Happy New Year folks!
In this age of modern technology and social media, we are always told how important communication is. The same applies to good communication in the workplace!
A common cause of jobs not working out is a lack or a breakdown in communication between employer and employee, especially when children are involved. Here are some tips on how to maintain a good communicative relationship with your employers:
• If you have concerns or problems, don’t let things grow out of proportion and never be afraid to ask for help or advice. Most employers are more than happy to assist if you approach them properly.
• Perhaps you could establish a regular time to review things with your employers? It depends on your new situation, but this could take the form of an annual review, a six monthly appraisal of how the job is progressing, or even a weekly sit around the kitchen table over a cup of tea – whatever works best to make sure those channels of communication are always open and that opportunities exist for both you and parents/employers to air any concerns or ask questions.
• Keeping good records, such as a Work Diary (to which you can refer during any meetings) is helpful and adds to your professionalism. Some Housekeeper/Nannies like to keep a daily diary, especially if the household has smaller children and babies, and record menu plans, recount outings, milestones reached, new words spoken, etc. See the Sample Daily Report Sheet later, as a possible template for your use.
• On a practical level, make sure you have all the essential numbers listed in relation to the children in your care and for your new employers and their close relatives in case of an emergency. Don’t wait until an emergency occurs to realise you don’t know the numbers!
Remember, if you ever find yourself worrying about how to broach a problem or concern with your employer, please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any advice or someone simply to listen; that is what we are here for!
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