When you hire a nanny, you’ll probably talk about things like pay rates and schedules. But should nannies get paid sick days? What about paid vacations and holidays? Being a nanny is a job, and just like any other profession, nannies should receive benefits like overtime and paid time off.
Lots of families forget to negotiate these things when they hire a caregiver, so it’s important to talk about them before you officially hire someone. Just make sure you’ve reviewed the laws in your province because differing amounts of paid time off could be required depending on where you live. Once you’re in agreement, make sure you add all the details to your nanny contract.
Paid sick days for your nanny
When your nanny is around kids all day, it’s inevitable that they’ll get sick. In Canada, employers are not currently required to provide nannies with paid sick leave; however, many do decide to provide four or five days as a benefit. You should agree on an amount that is best for everyone.
Plan for your nanny’s sick day now by weighing your options for backup care.
Providing paid holidays
Holidays tend to be busy for everyone, so it’s natural to give your childcare provider — especially those with kids and families of their own — some paid holiday time off. In many provinces, including BC and Ontario, this is a legal requirement. Many employers provide paid holidays to their caregivers. To make sure there is equal opportunity for all, these days should be negotiated based on what works for you and your nanny.
Setting a paid vacation policy
Everyone needs some time off to recharge. And nannies definitely need some rest and relaxation after caring for your children. Two weeks of paid vacation time is typical — and generally required, though regulations differ in each province. We suggest using two weeks as the starting point for your nanny.
Many families try to coordinate their nanny’s vacation time around family vacations so they’re not left scrambling to find backup child care. Maybe your nanny takes one week off during the summer while your family is visiting Disney World and then has one week to use whenever they want.
Set rules for using these vacation days. For example, how much notice does your nanny need to give you if they want to plan a vacation? How will they let you know: in-person, text, or email? Can they split the days up, or do they have to use it a week at a time?
Providing paid time off is crucial to attracting a good nanny and showing them you appreciate everything they do for your family. As long as you and your nanny communicate effectively and keep track of the time off that is used and available, it shouldn’t be a point of friction in your working relationship.
