When hiring a nanny for your family, there are several important details to consider—and one term that often comes up is “guaranteed hours.” If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, don’t worry! We’re here to walk you through what guaranteed hours mean, why they’re important, and how they can benefit both your family and your nanny.

What Are Guaranteed Hours?

Guaranteed hours refer to the agreed number of hours your nanny will be paid for each week, regardless of whether you need them to work all of those hours. This means if your schedule changes or if you don’t need them for a certain day, your nanny still receives payment for the full amount of agreed-upon hours.

For example, let’s say your nanny works a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week. If you end up only needing them for 35 hours one week due to vacation or schedule changes, with guaranteed hours, they will still be paid for the full 40 hours.

Why Are Guaranteed Hours Important for Nannies?

1. Job Stability: Like anyone else, nannies rely on their weekly income to pay bills, rent, and meet other financial obligations. Guaranteeing hours ensures that even in slower weeks, your nanny can count on their regular paycheck, providing them with much-needed financial stability.

2. Promotes Trust and Loyalty: By offering guaranteed hours, you’re showing your nanny that you respect their time and understand the value they bring to your family. This gesture goes a long way in building trust and loyalty, making your nanny feel secure and appreciated in their role.

3. Retaining Top Talent: When families offer guaranteed hours, it shows that they’re committed to maintaining a long-term, respectful working relationship. This can help attract high-quality, experienced nannies who are looking for reliable income and stability in their work environment.

Why Guaranteed Hours Benefit Families

1. Reliable Childcare: Guaranteed hours help ensure that your nanny is available when you need them, even during slower periods or times when your schedule fluctuates. If they know they’re being paid consistently, they’re less likely to seek out other opportunities to fill the gaps, which could interfere with their availability for your family.

2. Fosters a Positive Relationship: When a nanny feels valued, it shows in their work. Offering guaranteed hours is one way to demonstrate your appreciation for the care they provide to your children. This creates a positive, collaborative environment where both parties feel respected.

3. Consistency for Your Children: Children thrive on routine, and a happy, dedicated nanny who is consistently available plays a big part in maintaining that. Guaranteed hours help create a sense of security for your nanny, ensuring that they remain committed and focused on your children’s well-being.

How to Implement Guaranteed Hours

If you’re considering offering guaranteed hours, be sure to have a clear agreement in place. Outline the number of guaranteed hours each week in your nanny contract, even if some weeks you might not need them for all of those hours. It’s also helpful to communicate clearly about what happens during weeks where fewer hours are needed, such as whether your nanny should be on call during those times.

If you find you have hours you won’t need your nanny during the week for childcare, you can also use those hours to have them perform tasks related to the children like organizing kids’ closets and sanitizing toys.

Ultimately, guaranteed hours create a sense of fairness and mutual respect between you and your nanny, ensuring a strong, stable working relationship.

By offering guaranteed hours, you're not only providing your nanny with financial stability but also reinforcing a positive, trust-filled partnership. In return, your family benefits from consistent, reliable care, which helps everyone—especially your children—thrive.

At Southern Coast Nannies, we’re here to help you navigate the process of hiring a nanny and can guide you through options like guaranteed hours to ensure you find the best fit for your family. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!