Before the global pandemic, finding the perfect nanny was not that difficult. However, once the pandemic hit, things changed, and nannies were in high demand. Unfortunately, this demand has continued in the industry, making it challenging for parents to hire a nanny.

Why are nannies hard to come by?

Nannies are hard to come by partly because of a labor shortage in childcare. When the pandemic hit, daycare providers and childcare providers closed. In addition, schools transitioned to online learning, resulting in more families wanting to hire a nanny and further creating a childcare shortage.

Another cause of the nanny labor shortage was caused when many nannies exited the industry. For example, some nannies decided to return home to their own families to be with them during the pandemic. They have not yet returned to the industry.

In addition, this past summer, as the Delta variant caused a surge in cases, many families hired summer nannies to provide at-home childcare. While it was originally anticipated there would be more nannies available once school started, this has not been the case.

As a result, many families decided to retain their summer nannies and transition them to full-time, year-round employees. Furthermore, nanny retention is at an all-time high. Families are offering more attractive wages and benefits packages to retain their nannies and avoid having to search for a new one.

What can you do to be a competitive employer to nannies?

Even with the nanny childcare shortage, there are several things you can do to be a competitive employer and attract the perfect nanny, including:

#1. Competitive Pay

One way to attract potential nanny candidates is to offer a competitive wage. Before the pandemic, the average starting salary was between $17 and $20 an hour. Today, you should expect to offer between $25 and $30 an hour, possibly more, depending on the nanny’s experience and expected job duties.

#2. Sign-On Bonus

Another way families are attracting nannies is by offering a sign-on bonus ranging from around $500 to $2,000 or more. A sign-on bonus usually is contingent on the nanny remaining with the family for a specific period of time. Some families are splitting the sign-up bonus over several months, such as paying it in 90-day intervals to attempt to retain their new nannies.

#3. Benefits Packages

Benefits packages were not too common before the pandemic for nannies. However, there has been a shift in the industry with the labor shortage, where families are now offering this as part of their employee benefits.

Benefits packages could include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan

Typically, the family will pay a portion of the insurance costs and offer a percentage match for the retirement plan, much like other employers in other industries offer their employees.

#4. Paid Time Off

Paid time off is another perk families are offering nannies as a way to attract and retain them. For instance, some employers provide a starting paid-time-off package that includes two weeks of vacation pay, one week of paid sick leave, and holiday pay.

In cases where the family expects the nanny to work on a holiday, the current trend is to offer the holiday pay and also pay the nanny 1.5 times to 2 times her normal hourly rate for working on the holiday.

#5. Bi-Annual or Yearly Bonuses

The addition of bi-annual or yearly bonuses is becoming more common post-pandemic when hiring a nanny. Families find rewarding their nannies once or twice a year with a bonus helps with job satisfaction and retention.

#6. Guaranteed Minimum Work Hours

Some families are guaranteeing a minimum number of work hours since, in the past, the hours worked could vary based on the families’ needs. Even if the nanny does not work the guaranteed number of work hours, they still get paid.

#7. Private Transportation

Many employers are now offering private transportation for nannies who do not have their own vehicle, such as having the family’s chauffeur pick up the nanny and bring her to work and take her home at the end of the day.

#8. Live-In Package Options

Some households are offering live-in package options that include all living expenses, such as housing, food, and all utilities, including cellular phone service. The packages can also include other perks, such as being allowed to enjoy the family’s private pool.

#9. Bi-Annual and Yearly Raises

Another perk families are using to attract and retain nannies is guaranteeing bi-annual or yearly raises. For example, most families offer a guaranteed 3% increase with the option of a higher wage increase based on the nanny’s job performance.

How can Staffing at Tiffanie’s help you find the perfect nanny?

With the nanny childcare shortage, one effective way to help find the perfect nanny is to use our staffing service. Even though Staffing at Tiffanie’s has seen demand for our nannies increase, we are still attracting new nanny candidates regularly.

We can work with you to help you create a comprehensive employee benefit and salary package to attract the best talent to meet your family’s needs. For further information and assistance in hiring a nanny, please feel free to contact us by calling 866-484-5550 today!