Why do nannies quit?
Nannies quit for many reasons, including issues with pay or benefits, unrealistic employer expectations, or a change in their personal circumstances. Good communication, a respectful working relationship, and planning on your part can help prevent your nanny from unexpectedly leaving.
Knowing why nannies quit can help you forge an even better bond with yours. Let’s take a look!
1) Why do nannies quit?
When you've put time and effort into building a good rapport with your nanny, it can be frustrating when they resign. Although nannies can feel like part of their families’ households, it is important to remember that for them, nannying is a job. Just like any employee, they may decide to quit for various reasons.
a) Personal Reasons
A nanny will devote all their working hours to nurturing your children, but they have a life outside your home. Your nanny may quit because of personal reasons, rather than any employment-related issues. In fact, it may be that your nanny loves working with your family but needs to leave for other reasons, making the decision to quit even more difficult.
b) Issues with pay or benefits
Low pay and inadequate benefits are major causes of nannies’ departures, particularly if they receive a better offer elsewhere. If you value your nanny and their role in your home, remember to schedule regular performance and pay reviews.
c) Unrealistic Expectations
Nannies understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan. If you regularly require your nanny to stay late or take on extra duties, though, they may decide to seek another position. Make sure you have a written working agreement so that all household members understand exactly what your nanny’s role entails.
d) Changes in circumstances
If circumstances in your household change—such as a need for revised working hours or an imminent relocation—your nanny may no longer be able to care for your children. If you anticipate such an upheaval, be sure to discuss it openly and thoroughly with your nanny to gauge if these new circumstances will work for everyone.
e) Communication issues
Fine-tuning your level of communication with your nanny is vital to ensuring a positive and productive working relationship. Do you tend to micromanage every moment your nanny is at work? Do you routinely forget to share important information? Do you occasionally come home feeling irritable or let your frustration show? Any of these issues would be enough to cause your nanny to consider accepting a position elsewhere.
2) What to do if a nanny quits?
If your nanny quits unexpectedly, it helps to try to establish the reason behind this departure. This action can help you ensure that this does not become a common occurrence. An exit interview can be a useful tool for gleaning feedback on your role and style as an employer and how you can forge a strong connection with your next nanny. Many parents find this type of conversation uncomfortable. An agency such as Sommet Nannies can offer expert support to help you iron out any employment issues.
Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York, and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.
● If you enjoyed this article, you might also like ‘Families: when to make a change in your nanny'.
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● If you’re a nanny looking for a new family to work with, you can apply to become a Sommet Nanny.