Are you looking to hire a nanny, family assistant, personal assistant or another household employee? Do you want to generate more interest in your job and attract the best available candidates? If so, take a good look at the benefits you’re offering as part of your employment package.
In today’s competitive market, going the extra mile – which doesn’t have to cost a fortune, I promise – truly matters. But where do you start? At ABC, we’re committed to helping you navigate the Colorado marketplace and craft an enticing benefits package for your long-term nanny or household employee.
So, let’s talk about the ABCs of nanny and household employee benefits: what’s required, what’s industry standard, and what perks will make your job stand out above the crowd.
Benefits You Need to Offer in Colorado (It’s the Law):
- Competitive, legal pay as a W-2 household employee (not a 1099 contractor)
- Overtime pay
- Paid sick leave (HFWA)
- Paid family and medical leave (FAMLI) program participation
- Worker’s compensation coverage
- Unemployment insurance coverage
- Mileage reimbursement when your employee uses their personal vehicle for work-related driving
Benefits You Should Offer (Standard in the Market):
- Guaranteed weekly hours aligned with the employee’s agreed-upon schedule
- Paid holidays (typically 6–10 paid holidays per year)
- Paid time off (typically 2–3+ weeks per year, chosen by the employee)
- Annual performance review with structured, performance-based raises
- All-expenses-paid travel when your employee accompanies your family on trips
- Paid CPR/First Aid certification
- Written work agreement detailing the employee’s schedule, duties, pay, and benefits
Benefits and Perks to Consider (Above and Beyond):
- Health insurance stipend or reimbursement
- Cell phone stipend for work-related use
- Sign-on and retention bonuses
- Holiday bonuses and/or additional paid time off during the holidays
- Extra paid days off (for example: your nanny’s birthday, work anniversary, or in recognition of a job well done)
- Paid memberships to local zoos, children’s museums, and/or a health or wellness club
- Professional development budget for training, development, and continuing education such as the INA Conference or National Nanny Training Day
- Employer-sponsored retirement plan
Beyond a safe, respectful workplace and competitive, legal pay, today’s top candidates are paying close attention to the benefits families offer. A thoughtfully designed benefits package doesn’t just make your job more appealing—it helps your position rise above the rest in a crowded market.
When you invest in your nanny or household employee, they’re better positioned to invest in your family. Generous, well-structured benefits foster loyalty, reduce turnover, and support long-term success in your home. If it’s within your means, this is one area where generosity truly pays off—for everyone involved.
