Ive been managing nannies on and off for a few years now. I've learned a lot about how to keep them happy, how to piss them off, and how to squeeze the most out of them, without squeezing them dry.
(optimizing for short term) Be firm
Its important, in the beginning to be firm if you can. You've got to make sure they *want* the job, and are willing to do some plumbing. If you don't do this, heres what might happen:
- they start using their cell phone at work
- coming in late.
- doing the bare minimum
(optimizing for long term) But not too firm !
Cash employees like flexibility. They know you will eventually fire them when you don't need them anymore. If you allow them to work their own life into your schedule, it can really help them
(optimizing for short term) count every minute
A mercenarious nanny will happily work harder and longer when you give them hourly wages. Short term performance is great in these scenarios. However, its not a good long term strategy: The people who expect an hourly wage are generally not the type of people who are committed to you and your family. Often, they also do not understand what a real , professional commitment as a caretaker involves.
(optimizing for long term) Only count the bare minimum
If you don't do an hourly wage, you should salary your nannies and CAREFULLY ask yourself the bare minimum time they need to be around. For example, if you expect them to be around from 8-6, but can survive with 9-5, you should give them 8:30-5:30 and incentivize them to work harder, possibly come in earlier - by providing bonuses, and making your house incredibly comfortable and pleasant to be at.
In conclusion
There are a lot of other examples of how short term optimizations contradict long term ones. If you have a large family, with a lot of money, short term optimizations might be better. If your in a position where you need your nannies to survive, and are on a budget: Optimize for the long term, it will save you money and give you, and your nanny, the peace of mind to build a commensalistic, synergistic community based around your family.
