Hollywood stars Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis have been in the spotlight recently. The pair have been forced to confront claims from their former nanny, after she alleged personal details about the couple’s breakup and Wilde’s relationship with Harry Styles.
This story highlights the importance of having a nondisclosure agreement (NDA). While these are frequently used for celebrities, they are also very beneficial and necessary for the average family who hires a nanny to work in their home. Doing so adds an extra level of protection and privacy.
Hiring a nanny requires research and vetting. It is a very important decision and while you hopefully have someone that you trust, there are a lot of different things that your nanny will see and have access to as they work in your home. They know your schedule, they may be able to see personal paperwork such as bills, bank statements, or prescriptions. They probably have a key to your home and your alarm system code, and they hear conversations with your friends, children, and other family members. These private moments are things that are meant to stay private.
An NDA can be as easy as a clause in your written work agreement that includes information about confidentiality and what is and is not allowed. Others have social media agreements which state what things they allow to be posted online. Or, an NDA can go into greater detail about what can or cannot be shared outside the home – for example, photos on social media, family names, or specific job duties. In an NDA, you will need to clearly state what will happen if the agreement is violated. Some families also consider keeping this NDA in place, even when the nanny is no longer working in your home.
Whatever option you choose, ensure both you and your nanny have a full understanding of what the NDA entails and what consequences are in the event of a violation. Be open to questions, welcome communication as much as possible, and ensure you are available to clarify any misunderstandings sooner rather than later. You may also consider giving your nanny the option to have them review it by an attorney to ensure everything is covered properly.
Having an NDA or detailed work agreement helps keep your family life private. If you aren’t sure what to include in your NDA, our team at Household Staffing can help. We have a comprehensive NDA template for our clients to work from, so you can be sure you and your family are covered.
Contact us today to learn more about hiring a qualified nanny hired, with a well-rounded NDA in place before their first day of work. We look forward to helping find a great match!
