If your family employs a nanny or is thinking about employing a nanny, there’s one crucial topic we’d love to chat about: guaranteed hours.

Let’s break down what guaranteed hours are, why they matter, how they differ for full-time vs. part-time nannies, and how to clearly include them in your nanny’s contract.

1) What Are Guaranteed Hours?

Guaranteed hours means that your nanny is paid for a set number of hours each week. This means that if you hire a full-time nanny for 40 hours per week, they are paid for 40 hours per week, including when you go on vacation, on the days you decide to work from home, or if you send the kids to their grandparents. Why? Because you are reserving your nanny’s time and availability, and they rely on that income to cover their expenses. Think of it this way—if your kids were in a daycare program and you pulled them out for a week to go on a trip, you would still be required to pay for that week of daycare.

2) Why Guaranteed Hours Are Industry Standard

Guaranteed hours are more than just a “nice to have”; they are industry standard and a hallmark of being a fair, ethical employer.

Unlike hourly workers who can pick up extra shifts, most nannies commit their week to your family. If you cancel their shift last-minute or head out of town on a multi-week trip, your nanny has no opportunity to replace those lost hours and wages. Guaranteed hours protect their livelihood and show respect for their professional commitment to your family.

3) Full-Time vs. Part-Time: What’s the Difference?

How do guaranteed hours work for full-time versus part-time nannies?

• Full-time nannies typically work 35+ hours per week, and their set weekly hours should be guaranteed.
• Part-time nannies typically work under 35 hours per week and also often have set schedules. Unless you’ve agreed upfront to an “on-call” or variable arrangement (which should be clearly defined in the contract), their set hours should be guaranteed weekly.

Remember, it’s not just about hours worked. It’s about securing your nanny’s commitment and availability.

4) How to Include Guaranteed Hours in Your Contract

The best way to avoid confusion or conflict over guaranteed hours is to spell everything out in your work agreement or contract.

Here’s what to include:

• The exact number of hours per week you are guaranteeing
• The nanny’s hourly rate or salary
• How overtime will be handled (based on your local laws for household employees)
• Clear expectations around holidays, paid time off, and sick days
• Whether guaranteed hours apply when you’re on vacation (but it’s advised that they should!)

A good contract protects both you and your nanny, and it sets the foundation for a respectful, professional relationship.

Having a household employee requires a unique knowledge of industry standards and local laws/regulations, but it’s nothing you can’t handle (and we’re here to help!). Providing guaranteed hours is about fairness, professionalism, and honoring the important role your nanny plays in your family’s life. By understanding industry standards, tailoring your agreement, and including guaranteed hours in your contract, you’ll build a strong, trusting relationship with your nanny—and that means everyone wins.