The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is having a sudden and severe impact on our region, state, and the U.S. As a result of COVID-19, many small businesses are suffering. Social distancing and state-mandated bans are causing the cancellation of events and travel plans, workplaces to shut down or limit operations, workers are sent home, and ultimately,... View Article
At the time of writing this post, there are currently 91 confirmed or presumed-positive cases of novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the United States. Just in the past three days, three deaths were reported in the state of Washington, bringing the count to six deaths to date in this state. The latest news reports provide... View Article
You already know about Washington’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law (hopefully!). You’ve been collecting premiums, reporting to Employment Security, and you’ve hung the necessary posters in the lunchroom. Each of these steps is necessary to comply with the new law. But have you addressed how this new law may affect, or even... View Article
Are you waiting on the latest updates to the employer pay requirements coming in 2020? Well, The US Department of Labor and Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has a gift for you. New employer pay requirements just in time for the holidays! Snapshot Federal Employer Pay Requirements Changes. Beginning January 12, 2020, Employers... View Article
Avoiding employee disputes and lawsuits is the goal of employers, but even effective best practices won’t reduce all risks. So how do employers avoid the inevitable cost of employee disputes and lawsuits? Enter mandatory arbitration agreements, which prevent employee disputes from going to court. These agreements are typically part of employment agreements or as separate... View Article
Among the many changes going into effect on January 1, 2020 (lookin’ at you, Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave), one that may have snuck under the radar is the Seattle Commuter Benefits Ordinance. This ordinance requires covered employers to offer employees the opportunity to make a pre-tax payroll deduction to cover qualified transportation fringe... View Article
We are now officially in the holiday season. While holiday parties are a great way to build morale and show appreciation for employees, these can also result in unexpected liability for employers if not done right. We have our top 5 tips for ensuring your company holiday party doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Avoid serving... View Article
Washington employers are likely to need support in reviewing employee handbooks and other existing policies and implementing new or revised policies by or before January 1, 2020. We are here to help! Call or email us to find to get your questions answered and see about getting your documents reviewed and updated.
We previously posted an article about the new non-compete legislation in Washington that was expected to be signed into law. Since that original article was posted, the bill was in fact signed and Washington employers should begin preparing for the new rules to take effect on January 1, 2020. But what do employers really need... View Article