Paid sick days for nannies are not just a job perk. They are a crucial part of keeping your home healthy, stable, and well supported. When caregivers show up ill because they cannot afford to miss a shift, your entire family is put at risk. When caregivers feel protected with paid sick days, they are able to recover fully faster, stay loyal to your family, and provide higher quality care to your little ones. A strong household starts with a caregiver who is treated with dignity and protected with simple, family-friendly policies.

Let’s discuss why paid sick days for nannies matter, how they protect your family, and what California families need to know.

1) Why Paid Sick Days for Nannies Are Essential

Caregivers work closely with your children, often in shared spaces and with hands-on tasks. Without paid sick days, they may feel pressure to push through illness, which increases the chance of spreading germs in your home. Paid sick days are known to support public health, reduce exposure to contagious illnesses, and help ensure the person caring for your children is healthy enough to do their job safely.

Found a nanny you love? Then you may be interested in knowing that paid sick days for nannies help with retention. Nannies and household staff who feel valued stay in jobs longer, build stronger bonds with the children in their care, and create a more stable home environment for everyone. A small investment in paid sick days prevents costly turnover and constant retraining, along with the emotional toll introducing a new nanny can take on your kids. 

2) How Paid Sick Days for Nannies Protect Your Family

a) Reduced Illness in Your Home

Children are more vulnerable to viruses and infections, and we’re sure you’re all too familiar with the bugs that go around once school starts. When caregivers lack paid sick days, it is often in their best interest to come to work sick because they cannot afford unpaid time off, even if they’re feeling unwell. This dramatically increases the likelihood that your children will become ill, and anyone else in the home, too. Paid sick days allow the caregiver to stay home, rest, and limit exposure, meaning your family will stay healthy and your caregiver will recover (and return to work) faster. 

b) Higher Quality of Care

A sick caregiver cannot deliver the same quality of supervision, judgment, or physical energy. Paid sick days ensure they return to work clear-minded and fully present, meaning your children receive safer, more attentive care.

c) Better Long-Term Retention

Household employees who receive paid sick days feel respected and supported. This contributes to job satisfaction and loyalty, reducing the need for families to go through the lengthy and emotional process of replacing a caregiver. Paid sick days for household employees ultimately save families time, stress, and recruitment expenses.

d) A More Professional Household

Providing paid sick days for your nanny signals that your home is a professional workplace. This strengthens the entire employment relationship and encourages caregivers to follow best practices, communicate openly, and uphold high standards.

3) California Rules for Paid Sick Days for Household Employees

California has specific laws regarding paid sick leave that apply to household employees, including nannies, housekeepers, and family assistants.

Key points include:

• Household employees accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• Families may front-load sick time instead of accruing it
• Employers must allow the caregiver to use earned sick days for their own illness, medical appointments, or preventive care
• Sick leave balances must appear on pay stubs
• Unused sick days may carry over, depending on the family’s selected policy

Providing paid sick days is not just thoughtful. In California, it is a legal requirement that protects both you and your caregiver.

4) How to Implement Paid Sick Days for Household Employees Smoothly

a) Add sick leave to your written nanny contract

Clarify accrual or front loading, how days are requested, and how many hours are available. Not sure how to add this in? Chat with an agency or HomePay, the nation’s leading household employment payroll and tax specialists. 

b) Talk openly with your caregiver

Reassure them that you fully support them staying home when sick. This conversation reduces guilt or fear of job repercussions.

c) Build backup coverage plans

Identify backup childcare options so you are not scrambling when sick leave is used. Try asking local loved ones if they have reliable on-call care, or reach out to a local agency. 

d) Encourage preventive care

Paid sick days also allow caregivers to attend routine appointments, reducing long-term health issues.

e) Review your policies annually

As your caregiver’s schedule and responsibilities change, ensure your sick leave policy continues to meet legal guidelines and your family’s needs.

Paid sick days for household employees benefit everyone. They keep your home healthier, your caregiver happier, and your childcare environment safer. By offering paid sick days, you build a strong foundation of respect and professionalism that enhances daily life for your entire family.