Exploring Benefits for Household Staff
When it comes to hiring a nanny or other household staff member, families often focus on finding the perfect match for their childcare and household needs. However, it's equally important to consider the benefits package offered to ensure the well-being of the employee. In this blog post, we'll explore the standard benefits for household staff, shedding light on the valuable support families can provide to their household professionals.
1. Standard Benefits for All Household Staff:
Guaranteed Hours: Providing guaranteed hours ensures stability and income consistency.
Payroll/W2 Wages: Household employees should receive compensation as non-exempt hourly W-2 employees through a payroll company, ensuring compliance with employment laws.
Paid Time Off: Families should consider offering at least 2 weeks of paid time off, though providing 3 weeks is often appreciated.
Sick Days: Sick leave should be paid per the California Paid Sick Leave policy.
Holidays: Household employees typically receive 6 to 12 major holidays off with pay.
Mileage Reimbursement: Most families will provide a vehicle to use on the job. However, if a family vehicle cannot be provided, mileage reimbursement should be paid according to the IRS mileage rate if they use their own vehicle for work-related purposes. In some cases, a car maintenance reimbursement may also be provided.
Overtime: Applicable overtime pay should be paid, which varies depending on the type of household employee and whether they are live-in or live-out.
2. Additional Benefits to Consider:
Healthcare Insurance or Stipend: Families may offer healthcare insurance (which may include medical, dental and vision benefits) or a healthcare stipend to assist with the employee's medical coverage and expenses.
401k Matching: Some families may offer the ability to invest in long-term stability with employer-matched contributions to a 401k retirement plan.
Education Stipend: Providing an education stipend can support the employee's professional development and skill enhancement. This stipend can be used towards courses and organizations such as International Nanny Association that help enhance their knowledge and childcare skills.
Leave Policies: Families can offer benefits such as jury duty leave, bereavement leave, and maternity leave to support the employee during challenging times.
Holiday and Annual Bonuses: Families may offer extra financial incentives during holidays or as part of an annual review process to acknowledge and appreciate the employee's dedication and hard work.
Cell Phone Stipend: Some families may recognize the importance of staying connected and accessible and offer a dedicated cell phone stipend to support effective communication with their employee.
As families seek to provide the best care for their children and support for their household, offering competitive benefits to their household employees is essential. By understanding the standard benefits and hourly rates in the San Francisco Bay Area, families can attract and retain quality childcare and household professionals who feel valued, supported, and motivated to provide exceptional care and support.
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If you’re looking for a wonderful nanny, newborn care specialist, family assistant, housekeeper, or other household staff, please reach out to us!
If you’re looking for your next great family to work with as a nanny, newborn care specialist, housekeeper, or other household staff, please connect with us!