Being a parent in Switzerland comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to childcare. Due to the high cost of living and limited availability of child care services, finding trusted child care professionals can be challenging for expat families. That being said, you don't have to stand alone. Whether you are looking to employ a full-time nanny or just need someone trustworthy to look after your children on occasion, these are some of the most important things you should keep in mind as you begin your search for the perfect nanny or babysitter in Switzerland.
Establish Clear Communication From the Start
First and foremost, you need to make sure you and your potential nanny are on the same page. You will want to make sure you understand your responsibilities as a parent, while also understanding the nanny’s expectations, both professionally and personally. To do this, you will want to talk about a few key topics as soon as you start your search. This includes topics such as:
- The expected number of hours the nanny will work-
- What the nanny will be expected to do during those hours
- How much the nanny will be paid for those hours
- What benefits the nanny will receive for the work
These are all key topics you will want to cover during your initial talks with a potential nanny. The clearer you can make these topics from the beginning, the smoother your relationship will be in the long run.
Finding a Nanny Through an Agency
One of the first things you should do when looking for a nanny in Switzerland is to consult with agencies that specialize in childcare. These agencies can be a great way to help you find a nanny quickly. You can expect to pay anywhere from 10-15% of the nanny’s monthly salary in agency fees, and that fee ensures you peace of mind and convenience. The agency will usually do a great deal of the legwork for you. They will help you find the right person for the job, screen them for any red flags, and make sure they are the right fit for your family. Crucially, if your nanny ends up not working out for whatever reason, the agency will help you find a new person and support you during the onboarding and offboarding.
Selecting A Nanny On Your Own
If you don’t want to use an agency and instead want to find a nanny on your own, you will need to conduct your own screening process. This will be similar to how an agency would screen potential nannies, but you will be responsible for taking care of it all on your own. When screening potential nannies it is vital that you interview them in person. While you may also want to do some online searching, there is no replacement for actually meeting someone in person. This will give you a great idea of who they are as a person, and whether they are a good fit for your family.
Understanding the Market
Before you start your search for a nanny in Switzerland, it is important to make sure you understand the vacancies in the market. You should know what type of nanny you are looking for, as well as what type of person would be a good fit for your family. This will help you narrow down your search and know who to look out for when you begin your search in earnest. There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to find the right nanny in Switzerland. First, the cost of living in Switzerland is quite high, which means that the competition for nannies is high as well. As such, you will likely have to pay a higher salary than you would in other countries.
How Much Should You Pay?
As the cost of living in Switzerland is high, you can expect the salary of a nay to be in line with this. You will want to make sure you are paying a fair amount for the work your nanny will be doing. Salaries for nannies in Switzerland are as follows:
Canton Geneva: Minimum Gross Monthly Salary: CHF 4538 for 45 hrs/week (Hourly, CHF 23.27 per hour. Market rate is CHF 25.)
Canton Vaud: Minimum Gross Monthly Salary: CHF 4200 for 45 hrs/week (Hourly, between CHF 21.10 CHF 23.10 per hour)
Other Cantons: Please contact us.
Conclusion
Finding a nanny in Switzerland can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Keeping these tips in mind will make the process much easier. It is true that finding the right person can take time, and can be frustrating, but don't lose heart. Don’t rush the process, and always be sure to conduct thorough searches. You may have to meet with a few people before you find the right nanny, but it will all be worth it in the end.
At Good People it is our job to help you find the best person who will be the perfect fit for your family. If you would like help finding your perfect nanny, contact our team today.
Good People is a domestic staffing agency specialising in introducing high quality household assistance. We provide a simple, fast and professional service to recruit trained and vetted staff who match your family values. To discuss what we can do for you, or to join the Good People Club, get in touch.
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