Categories for Compensation

Weight Bias at Workon a National Scale

LEGAL UPDATE: Shifting Paradigms: Battling Weight Bias at Work on a National Scale

by | August 24, 2023

Over the last two decades, obesity levels in the United States have been on the rise along with a growing concern of discrimination based on weight in the workplace. As a result, states and local governments are starting to take action. In Washington, it is therefore illegal for employers to refuse to hire qualified potential employees because the employer perceives them to be obese.

long-term care act

What Washington’s Long-Term Care Act Means for Employers

by | April 21, 2021

The Long-Term Care Act, passed in May of 2019, mandates a new uncapped 0.58% payroll tax on employee wages. The tax will create a Long-Term Care Trust Fund to fund the Long-Term Services and Support Trust Program. The program will help supplement long-term care costs, such as assisted living expenses. While the program’s specifics are... View Article

exempt employee

Changes to WA Exempt Employee Salary Thresholds & Job Duties

by | December 30, 2020

On July 1, 2020, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (“L&I”) updated the criteria for an exempt employee. These workers may include executive, administrative, and professional employees, as well as outside salespeople and computer professionals. Washington’s overtime exemption rules generally require these “white-collar” employees to meet a three-part test to be exempt: the... View Article

out-of-state employees

How to Stay Compliant with Out-of-State Employees

by | October 30, 2020

Since remote work has become routine for businesses, managers may be leading dispersed employees who live across the country. What do employers need to do if an employee decides to move out of state? What should employers consider when hiring remote, out-of-state employees? Here are some proactive considerations: Look before you leap Generally, having an... View Article

Paying your employees

Are you Paying Your Employees Correctly?

by | October 14, 2020

A common belief is that employees are the business’s greatest asset and greatest liability. While employees are critical to business success, being an employer is becoming more complex by the day. One area of concern, which can become very expensive if not done correctly, is employee pay. Failure in properly paying your employees can potentially... View Article

Ping Pong Employee Incentive

Foundations For an Effective Employee Incentive Plan

by | April 23, 2019

Over the past few years, the emphasis on employee engagement and happiness has been forefront in the business news and best practices. And though more companies are realizing Ping-Pong tables aren’t essential for workplace happiness, there’s certainly value in creating a ‘fun’ work environment to boost employee engagement. Whether your company’s incentives are fun or financial... View Article

Building a Deferred Compensation Plan

Building a Deferred Compensation Plan to Drive Business Objectives

by | April 8, 2019

By Tom Ovendale, Principle, and Bob Gruber, Founder, The Rainier Group. Deferred compensation can be a valuable tool in helping CEOs accomplish their employee retention and incentive objectives. Retirement plans, pension plans, and stock-option plans can all aid in making employment opportunities attractive for recruiting. Unfortunately, many deferred compensation plans fail to deliver the desired... View Article

Happy Children

Paid Family Leave Program Premiums begin Jan 1st – Employers, are you ready?

by | November 12, 2018

Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) has finalized its second round of rulemaking regarding the State’s new Paid Family Leave Program.  These rules provide additional information on employer reporting requirements, voluntary Paid Family Leave program requirements, deadlines, small business assistance, and other issues.  The rules will take effect on December 3, 2018. Premium collection will begin... View Article