Six Secrets to retaining your great household employee

Make no mistake about it: when employees start searching for greener pastures, it's a bona fide disaster.

1. Figure out what motivates your employees. You may be surprised to know that for most employees money is not always the main issue. Good communication, Respect, fulfillment and recognition are key. Just saying "thank you" or "good job" will go a long way.

2. Encourage activities that make your employee feel good. Many people get energized when working out, dancing or swimming. Let your employee use your home gym, swimming pool, or other available facilities.

3. Incentives are nice and they also don't have to cost a lot. A small surprise gift certificate will generate positive feelings without breaking the bank. Movie tickets, a manicure or a dinner goes a very long way.

4. Flexible Hours: All families are different and your schedule might not allow for this, but simply making any effort can have positive results. Employees have lives outside the workplace, and sometimes issues with children come up, family emergencies, or simply needing a long weekend. Allowing employees to have some flexibility is a great way to keep them happy.

5. Consider other benefits: Reimburse for CPR / First Aid classes, Childcare related classes, Professional organizations like the International Nanny Association or Consider health insurance reimbursement after 1 year of service

6. Know your weaknesses: If someone else offered your employee a chance to move by focusing on what they don't get currently, what would that be? Beat the competition to the punch by anticipating your vulnerability.

A happy employee will work harder, be more willing, and will simply be better for the household. While raising wages is a quick and easy fix, in the long term, it's better to focus on a variety of elements to help make employees happier and enjoy their work more. If you take even just one of these suggestions I am sure you will see immediate results.

Get Organized for the New Year!

Many families have trouble staying organized in today's busy lifestyle. When parents work and multiple people are in charge of running a house, it is best to be HIGHLY organized.

1. Create a calendar with space for each family member to list appointments, activities, and reminders. Keep it in an open area like the kitchen.

2. Keep a dry erase board so all family members can write down items needed from the grocery store, dry cleaners, or school supply store and then 1 person can get everything in 1 trip.

3. Keep important phone numbers in a binder. If you have numbers for Dr.'s, workmen, teachers, etc. in 1 place, everyone can get what they need done quickly.

4. Preparing what your kids will need for the next day is crucial. Layout clothes, pack lunches, and have backpacks packed the night before.

5. Open communication. Make sure everyone knows what is expected of them and what needs to get done each day. If you have a last minute request, have a place where you know your employee will look, leave them a note and they will be able to complete the task.

These five small things will make a world of difference and make everyone's lives easier on a day to day basis.