Understanding Severance for Nannies: Why Every Cleveland Family Should Include This Clause in Their Work Agreement
When families begin the search to find a nanny in Cleveland, many focus on the immediate needs: experience, qualifications, availability, and personality fit. But one of the most overlooked pieces of a professional nanny agreement is the severance clause. As a trusted Cleveland nanny agency offering full-time nanny placements and babysitting services, we at Hunny Nanny Agency believe that understanding severance—and how to structure it—is essential for both families and nannies.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what severance is, why it matters, how to structure it fairly, and what the benefits and potential risks are for each option. Whether you're new to hiring a nanny or are updating your work agreement, this is your go-to resource.
What is Severance in a Nanny Agreement?
Severance refers to compensation provided to a nanny after employment ends—usually when the termination is not due to misconduct or gross negligence. It serves as a cushion during the transition between jobs and acknowledges the commitment and care the nanny has provided.
For families seeking professional nannies in Cleveland, severance is a signal of respect and professionalism. For nannies, it offers financial security and peace of mind.
Why Include a Severance Clause?
Professionalism & Clarity
Including severance in your nanny agreement sets expectations early and reduces misunderstandings if the position ends unexpectedly.Protecting the Relationship
When jobs end on a respectful note, families and nannies are more likely to speak positively about each other—important in a close-knit community like Cleveland.Retention Tool
Offering severance can make a nanny position more attractive, especially for experienced, professional nannies seeking stable employment.Reputation Matters
As a Cleveland nanny agency, we’ve seen that families who approach employment with fairness and transparency attract the best caregivers.
Common Severance Options (With Pros and Cons)
Here are several types of severance packages families can consider. Each option has benefits and risks, so it's important to choose what aligns with your values and your family's budget.
1. One Week's Pay for Every Six Months Worked
Pros:
Fairly proportional to tenure
Easy to calculate
Encourages long-term retention
Cons:
Can be costly if the nanny has worked for many years
May create a financial burden during unexpected terminations
Best for: Long-term full-time nanny placements in Cleveland families looking to reward loyalty
2. Flat Severance (e.g., 2 Weeks’ Pay Regardless of Time Worked)
Pros:
Simple and predictable
Easier to budget for
Cons:
May be seen as unfair by long-term nannies
Might not provide sufficient support for the nanny to find a new role
Best for: Families hiring a nanny in Cleveland for short- to mid-term needs
3. Severance Only After a Certain Period (e.g., After 6 Months of Employment)
Pros:
Protects families from having to pay severance for short-term hires
Encourages initial fit assessments during the early months
Cons:
Nannies may feel unprotected early on
Could lead to resentment if a nanny is let go just before qualifying
Best for: Parents who want a built-in trial period before committing long-term
4. Severance Triggered Only in Non-Cause Terminations
Pros:
Protects families from paying severance in cases of misconduct
Encourages accountability
Cons:
Must be clearly defined in the contract what constitutes "cause"
Risk of disputes over interpretation
Best for: Families using a professional nanny placement service and formalizing employment
5. Extended Notice Period Instead of Severance
Pros:
Allows nanny time to search for another job while still earning
Reduces financial pressure on families
Cons:
May be awkward or emotionally difficult to continue working during the notice period
Doesn’t apply in cases of immediate termination
Best for: Collaborative families and nannies with open communication and trust
What to Consider When Choosing a Severance Package
Budget: Can your family afford a generous severance if things don’t work out?
Length of Employment: Will the nanny likely stay for years, or is this a transitional role?
Mutual Expectations: Are both parties aligned on long-term goals?
Local Market Norms: In Cleveland, full-time nanny positions are becoming more professionalized, and severance is increasingly expected.
How to Include Severance in Your Work Agreement
A well-written nanny agreement should include:
The specific severance amount or formula
Conditions under which severance is (and isn’t) paid
How notice and severance interact (e.g., whether severance is paid in lieu of notice)
Sample language:
"In the event of termination without cause, the Family agrees to provide the Nanny with two weeks' severance pay. If termination occurs within the first 90 days of employment, no severance will be provided."
Why Severance is Good for Cleveland Families
Families in Cleveland often rely heavily on their nanny’s support. When the relationship ends, whether due to job relocation, child aging out of care, or shifting family needs, providing severance helps maintain goodwill and protects your family’s reputation.
At our Cleveland nanny agency, we’ve found that families who include severance are more likely to:
Receive glowing referrals from departing nannies
Attract higher-caliber candidates
Experience smoother transitions
Our Recommendation as a Trusted Cleveland Nanny Agency
For most families, we recommend a balanced approach:
Include a trial period (e.g., first 60-90 days) where severance does not apply
Offer 1-2 weeks' severance after the trial period ends
Clearly define "termination with cause" vs. "without cause"
By doing so, you protect your family while also treating your caregiver with fairness and dignity.
Final Thoughts
Adding a severance clause to your nanny agreement may seem like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about how you approach employment. In a city like Cleveland where the nanny community is close-knit and families are looking for long-term, professional caregivers, building trust from day one is key.
If you’re ready to find a nanny in Cleveland or update your current agreement, our team at Hunny Nanny Agency is here to help. We specialize in full-time nanny placements, professional nanny services, and personalized support that makes parenting easier.
Reach out today to speak with a Cleveland nanny placement expert, and take the next step in creating a successful and respectful nanny-family relationship.
