The short answer: ask early, ask kindly, and come ready with facts and a solution. Most families aren't trying to cut corners. They just don't know that hiring a nanny makes them a household employer, with payroll and tax responsibilities that come with it.

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If you’re hiring a nanny, writing a nanny contract is a crucial step in the process of hiring. Although it’s not a legally required document, it’s very beneficial to have a contract in place.

Topics: nanny work agreement, nanny contract

As an employer, writing a nanny contract is a very important step in the employment process. Even though it’s not legally required to have a written contract with your nanny, it can be a very helpful thing to have in order to prevent misunderstandings and set ground rules from the very beginning. A contract can also protect both parties in problems arise, because you can refer to it in order to resolve certain issues.

Topics: nanny contract

There’s all kinds of advice floating around out there about how to handle a nanny’s wages. Here, we’ve included only the facts on nannies and overtime:

Topics: nanny hourly wage, nanny non-exempt employee, nanny overtime, nanny work agreement, nanny contract

The work agreement (sometimes called a contract) you negotiate with your nanny, housekeeper, or elder care provider sets the professional tone of the work relationship right from the start. A carefully thought out work agreement will help the employer avoid future problems and misunderstandings with the employee.

Topics: senior caregiver work agreement, live-in nanny, live-in caregiver, nanny work agreement, nanny contract

Negotiating a salary is never a comfortable situation; both parties involved will be looking for what is best for them, individually.  The key to establishing a good relationship with your household employee right from the beginning, and to succeed in the negotiation, is to think like you are part of a “Win Win” situation, where both parties win and are happy with the result.  A happy household employee will perform better and make your life easier – That’s a fact!

Topics: nanny payroll, nanny contract, nanny job interview, household payroll

Experts agree, writing a nanny contract or nanny work agreement is a best practice in nanny employment. Why?

Topics: nanny work agreement, nanny contract

Celebrate Spring - Nanny Style! 

Topics: nanny work agreement, nanny contract

Many people hear the words "nanny confidentiality agreement" and think this is something Brad and Angelina need - not their family!

Topics: nanny employment practices, nanny work agreement, nanny contract

We recently blogged about how many families are turning to nanny sharing arrangements - sometimes called Share Care - to reduce and manage their infant day care expenses. How does a family go about getting a nanny share going?

HomeWork Solutions recommends the following best practices:

• Both families should interview potential nannies together if possible. If Family A already has a nanny and family and nanny mutually decide a share is in their best interests, Family B should have an opportunity to independently interview both Family A and the nanny. Don't forget the all important reference checks and criminal background check.
  
  
• Write down the details. This should be a three way document between both families and the nanny and it should detail the possible issues above - hours, wages, benefits, taxes, sick care policies, vacation, nanny sick days and the notice provision for ending the share by either party.
  
  

Topics: nanny share, nanny work agreement, nanny contract