How To Conduct A Performance Review For Your Nanny

A lot can change in a year, especially in your family’s life. If it’s been a year since you’ve hired your nanny, or another year has passed, it’s time to conduct a performance review. The needs of you and your family, as well as the needs of your nanny, need to be taken into account in order to have or maintain a successful dynamic. You should encourage open communication with your nanny throughout the year, but it’s important to have a one on one discussion about their compensation, performance and any changes to contract or responsibilities annually. Conducting a yearly performance review will ensure a continued positive relationship with your nanny and make sure you set out on a good foot together for the next year.

If you’re about to perform a yearly review of your nanny, and possibly continue your contract, the first step is to mutually agree to continuing to work together. Afterwards, there are some important talking points to include:

Wage

Like any employee-employer review, it is expected that you revisit compensation and consider an adjustment if their contract is being extended. If a raise isn’t on the table, you can also discuss other changes to their compensation package, such as increased vacation time, sick days, extended benefits or travel allowance. A typical wage increase should take into account the cost of living in your area as well as the performance of your nanny. If your nanny is going above and beyond in their position, such as taking initiative to perform activities outside their job description, it’s likely time to offer a raise. As well, if you foresee added responsibilities in the coming year for your nanny, such as added activities to your children’s schedule or expected duties such as potty training, you should look at your own budget and see how much of a wage increase you can offer.

Performance

During this part of the conversation, you’ll need to address the positives of your nanny’s performance, as well as any areas that could use improvement. Understand your own priorities, such as safety, positive relationships with your family and attendance, so that you can ensure your and your nanny’s values line up. Some other habits you might want to take note of include: Dependability, attitude and flexibility. As well, you should take into account your children’s happiness, nutrition, personal care and attention. If you request your nanny take care of certain household duties, such as cleaning, cooking and laundry, you’ll want to make sure these expectations are being met.

You should also review your nanny’s current job description and your expectations, as well as any changes you will be making to their duties in the coming year. You might also ask your nanny to self-evaluate their performance and discuss their goals and needs for the future. Brainstorming on how you can both make improvements and continue to deliver on positive performance aspects will help to resolve any issues.

Relationship

It’s also important to discuss your nanny’s style of taking care of your children, as well as their relationship with your family. If your nanny is doing certain things you would prefer they not do, it’s important to voice those concerns. As well, you should discuss their disciplinary styles and discuss which areas of your children’s lives need more attention or improvement, based on your nanny’s observations. For example, if one of your children is having difficulty learning the alphabet or at swimming lessons, it’s important to incorporate these developmental concerns into next year’s planning.

Future

It’s also crucial to discuss the future responsibilities of your nanny for the upcoming year. Discuss changes in your children’s lives and how this will affect your nanny’s job and responsibilities. Allow your nanny to express any concerns they might have so you can ensure both of your goals are aligned. You should discuss any changes to your family’s overall routine, or to yours or your partner’s routine. If you expect there to be any major life changes, such as a relocation or new baby, your nanny should be aware. Big changes and small changes, such as new bed times, should be noted. Any changes in responsibilities should also be noted in the new contract.

Discussing performance, current responsibilities, contract changes and a possible wage increase are all important talking points in your nanny’s performance review. However, ensure that once this review is over lines of communication remain open. You should create a positive environment for your nanny to express any concerns or to speak with you, and vise versa. Constructive criticism and positive reinforcement can help to foster a more positive working relationship. Performing yearly reviews with your nanny will help you to develop a long-term relationship built on trust and open communication.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us today.