremely grateful for the opportunity. unfortuantely, she called me on thanksgiving and told me that she had a family emergency in her country and was leaving the next day. Since, she left I have heard from her over email. A family member passed away unexpectedly. And, she won't be returning until the end of January. However, she would love for us to hold her job. And, wants to work with us.

Obviously, we hired someone else. And, did a through search this time. We are extremely happy with the woman that we hired!
Would you still give a bonus upon return for the months she worked? Or just move on......

[Anonymous]

I would move on. Not because you are trying to be cruel, but because you've severed ties with her, she's probably upset about losing her job and it's best to let time heal all wounds at this point.

[Anonymous]

If you want to be nice, send a nice card with $200.00 and move on....

[Anonymous]

I'd move on after telling her you're sorry but you can't hold the job for her. Sympathies for the death in her family, and write her a letter of reference and that's it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd move on after telling her you're sorry but you can't hold the job for her. Sympathies for the death in her family, and write her a letter of reference and that's it.

And be willing to field a few calls to verify the letter. Without verification, the letter isn't worth a thing.

[Anonymous]

Nope I wouldn't give a bonus. I would send her a nice note and wish her well, and I would give her a good reference and tell her you'll be happy to do that.

But a bonus? Nope.