Why You Need A Nanny Contract
Growing up in an African setting, having a nanny contract was not a very common phenomenon. However with the changing employment regulations, work expectations and the general unpredictability of most domestic workers, it’s undeniable that there is peace of mind to know that you have taken the extra measure to protect yourself.
Having a nanny contract is kind of like tying a loose or hanging shoe lace or wearing a safety belt. Its the thought of knowing you took precaution incase the worst happens.’
Here are more reasons why you should enter into a Nanny Contract with your house-help:
- Sets the tone of the working relationship
All domestic employment relationships begin in good faith; the hope that everything will work out great! Which, of course, is the right attitude and spirit to adopt as, for all intents and purposes, you are welcoming a new individual to the family.
At the same time however, the reason for you opening your doors to this new individual is specific, attaches weighty legal considerations not to forget consideration/compensation and so its only right that a contract is created to clarify the nature of this relationship.
A Nanny contract does exactly this. It heightens the apparent level of professionalism and imposes an atmosphere of seriousness to the job.
- Setting ground rules
Performance of domestic work doesn’t take an Einstein and can be easily learnt on the job without much fuss about giving proper instructions.
A Nanny contract provides a proper forum for engaging in this sought of discussion; letting the other party know what is expected of them and the consequences of failure to meet the expectations.
- Protects both parties
Differences in opinion are bound to come up in any working relationship. Differences as to number of leave days allowed, compensation and benefits due etc. All these ought to be clearly stipulated in the contract.
- Proof of compliance with the law
Domestic workers form a large chunk of the Kenyan labor force. The law has noted this and therefore imposed certain rules that require compliance. Under these rules, nannies are now considered skilled and semi skilled employees. The regulations are binding whether the agreement to work for or work together with is written or oral.
At termination of such relationships and in case of any arising dispute these rules are put into consideration. The Nanny contract therefore serves as proof of the working relationship and what is due to either party.
Check out this sample Nanny agreement.
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