In any relationship, there are some things you just can’t go without. In a domestic employment relationship, the Fair Care Pledge spells out the essential ingredients: fair pay, clear expectations and paid time off.
Pretty obvious, right? After all, these are basic fundamental elements that any employment relationship should have. But you can’t expect these things to just sort themselves out. You have to put in the work at the outset to give your relationship the best chance to succeed.
So, if you’re hiring or working as a nanny or home care aide, keep in mind these 20 things most successful Fair Care relationships should include.
1. A Contract. That means all the details written out on paper. Yes, caregiving is personal, but it’s also someone’s profession. Need help creating a Nanny Contract? We’ve got your back.
2. Clarity. Because working under confusing conditions makes the job harder for caregiver and employer alike- not to mention your kids and critters.
3. Sick Days. Caregivers are like superheroes in a lot of ways, but even superheroes get sick sometimes.
4. Vacay. Caregiving is a stressful job. Vacation- on your employee’s own time- helps her recharge, stay healthy and perform better.
5. A Living Wage. Need help figuring out what that wage is? Try this calculator.
6. Feedback. It’s a two way street; checking in with your caregiver gives you each the opportunity for updates as well as big-issue discussions.
7. Overtime. Typically, that is 1.5 times the standard hourly rate for anything over 40 hours of work for a full time employee.
8. Pay Raises with Increased Responsibility. In any line of work, the compensation should reflect the work that is being done. Unfortunately, care struggles here; a grocery store bagger makes more than a caregiver. One way that you can help this is by recognizing that increased responsibilities merit increased wages.
9. R
eminders
. That your door is always open and that you, like your caregiver, care.
10. Respect. How many happy work-relationships do you know where the parties don’t respect each other? ‘Nuff said.
11. Holidays. These are the eight days of the year when people eat too much food and spend time with their families. Shouldn’t your nanny have that time, too?
12. Expectations. There are a few reasons why setting clear expectations help make for a successful care relationship. After all, if you don’t know what’s expected, how do you know what to do?
13. The Low-Down. Dietary restrictions. Allergies. A tour of the work space. Give your caregiver the low-down, so that she can focus on your loved ones instead of focusing on where you keep spare paper towels.
14. Balance. It’s personal and it’s professional and somewhere in there is a sweet spot- its perssional.
15. Schedule. What are your caregiver’s hours? What days are your kids at soccer practice? When do you usually get home? Schedules help for planning and ensure that the caregiver is where she needs to be, when she needs to be there.
16. Sleep. Everyone needs it. And those people include your caregiver. Sometimes, life gets in the way, but making an effort to give your caregiver eight hours of rest helps her come to work recharged and healthy.
17. Communication. This puts you on the same page with one another, and lets you build a happy and healthy relationship. Plus, it helps make sure that you don’t experience any worrisome “surprise!” situations.
18. Education. As the economy and society shift their focus to care, it’s important to think of all the ways to continue to learn about fair wages, setting expectations, having crucial conversations, etc. Making an effort to get educated about policies and practices can help both sides of this relationship flourish.
19. Bonuses. We know that childcare is crazy expensive. In the long run, though, showing your caregiver acts of support and appreciation leads to a happier, longer-lasting relationship. And, when that relationship ends (as all good things must) you’ll be the go-to family for other qualified caregivers.
20. Fun! Necessity aside, you want someone who will spend the day with your kids, playing with your pets, or watching over your home, lovingly and happily. It’s all pointless if there’s no way to have fun while doing it, right?!
