How to onboard a nanny

In the corporate world employee onboarding has become a science. Companies invest significant time, resource and money to deliver comprehensive programs that not only improve productivity but have also been proven to increase employee retention. It’s a fact that 62% of companies with a structured onboarding program see faster time-to-productivity. So why is it we as parents often expect nannies to be mind-readers and hit the ground running without much, if any onboarding at all?

Here are six steps that will increase your chances of making it work and get you and your nanny off to the right start for a long-lasting relationship.

1. Make time for your nanny during their first couple of weeks

Your nanny isn’t a mind reader so setting aside some time to sit down with her when she first arrives and in the first few weeks is crucial. This is your opportunity to reinforce your parenting style and family values, run through the nanny's core responsibilities and any specific requirements or ways you like to do things. It’s also a chance for the nanny to share any of their preferences and the expectations that they have of the job. This is the perfect opportunity to set the tone for open dialogue and successful communication throughout your relationship.

2. Be clear about your expectations

Have clear expectations that build upon the job description you agreed. For example, a parent might say, I’d like you to take my child out every day, come rain or shine, for two hours. Or a nanny could say, if you get delayed at work, I’ll be able to stay late on any day except Thursdays when I have my zumba class. Also be clear about how you’d like to communicate with them during the day, for example via WhatsApp for non-urgent questions and photo updates, and in the case of an emergency, call.

3. Don’t go back on what’s already been agreed

There is nothing worse for getting your relationship off on the wrong foot with a nanny than changing what you originally agreed. Changes that should be avoided at all cost, including changes to salary and/or hours and significant changes to responsibilities. Here are some examples we unfortunately see all too often:

A job was agreed for 5 days a week and the nanny is now expected to do 5.5 days a week (sometimes for the same salary). That’s a huge change and isn’t cool unless the nanny has agreed to start working weekends.
50 hours a week was agreed originally but the nanny only gets to work 40. That’s a 20% drop, not only in hours, but in salary that the nanny’s lifestyle depends on.
A nanny’s responsibilities change from cleaning for the children, to cleaning for the parents well – e.g. deep cleaning, doing the parents’ laundry and changing the parents’ bed sheets.

We’re not saying these changes aren’t feasible. But it can’t be a unilateral decision and they need to be specifically agreed between you. Some nannies will be flexible and open to change, and some not.

4. Don’t throw your nanny into deep water (without a paddle)

Yes, your nanny may be experienced, but she doesn’t have experience of working for your family in your home. You can’t expect her to just walk into the position and know what to do or where everything is. This may not seem like a big deal but taking time to show her around your home and how things work will go a long way and help her feel at home much quicker. Try to be around and accessible for the first day so you’re there to answer any questions or help with anything she’s not sure of. The more information your nanny has up front the quicker she will adapt and relax into her new role. Tell her about any specific routines or schedules, allergies or intolerances, any local activities for children that she could engage in, and any friends for play dates, etc.

5. Check in regularly and provide feedback

Returning to the corporate world, companies invest so much time in one to one feedback, informal feedback and appraisals. We suggest making a point of checking in with a nanny every day for the first week and then at least once a week. Instead of just high-five-ing on your way in and out, take some time to sit down and understand how she’s doing, what she’s struggling with and how you can make things easier for her. That’s also your opportunity to share your observations, suggestions, or anything else you’d like her to do differently. And of course, don’t forget to praise! People who are happy at work, perform much better!

6. Don’t expect too much too soon

It’s important to have realistic expectations. A nanny won’t get everything right immediately and will need a few days to a couple of weeks to settle into her new working environment. Would you expect a new colleague to know how to do their job perfectly, from day one? No, you wouldn’t. Also, children need time to get used to a new person. Toddlers in particular can be quite tricky.

Although we say, stay around to help the nanny settle in, also give her time on her own with the children so she can build her own rapport with them. No-one wants to have their boss behind their back all the time, right?

We know all of this can be challenging, so at myTamarin, we play the role of an intermediary. We’re like a remote HR department really, where both parents and nannies can voice their concerns, suggestions and complaints. So, when parents and nannies meet through us, we check in regularly with both parties and will also help mediate if there are any issues or awkward discussions that need to happen.

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