Thursday

Bonus for a Brand New Nanny Share?

Received Thursday, December 20, 2007-Perspective & Opinion
Hi there,
You seem like "experts" in this area, so I hope you can help answer my question. :)

We just entered into a nanny share with another family on Monday, the 17th. We are wondering what to give our nanny as a bonus for the holidays. From what I've read, a one- to two-week bonus is typical. HOWEVER, for the 5 days she will have worked for us pre-Christmas, this seems a bit excessive. We're thinking more like $50-100. Her weekly salary (our portion) is $325. She's gets 10 days of paid vacation and 3 sick days, and we are paying for her vacation from Dec 28-Jan 4th (again only having her for about a week).

What do you think? Generous enough? Do we need to coordinate with the other family too (they've had the nanny for about 3 months)? The nanny share is at their house.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

It seems to me it would make sense to coordinate with the other families, but that since she has worked for you SO briefly, the bonus they give her should be based on the longer experience they have with her, and assuming you are still part of the nanny share next year, give her the full bonus. I'm no expert though.

If a nanny has worked for one family for all of one week, does she still get a full week's salary as a bonus?

Anonymous said...

I think a full weeks salary may be a bit much. If the other family is really happy with her, and so far you like what you see ... maybe you should at least consider a good percentage of it.
But I definately think the other family should be responsible for a more than fair portion of the bonus since she's been with them longer.

Anonymous said...

Give her $100 dollars. She won't be expecting it and it will go along way to building a good relationship. This is assuming of course that your first week went well.

Anonymous said...

i think considering she has only worked for you for one week-$100 is quite generous ans she will greatly appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

Trust me, she's not expecting anything. I was in my position about 2 months last year at Christmas time and that bonus was very welcome and very unexpected.

Anonymous said...

I was in a similar position last year as I had just started a new job the week before Christmas. I was already getting a week of paid vacation for Christmas (not my vacation, just extra PTO because they were going out of town) and I had received a signing bonus...so I definitely wasn't expecting anything in terms of a Christmas bonus. My employers gave me a small but thoughtful gift and $100. I was surprised and thrilled. I'd say $50-$100 would be a wonderful bonus for someone who has been with you so briefly.

Anonymous said...

That is very generous, I'm sure she will appreciate it. The other family should give her what they feel is appropriate for the length of time she has been with them. Next year when she has been with you a full year a week's salary would be appropriate, and you may want to discuss it with the other family.
A Nanny

Anonymous said...

Nanny shares are tricky, so I've heard. I would never be a part of one. The nanny always favors one family and one set of children. Make sure it's you and YOUR children. Be generous.

Kate K. said...

Good point, Vermont....I would give her $150 -$200.....unless the family you're sharing with is doing more than that. Don't try to top them......but, certainly, don't let them top you. I have heard nanny share horror stories. Be sweet& generous.......but, be careful.

Sarah said...

I know it is probably too late now, but I really think a small gift card to a bookstore or clothing store you think is her style would be appropriate. $50 is enough, anything over that is just silly, and I doubt she is expecting anything at all.