Guaranteed Hours: What they are and what they aren’t
For families new to hiring a professional nanny, the concept of guaranteed hours is often misunderstood. Many parents transition from occasional babysitting — with flexible, informal arrangements — to employing a full-time nanny without realizing the shift in expectations. Unlike babysitters, professional nannies dedicate their careers to childcare. They deserve the same stability, consistency, and respect offered in any other profession, including structured and consistent payment arrangements like guaranteed hours.
What Are Guaranteed Hours?
Guaranteed hours are a commitment from the hiring family to pay their nanny for a set number of hours each week regardless of if the hours are needed on any given week. This also ensures that the nanny guarantees her availability to the family. Guaranteed hours provides the nanny with dependable and consistent income, allowing them to budget and plan their personal finances with confidence. By providing this financial stability, families offer their nannies job security and peace of mind, fostering a stronger, more professional relationship. In return, nannies are more likely to prioritize availability and flexibility for the family, creating a balanced and mutually beneficial arrangement built on trust and reliability.
Why Families Should Offer Guaranteed Hours
It’s natural to hesitate when paying your nanny for time you no longer need at the last minute. But remember: guaranteed hours are about more than just labor — they reflect respect for your nanny’s time and commitment. When a nanny blocks out time for your family, they often turn down other work or restructure their personal life. Canceling hours last-minute without pay not only disrupts their income but signals a lack of regard for their professionalism. This is especially impactful for part-time nannies, who may not have the flexibility to replace lost hours with other income. Consistent, guaranteed pay also boosts retention. When families cancel hours frequently or break agreements, nannies may seek out more reliable work elsewhere. In today’s evolving household staffing industry, guaranteed hours are no longer a bonus — they’re the standard. Families who offer them are far more likely to attract and retain high-quality caregivers.
Common Scenarios Where Guaranteed Hours Matter
Secured hours ensure that nannies receive consistent pay, even when family schedules fluctuate. For example, if a family goes on vacation, their nanny should still be compensated, as they have reserved that time for work. Similarly, when grandparents visit and offer extra help, the nanny’s role remains essential, and their income shouldn’t be affected. Parents taking time off—whether for holidays, sick days, or personal reasons—doesn’t eliminate the need for a reliable caregiver, nor should it disrupt the nanny’s pay. Even as children grow and schedules shift families must honor their agreed-upon work structure.
What Guaranteed Hours Are Not
While guaranteed hours provide stability for both families and nannies, it’s important to understand what they do not entail. When referring to guaranteed hours, nannies must be paid hourly, not on a salary basis, and any overtime must be compensated according to labor laws. Additionally, guaranteed hours cannot be treated as "banked" hours—unused hours in one week cannot be carried over to another to offset future work. This practice would undermine the purpose of consistent pay, as it shifts compensation from one week to another rather than ensuring a predictable income.
Providing guaranteed hours is essential in today’s household staffing landscape. By committing to a set number of hours each week, families offer nannies the financial stability they deserve, fostering a professional, trusting relationship. This commitment not only improves nanny retention and ensures quality care but also provides legal and financial protections for both parties. As guaranteed hours become the industry standard, families who embrace this practice will be better positioned to attract and retain top-quality caregivers. Understanding and honoring these commitments is key to ensuring long-term, reliable care for your family. At Executive Nannies, we’re here to help families navigate this process, creating strong, sustainable partnerships with their nannies.
