Just like any other relationship, communication is key to keeping a professional working relationship thriving! What is working for both parties and what are some areas of growth?
While we believe it is important to check in after the first month of employment and then typically again at the 6-month mark, as well,
most reviews usually happen on an annual basis from this point on out. We recommend always including verbiage about annual reviews in a work agreement so both parties expect them and are prepared. An annual review allows the employer and employee time to sit down and have a more serious conversation.
An annual nanny review is a time to:
- Discuss specific examples of when your nanny has surpassed, met, or failed to meet the expectations of this position
- Set sensible goals that your nanny can work towards
- Allow your nanny to provide you feedback as well!
An annual nanny review is not a time to:
- Bring up something that upset you months ago, that hasn’t already been discussed. Specific feedback should be given on a real-time basis, as any concerns come up. Again, communication is part of any healthy relationship and this review is not the time to discipline or make anyone feel as if they need to be on the defensive.
Conducting a Nanny Review
We recommend that before an annual review, you always give your nanny a heads up to schedule a time that is convenient when you can both sit down to talk. Ask your nanny to prepare ahead of time and think of some areas in which they believe they excel and some areas where they may believe they need some work. It would be helpful to work off a list or an evaluation form (please see the sample below). This is great for both parties so down the line, you can refer back to these notes, your discussion, and you can track improvement. It may also be very useful for both parties to look over your employment agreement beforehand and to have a copy ready for the meeting.
Create a warm and private environment (children and other staff should not be around) and make sure to articulate yourself clearly and stay positive when delivering your feedback. Your nanny should not have to feel nervous about this meeting or as if they need to be defensive. Frame this as a “check-in” to make sure everyone is doing well. Please note: We recommend that all parent/s or guardian/s be present so that everyone is on the same page.
Naturally, annual reviews often fall in line with wage reviews and may be something that your nanny brings up. Raises are always at the discretion of the employer, but these topics tend to fall hand in hand. It is customary for a nanny to ask for a raise once they’ve been with a family for at least a year and/or if their job duties change or increase (i.e., the family has another baby). Pay raises, of course, depend on a nanny’s ability to perform their job, their reliability, their ability to work as a team with parents and any other staff members in the home, and their adherence to household policies (most likely those set out in the employment agreement).
We cannot stress enough how important it is for both parties to communicate regularly and feel comfortable with one another. Good communication makes good relationships, and we like to see all our nanny placements flourish!
Contact the Nanny Authority for Assitance!
Hiring a nanny can have many benefits for families, including serving as a positive role model. Our placement specialists are here to help and can be reached via our contact form and at 973-466-2669.