Holiday bonuses are not standard, but they are very common. If your nanny has earned it through exceptional service, then give what you think is appropriate.

Nannies above are right in that when bonuses are given, it's common that they are a week's wages.

Anonymous wrote:I've never discussed bonuses during the interview process in 11 years of nannying. That's not something you negotiate or put into a contract. A bonus is given when you have EARNED it. The majority of families I've worked for have given me 1-2 weeks pay as my holiday bonus, plus additional paid time off.

In many industries it's common to negotiate bonuses in advance. They may be performance related, but certainly not always. Just look at IRS employees demanding their bonuses, inspite of ripping us off blind with unbelievable waste of our hard earned tax money.

Anonymous wrote:In 10+ years of nannying I have always received a bonus. Anywhere from $250 to 2 weeks pay. At my newest position, I didn't receive a thing! I love this family, and they always tell me how appreciative of me they are. But in all honesty it hurt not to get a bonus. I know they have the money, they multi-billionaires.

Wow. Unbelievable.

In 10+ years of nannying I have always received a bonus. Anywhere from $250 to 2 weeks pay. At my newest position, I didn't receive a thing! I love this family, and they always tell me how appreciative of me they are. But in all honesty it hurt not to get a bonus. I know they have the money, they multi-billionaires.

I've never discussed bonuses during the interview process in 11 years of nannying. That's not something you negotiate or put into a contract. A bonus is given when you have EARNED it. The majority of families I've worked for have given me 1-2 weeks pay as my holiday bonus, plus additional paid time off.

Anonymous wrote:My employers give me an extra month's income every December. It is quite generous of them.

Okay, let's say this is true. What is your goal in posting this? Do you honestly believe that this is typical or even readable for the majority of families, or a realistic expectation a nanny should have? Your post is not helpful, and does us nannies no good in getting our points across. A weeks pay is a good standard, but anything above or below that is fine so long as your nanny receives the appreciation she deserves. Most professional nannies typically receive 1 weeks pay, and may take no bonus or something significantly less than that as a message that she is not meeting or exceeding your expectations. If that is not the case, and you can't afford a weeks pay, a thoughtful cards, words of acknowledgement, etc. along with whatever you can/feel like giving is perfectly acceptable.

An agency will tell you that at least one week's pay is the standard holiday bonus (and has been true in my experience). You don't need to discuss it, though, unless you absolutely will not be able to give any bonuses throughout the year. If that's the case, tell the nanny upfront so she's not anticipating it and won't feel hurt or unappreciated when she doesn't receive one.

My employers give me an extra month's income every December. It is quite generous of them.

So this is a constant debate on DCUM every year around XMas. Nannies will claim that they get several weeks bonus..right. Others claim that everyone gives one week.um no. Other posters will contribute that they give a gift card, a few hundred dollars and some do give a week.

There is no standard. We gave our nanny a bonus because we really, really love her and she is not one of these lazy sit on the couch during nap time type nannies. She took her initiative to start cleaning and make our lives so much easier. She was thrilled to get a one week bonus and had not received one from previous employers. I had asked neighbors and friends and no one else had heard of the standard bonus.

I would not include it in the negotiations as a bonus should be a reward for exceeding expectations not basic job performance. It also isn't guaranteed compensation, its at the discretion of the employer. I would recommend that you set your budget to allow for the possibility that you may really want to give your nanny a one week bonus if she really earns it but not see it as an obligation for her just doing her job well. You could also ask during your reference check whether they gave annual bonuses so you understand if any of your candidates are coming in with expectations.

Okay, then yes a holiday bonus/gift is standard, but how much you give is up to you. A weeks worth of pay was once the standard, but with the increase of middle class families hiring nannies as opposed to a time when only wealthy people had nannies, many MBs will argue that its not necessary/can't afford it. Whatever you give, if it is accompanied with heartfelt appreciation, that is what matters. I'd much rather get $100 from a wonderful appreciative family, than a huge bonus from a family that treats me like crap and gives the bonus because "that is what's done".

OP, I was refering the yearly raise/bonus and holiday bonus. I am wondering if we are expected to provide these versus a gift card. This is the first time I am hiring a full-time nanny.
PP, seems like you have very generous employers!

There really is no standard.. I don't no if you're from the D.C. area or not but where I'm from very little nannies actually get over a weeks worth of pay for the holidays. Most get $100 or $200 and some small gifts. Again, it may be different in the DC area.

If you're talking about a random bonus, my bosses occasionally tell me to treat myself and a friend on my work credit card during the weekend. I appreciate that gesture.

I received no holiday bonus, but I did receive a raise and didn't have to use my vacation days for Christmas.

What kind of bonus? If you mean a holiday bonus, there is debate about how much, but it is relatively standard. If you mean a thank for being wonderful type bonus for no particular occasion, a thank you card would be a lovely unexpected gesture and I'd suggest saving any cash bonus for around the holidays.

For the DC area is it standard to provide bonuses for nannies or is this something that should be discussed before the position start?
Is it acceptable to just offer a thank card and or gift card instead of a cash bonus? MBs, DBs, and nannies please chime in. Thanks!