SNOW DAY POLICY

Snow days in Seattle are lovely! They also bring the city to a standstill. Make sure you’re prepared for the inevitable snowpocalypse by adding a well-thought-out Snow Policy into your Nanny Work Agreement. When you combine written expectations with open communication and proper planning, you can significantly reduce potential strain in your professional relationship.

START WITH YOUR CONTRACT

Let’s face it. The Seattle area is prone to icy hills, fallen trees, and other natural conditions. Due to the varied landscape many neighborhoods experience conditions that affect accessibility when it snows. For this reason, a comprehensive snow policy is an essential part of any employment agreement for a nanny or household employee. Defining what constitutes a “Snow Day” in Seattle can be tricky, given the city’s specific challenges. The policy should aim for objectivity by addressing key scenarios. This could be defined by major closures or disruptions, such as when: the local school district (like Seattle Public Schools or Bellevue) officially closes; King County Metro or Sound Transit bus lines face significant delays or a complete shutdown (a crucial point if your nanny relies on public transit); or the city officially declares a State of Emergency due to ice or snow. The essential goal is to discuss these possibilities with your nanny and achieve mutual agreement on the definition before the first snowflake of the season falls.

COMMUNICATE

Beyond the formal written agreement, it is crucial to clearly express your family’s needs regarding attendance during snowy weather. For families categorized as essential workers—such as those in hospitals—whose presence is often non-negotiable, the nanny must understand that their attendance will be required in nearly all circumstances. Conversely, if you are a flexible or work-from-home parent, you might be comfortable with your nanny erring on the side of caution and staying home. It is paramount to communicate clearly if you plan to stay home yourself but still require the nanny’s presence to care for the children so you can focus on your work duties.

COMPENSATE

A fair compensation policy is the cornerstone of building trust, and how you handle pay during severe weather must be clearly defined in your employment contract. The ideal scenario is:

If the Employer Cancels Due to Hazardous Conditions: If you tell your nanny not to come to work, they should be paid their normal rate for the day. The simple principle is that if you are getting paid while staying home, your nanny should be too.

If the Nanny Cancels Due to Hazardous Conditions: Your nanny can use a PTO day or take an unpaid day off. But ideally, to address the reality of Seattle’s harsh, though infrequent, winter events, consider establishing a snow day bank, allocating several days of inclement weather pay as a core part of their benefits.

PLAN AHEAD

If a major weather event is reliably forecast and your role classifies you as a truly essential worker, it is prudent to discuss the option of an overnight stay with your nanny. The ideal arrangement is Pre-Storm Lodging, where you ask your nanny to stay the night before the storm is expected to ensure you can get to work the next morning without fail. To make this possible, you must offer extra compensation—beyond their normal daily rate—and make every possible accommodation. If your nanny has dependents, such as children or pets, offer to take them in as well, or provide substantial additional compensation so they can arrange suitable backup care. The key is to ensure this necessary request is not a hardship but a mutually beneficial and well-supported plan.

SAFETY FIRST

It is never worth jeopardizing a healthy working relationship by risking a truly dangerous situation. If the roads are sheets of ice, or if King County is explicitly advising residents to stay home due to hazardous conditions, requiring your nanny to risk a treacherous commute simply for fear of losing a day’s pay will inevitably lead to resentment and undermine trust. Prioritizing safety is paramount.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, a well-defined snow policy is less about rigid rules and more about fostering trust and ensuring safety during unpredictable weather events in the Seattle area. By establishing clear, objective criteria for a “Snow Day,” proactively communicating your family’s essential or flexible needs, and guaranteeing fair compensation through a clear pay structure and perhaps a dedicated “Snow Day Bank,” you protect both your household operations and your nanny’s well-being. A thoughtful, mutually agreed-upon policy ensures that when the next storm hits, both parties can prioritize safety without causing financial strain or resentment, reinforcing a strong and reliable employment relationship.

Questions? Contact Starling Agency for Consultation Services.

Starling is a stellar nanny placement agency proudly serving Greater Seattle and the Eastside. Starling nannies are passionate about education and child development! We represent professional nannies, private teachers, newborn care specialists, household managers, family assistants, personal assistants, and more. Learn more about Starling’s core values.