My nanny/ housekeeper has just let me know she's ruined the work surface in my (rented) flat. By text:
"I've found some marks on the kitchen surface and it seems to be from where I've put a hot pan down for a second and its burnt the top layer"
My first reaction is:
Not again :(
She's a very nice person and has done work on and off for me for years, she's almost part of the family in that way.
But, she's also caused a huge amount of damage over the years, as she's very careless and a rather chaotic worker who gets half way through a job then never quite finishes it and is very surprised when it's pointed out.
However it's always been my belongings and I've either replaced or just let it go if I cannot afford it. This time it's the land lords and there will be a major bill which I can't pay.
FYI, I'm disabled which is why I need household help as well, and the job has always been nannying plus cooking, tidying etc.
So here's my question. Would it be unreasonable to charge for her some proportion of the damage?
I've never thought about asking her to pay for what she's broken or damaged before, as I guess the buck stops with me. But I have made it clear that such a large amount of damages is not acceptable... And she's seen me dismiss another person for treating my home and my belongings (& me) with utter disregard. Yet I've always paid for anything she breaks, so I guess I've been giving mixed messages.
I've even sat down and explained to her that getting into a chaotic flap/ trying to rush around doing things quickly is when she's making mistakes, and when the damage and breakages happen. I've explained the whole 'more haste less speed' thing a few times, and I've even gone through some specific tasks and showed her how to do them in a way that is focused and doesn't risk damaging things.
I'm really torn as I don't want to lose her though she only works sporadically with me, I like her and have known her for years, and my son adores her.
BUT this latest damage is so major, and she can't just say sorry and walk away surely? It's not somethi g that can be considered 'normal wear and tear' as who on earth puts hot pans down on a working surface? Surely everyone knows that you just never do it? And I can't be expected to suck it up when she's done something that would always just end in disaster?
Am so conflicted, want to a fair employer but I find I'm often a push-over employer and don't want to end up taking a stand at the wrong moment - but this is very bad damage and I should be reacting to Tibetans 'oh dear please don't do it again?'
Arggghhh!