Formally Ending the Working Relationship
April 23, 2013 | in Nannies
For nannies and parents alike, the working relationship can feel so close and personal that when the relationship comes to an end, terminating the working arrangement formally feels a bit awkward. However, formally ending the relationship is important for many reasons.
- Written notification of termination or notice serves to document the date the relationship ended or will end.
- Written notification serves to document who is ending the relationship.
- Written notification finalizes the decision to terminate or quit.
- Written notification may offer protection in the case of an unemployment claim.
When writing your letter of termination or notice, it can be tempting to rehash every detail that has led up to your final decision, but don’t. Doing so can turn what is meant to be an official, formal notification into something other than what it’s intended to be. Employers will want to reference any specific event that led to the decision, the impact of that event and why you are left with no other choice than to terminate the nanny as a result of the event. These events may include reasons that are no fault of the nanny, like a decision to relocate, the loss of a job or an event that forced you to take action out of concern for your children, like the breach of trust or an unsafe decision. When you are a nanny writing a letter of notice, include the date the letter was written, your name and position, the last day you plan to work and a clear, brief statement outlining the reason you are giving notice. Some reasons for giving notice may have nothing to do with the family; perhaps you are relocating, you’ve accepted a new position or you want to change careers. Other reasons may be a direct result of a poor match or mistreatment, like a clash of caregiving styles or a breach of the working agreement. Once a nanny gives formal notice, the parents may wish to end her position effective immediately, rather than allow the nanny to work out her notice. Others may request that the nanny adjust her end date to accommodate the family. Each situation is unique, and ideally the parents and nanny will work together to end the working relationship on mutually acceptable terms. Whether you’re an employer terminating the relationship or the nanny giving notice, it’s important to review your written work agreement and honor the terms you’ve agreed upon. Even when the nanny may be considered at will, ending the relationship in writing can bring formal closure to the end of the working relationship.
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