Mastering the Art of Communication with Your Nanny or Other Household Employee

You have hired the right person to join your family. Knowing how to communicate with them is critical for the success of this relationship. Many employers forget that this is an employer/employee relationship and effective communication is pivotal for this partnership to work.

Based on nearly 30 years of expertise in fostering healthy relationships between employers and their household staff, here are our top ten tips to ensure you communicate effectively with your nanny:

1. Simplicity is Clarity: If your nanny is not a native English speaker, avoid jargons and cultural references. Use straightforward language and specific examples to get your message across.
2. Encourage Openness: Nannies might hesitate to approach you with concerns, so take the initiative. Promote a culture where they can openly share feedback, ask questions, and express concerns. Regular check-ins can help in this aspect.
3. Set Communication Norms: Define your preferred channels for different topics. While quick updates might be okay via text, sensitive conversations, especially critiques, are best handled face-to-face.
4. Maintain Professional Boundaries: Even though you share close quarters, it’s vital to remember the professional nature of your relationship. Steer clear from discussing excessively personal topics.
5. Embrace Collaboration: Be receptive to your nanny’s insights. After all, you’ve hired an expert in childcare. Empowering them to suggest changes can lead to improvements.
6. Frequent Appreciation: In the daily hustle, don’t forget to acknowledge the positive influence your nanny brings to your family. Regularly express gratitude for their contribution.
7. Address Issues Promptly: Rather than letting issues grow, tackle them head-on when they arise. Always ensure these discussions are private and away from children or other staff.
8. Employ Positive Reinforcement: If you need to provide feedback, start with a commendation. Sandwich your concerns between positive remarks to ensure the message is constructive, not just critical.
9. Active Listening: When your nanny speaks, genuinely listen. Being open-minded and attempting to understand their perspective goes a long way in building trust.
10. Encourage Honesty: It’s essential your nanny feels comfortable sharing concerns without sugarcoating. Assure them that honesty is always appreciated and valued.

Need help ? Clients of Diamond have access to our skilled placement consultants as part of you Diamond Package. Call us today to learn more! 1-888-886-8209