Tuesday

Notice for Nanny

opinion 1
What is the typical/polite amount of notice a family should give a nanny (or vice-versa) if they are planning to move out of state? Would you offer any extra compensation or some sort of severance package for the nanny?

7 comments:

Nanny Jenn said...

If the family is moving out of state, a month's notice would be adequate in my opinion. A severance package would be nice, but it would depend on whether the Nanny worked part- or full-time plus how long she worked for the family.

Lyn said...

Depending on how much notice you're giving your nanny a severance check would be nice. If you are giving her less than, I'd say, 6 weeks notice of your move i would offer a check for 2 weeks pay. I believe that is also what my employers have stated in my contract they would provide me with if they are not able to give me 6 weeks notice.

nycmom said...

As an employer, the major issues for you will be wanting to treat your nanny fairly while also ensuring she doesn't leave the job early. As many nannies on here have said, two weeks notice if you are leaving is plenty from a contractual perspective.

However, if you have an excellent relationship with a long-term nanny, I think you want to give 6-8 weeks notice. We also made it clear we would be giving a generous parting bonus and helping our nanny find a new job so she would not be without work. She agreed to all the dates we suggested. Had she not agreed, that would be reasonable and her choice. Had she agreed and reneged, I would not have given the same severance or the same reference.

Phoenix said...

normally I would say 2 weeks notice. But i feel that for household employees they should be given at least a month in advance. it is a more personalized job

MissMannah said...

In my contract, it says a month's notice is required and if they don't give me a full month then they owe me 2 weeks' severance.

N is for Nanny said...

I agree with nycmom. My contracts usually say 4-6 weeks, for either side. (I am entitled to notice and/or severance, totaling that number of weeks, unless being terminated for cause.) When I moved, I gave notice as soon as I knew I was moving, which was seven weeks the first time and at my initial interview (move was a year out) the second time. Both ends went smoothly.

I agree with nycmom that if a family needs their nanny to commit to specific dates, additional compensation is appropriate and may be necessary to make it financially viable for the nanny.

S said...

Giving notice is always a tough call to make. Both sides want to be fair, but the nanny is worried that the MB/DB will start to treat her badly once they know she is leaving. The parents worry that the nanny will slack off once she knows the job is ending.

I had a family once let me go in the middle of the day. They gave me a months pay and a good reference, but they wouldn't even let me finish the day. I thought it was a little odd, but hey, I took my fat check and said goodbye.