Do You Pay Nanny While on Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

When you hire a nanny to take care of your child, you establish an employment relationship with them. This means that you have certain responsibilities as an employer, including paying them for the time they spend working for you.

But what happens when you go on vacation? Do you still need to pay your nanny?

The short answer is yes, you should pay your nanny while on vacation. However, the specifics of how much and when may vary depending on your agreement with your nanny and the laws in your state.

Understanding Your Agreement

When you first hire a nanny, it’s important to establish clear expectations and guidelines in a written agreement. This agreement should outline the duties of the nanny, their rate of pay, and any benefits they are entitled to.

If you plan on taking a vacation while employing a nanny, it’s important to include provisions in your agreement regarding vacation time and pay. This can help avoid confusion or misunderstandings later on.

Some agreements may specify that the nanny will receive paid time off (PTO) for a certain number of days per year. Others may state that the nanny will not receive PTO but will be paid for any days they work, including those during your vacation.

It’s important to review your agreement carefully before taking any action related to vacation time or pay.

State Laws

In addition to your agreement with your nanny, it’s important to be aware of any state laws that may impact their compensation during your vacation.

For example, some states require employers to provide PTO or paid holidays for domestic workers such as nannies. Other states may not have specific laws regarding domestic worker compensation but may require employers to follow general labor laws such as minimum wage and overtime requirements.

It’s important to research the laws in your state and ensure that you are following them when it comes to compensating your nanny during vacation time.

How Much Should You Pay?

The amount you pay your nanny during your vacation may depend on several factors, including your agreement, state laws, and the amount of notice you give your nanny.

If your agreement specifies that your nanny will receive PTO, you should pay them for any vacation days they take during that time. The rate of pay should be the same as their regular rate of pay.

If your agreement does not specify PTO but does require payment for days worked, you should pay your nanny for any days they work during your vacation. Again, the rate of pay should be the same as their regular rate of pay.

If you do not have an agreement or state laws governing compensation during vacation time, it’s still a good practice to compensate your nanny for any scheduled days they would have worked if you were not on vacation. This can help maintain a positive relationship with your nanny and ensure that they feel valued and respected.

Communicating with Your Nanny

When it comes to vacation time and pay for your nanny, communication is key. It’s important to discuss any plans for vacation well in advance and ensure that both you and your nanny understand what is expected.

Be clear about how much notice you will give before going on vacation and how much notice you expect from your nanny if they need time off. Discuss how compensation will be handled during this time and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

By communicating openly and honestly with your nanny about vacation time and pay, you can help avoid misunderstandings or confusion later on.

In Conclusion

Employing a nanny comes with certain responsibilities as an employer. When it comes to vacation time and pay, it’s important to understand the specifics of your agreement with your nanny as well as any state laws that may apply.

While paying a nanny while on vacation may seem like an additional expense, it’s an important part of maintaining a positive relationship with your nanny and ensuring that they feel valued and respected. By communicating openly and honestly about vacation time and pay, you can help avoid any misunderstandings or confusion.