Categories for Current Events

COVID-19 Vaccine

Should you require your employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

by | August 27, 2021

As the pandemic has stretched on, the highly infectious Delta COVID variant has become the dominant strain. As infection rates increase, employers are looking for ways to keep their employees safe and allow them to return physically to the workplace. There are several considerations employers must make. Should they require employees and contractors to get... View Article

Washington Cares Fund

Should Your Employees Opt Out of the Washington Cares Fund?

by | July 28, 2021

You’re probably aware that Washington State is the first in the nation to implement a state-run long-term care trust to provide funds to residents to cover long-term care costs under the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act (“Washington Cares Fund”). We previously shared the details of the Act in one of our latest blogs. The... View Article

heat and wildfire smoke rules

What You Need to Know About WA’s Heat and Wildfire Smoke Rules

by | July 28, 2021

Due to exceptional heatwaves and wildfire smoke in the Pacific Northwest, Washington L&I has announced new emergency rules to protect workers in Washington from heat and wildfire smoke hazards. Heat Emergency Rule The heat emergency rules apply to Washington employers with employees who are expected to be outdoors and exposed to the heat. Effective July... View Article

capital gains tax

Planning for Washington’s New Capital Gains Tax

by | May 10, 2021

In late April 2021, Washington state lawmakers approved a new capital gains tax that takes effect on January 1, 2022. The bill imposes a 7% tax on long-term capital gains exceeding $250,000, such as on profits on the sale of stocks, bonds, and businesses. Supporters of the capital gains tax see it as a solution... View Article

Honoring working mothers - workplace superheroes

Honoring Working Mothers: Workplace Superheroes

by | May 5, 2021

The superpowers needed to be a working mother are unmatched by any known force. Working mothers have taken on more responsibilities as the pandemic has uprooted their lives, managing remote learning schedules and juggling childcare needs. Our team honors and commends working mothers, praising their value and commitment to both family and professional life. You... View Article

Gender Diversity in Washington Boardrooms

Gender Diversity in Washington Boardrooms

by | March 24, 2021

Despite the push in recent years for increased gender equality in the workplace, many company boardrooms are still largely male-dominated. In June of 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed SSB 6037 into law in an effort to recognize the many qualified women in the Pacific Northwest. Developed by the Washington State Women’s Commission, the law aims... View Article

covid-19 vaccine

What Employers Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

by | January 19, 2021

While 2021 isn’t off to the start we all hoped it would, there is good news on the horizon. Health care workers and other high-risk individuals are now getting the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Most people will likely be able to receive the vaccine by the end of the second quarter 2021. While the... 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