No benefits for Nanny

[Anonymous]

MB here. We hired a full-time nanny several months ago, she has lots of childcare experience, but this is her first nanny gig. I am sure she is aware that full-time nannies often get some benefits or other, but she has never asked us for any. Once when I had to cancel her coming in the following day, I gave her some extra cash, about half of what she would have made for that day, and she was hesitant about taking it and asked me a couple times if I was sure. The sense I get is she is the kind of person who does not like to take money for hours she did not work because she did not "earn" it. On one hand, I feel guilty about not paying her benefits because if only she asked, I definitely would, and I also feel like it is a way of showing her my appreciation. OTOH, we are saving thousands of dollars. Am I overthinking this? Should I just lose the guilt and be happy that she does not expect anything more from us? I don't worry that she will leave us for a better-paying gig.

[Anonymous]

Keep riding it out until she wises up. Why pay her what she doesn't feel she is entitled too? That like going to a country where tipping is not a thing and insisting the waitress take a tip anyways even if you are making them uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

You're an ass and a half.

[Anonymous]

You should worry she will leave. Nannies talk, so you'd better keep her hidden in a cupboard.

[Anonymous]

You should have paid her the full hours.

[Anonymous]

Why not do the right thing and educate her?
Or you can continue to take advantage of her.

Your children learn by your actions, believe it or not.

[Anonymous]

What benefits are you referring to? You should give her vacation, sick leave and some paid holidays.

[Anonymous]

You gave her a day off and didnt pay her for the full day? What is wrong with you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MB here. We hired a full-time nanny several months ago, she has lots of childcare experience, but this is her first nanny gig. I am sure she is aware that full-time nannies often get some benefits or other, but she has never asked us for any. Once when I had to cancel her coming in the following day, I gave her some extra cash, about half of what she would have made for that day, and she was hesitant about taking it and asked me a couple times if I was sure. The sense I get is she is the kind of person who does not like to take money for hours she did not work because she did not "earn" it. On one hand, I feel guilty about not paying her benefits because if only she asked, I definitely would, and I also feel like it is a way of showing her my appreciation. OTOH, we are saving thousands of dollars. Am I overthinking this? Should I just lose the guilt and be happy that she does not expect anything more from us? I don't worry that she will leave us for a better-paying gig.

Just think if someone do this to you and your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What benefits are you referring to? You should give her vacation, sick leave and some paid holidays.

This. There may even be laws where you live requiring some paid time off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MB here. We hired a full-time nanny several months ago, she has lots of childcare experience, but this is her first nanny gig. I am sure she is aware that full-time nannies often get some benefits or other, but she has never asked us for any. Once when I had to cancel her coming in the following day, I gave her some extra cash, about half of what she would have made for that day, and she was hesitant about taking it and asked me a couple times if I was sure. The sense I get is she is the kind of person who does not like to take money for hours she did not work because she did not "earn" it. On one hand, I feel guilty about not paying her benefits because if only she asked, I definitely would, and I also feel like it is a way of showing her my appreciation. OTOH, we are saving thousands of dollars. Am I overthinking this? Should I just lose the guilt and be happy that she does not expect anything more from us? I don't worry that she will leave us for a better-paying gig.

OP did you even draw up a nanny/employer agreement? If this nanny is full-time of 40 hours a week, if yes then she should get paid even if you do not need her. Being paid for employment is different then what a benefit is so yes do pay her. You are also correct nannies do talk but with benefits, there are the usual but this is all negotiated with an agreement.

[Anonymous]

Legally you are not required to pay benefits for the nanny. it is you descertions .

[Anonymous]

I am truly sorry if I sound snarky here OP, but I found your post disturbing to read.

So in order for you to secure benefits for your nanny, you will put her in the unenviable position of having to bring it up herself.....?????????!!

Are you serious????

As her employer you shouldn't put her in such a position! I mean....My Lord! She loves AND cares for your precious child so you can earn a living!!

This is the last person on the planet who you should be cutting co$ts with!!

Do the right thing now & offer her what you can afford to.

There is no wiser investment you can ever make in your life, trust me.
And you will reap dividends every day!

[Anonymous]

Legally, you are probably fine as long as you are paying for all hours worked, and 1.5x for any hours considered overtime where you live.

Many states do require some paid time off, but it tends ot be minimal (like 3 days a year).

However, please do a little soul searching. You are this woman's full time job and sole source of income. Would you consider your job a "good" one if you were the employee? Or, would you constantly worry about how to afford a vacation or a sick day, or how you would pay your bills if your employer was out one day?

This is not an extra side job like for a 12 year old after school. It's a real, grown up job, and you are a real, grown up boss. Right now, you are acting like the kind of boss that gets pointed to when cities start mandating benefits, because people are being taken advantage of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're an ass and a half.

This. You feel guilty because you should. You told her not to come and paid her half of what you should have owed her? You will reap what you sow, you should just hope no one ever treats your children so crapily.