Employing a live-in nanny? Here’s how to make sure things run smoothly

Employing a live-in nanny can be a fantastic solution for families needing consistent childcare.  

However, to make sure things run smoothly when hiring a live-in nanny you need clear communication and proper arrangements to ensure a positive experience for everyone.  

Luckily, as a specialist live-in nanny agency, we’ve got plenty of experience in helping people find the perfect nanny for their needs – and ensuring that the process is seamless too! 

With that in mind, if you’re considering hiring a live-in nanny, here are some of our top tips to make sure things run smoothly: 

9 things to do when hiring a live-in nanny 

1. Clearly define expectations

First things first, it’s important to clearly define expectations from the very beginning so everyone knows where they stand.  

We recommend providing a detailed job description that outlines duties, working hours, days off, and any specific tasks (such as cooking, cleaning, and school pickups), and ensuring everything included is discussed and agreed upon before hiring. 

Additionally, it’s also important to establish house rules and set clear boundaries regarding things such as guest policies, use of communal areas, and household routines. 

2. Legal and financial considerations

When hiring a live-in nanny, there are legal and financial considerations to think about too.  

Create a written contract covering salary, benefits such as health insurance and paid leave, working hours, overtime pay, and termination conditions. A live-in nanny agency such as Hummingbird Home Staff will be able to help you with this. 

Additional things to consider include compliance regarding minimum wage, working hours, and benefits, and you will also need to think about payroll and taxes too. 

It’s also important to set up proper payroll systems to manage salary payments and withhold taxes. If you aren’t sure of how to do this, we can recommend some super payroll companies to help you out. 

3. Provide comfortable living arrangements

If you’re hiring a live-in nanny, it’s really important to make sure they have a comfortable, clearly defined living space, as privacy is essential for both your nanny and your family.  

Ensure your nanny has a private room and access to a bathroom, and you should also provide basic amenities such as internet access, a TV, and furniture.  

Basically, your house will also be your nanny’s home for the duration of their contact, so it’s essential that their living space should be comfortable and respectful of their needs. 

4. Communication and feedback

Clear communication is also incredibly important. Schedule regular meetings and check-ins to discuss any concerns, provide feedback, and make adjustments to the arrangement if needed. Open communication is key to addressing issues before they become problems. 

You’ll also need to be aware of cultural sensitivity, too. If your nanny is from a different cultural background, be respectful and open to learning about their customs and traditions. 

5. Work-life balance

When an employee lives with you in your home, it’s easy for lines to become blurred, so you should always try to encourage a good work-life balance,  

Most importantly, you should ensure that your nanny’s days off are respected, and if there is ever a need for them to work extra hours, make sure you discuss it in advance and offer appropriate compensation. 

You should also encourage regular breaks. Just like any job, nannies need breaks during the day to ensure they can rest and recharge. 

6. Support professional growth

As an employer, you should strive to support your nanny’s professional growth by offering training opportunities for professional development such as CPR training, childcare courses, or language classes. 

It’s always a good idea to discuss your nanny’s long-term goals and see if there are ways to support their aspirations while they work with your family. 

7. Foster a positive relationship

Another important thing to be mindful of when hiring a live-in nanny is fostering a positive, inclusive relationship.  

Treat your nanny as a part of the family, including them in meals or family activities when appropriate, but also respect their personal space. 

You should also regularly express appreciation for their work. Small gestures, like a thank-you note or a bonus, can go a long way. 

8. Plan for emergencies

We also recommend to all our clients that they have a clear plan for emergencies. 

Make sure your nanny knows who to contact in case of an emergency, including doctors, neighbours, and your own contact information. 

Additionally, you should also have a backup childcare plan in place in case the nanny is sick or has an emergency themselves. 

9. Smooth transitions

Finally, to ensure things run smoothly when employing a live-in nanny, you should consider the transitions at both the beginning and the end of their time with you.  

When you first employ your nanny, you should establish an onboarding process. Spend time with the nanny when they first arrive to help them settle in, understand your family’s routines, and feel comfortable in their new environment. 

Similarly, it’s important to ensure that departures run smoothly too. If your nanny decides to leave or you need to terminate the arrangement, ensure a smooth transition by providing notice, support them in finding new employment, and providing positive references if deserved. 

How a live-in nanny agency can help 

By carefully planning and maintaining open communication, you can ensure a positive experience for both your family and your live-in nanny – and one of the best things you can do to ensure things go off without a hitch is using a live-in nanny agency.  

Here at Hummingbird Home Staff, we have years of experience matching high-quality nannies with our clients. Our team will work together with you every step of the way to take the stress out of the process and ensure you find the right live-in nanny for your needs. 

Having a live-in nanny can be life changing and offer the support your family needs – so why not start changing your life today? Contact Hummingbird Home Staff to discuss our services further and learn more about how we can help.