Is your business following the face covering mandate & COVID-19 regulations? As businesses navigate through the twists and turns presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be hard to keep up with changing rules & regulations. Along with the requirements presented in Phase II of the Safe Start Plan, Gov. Inslee issued a statewide face... View Article
While you’re battling workplace chaos caused by COVID-19, the last thing on your mind may be the state of your company’s virtual workplace culture. It may seem trivial when you are trying to keep folks on payroll, help those with sick family members or kids out of school, and manage a virtual workforce. However, if... View Article
Of all the goals and priorities you had for your business at the beginning of 2020, arranging for telecommuting of your entire workforce likely was not one of them. But as employees settle into their “home offices,” one chief concern of business owners is how to ensure employees can perform their duties effectively and efficiently... View Article
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
Although we are often distracted at this time of year by fun family gatherings, vacation time, and holiday cheer and events, businesses often take this time to ensure they are ready to start the new year strong. Below are several areas we suggest businesses evaluate as they plan for a successful year: Financial goals. Your... View Article
Beginning January 1, 2019, Washington state will join the small group of states mandating paid family and medical leave (“PFML”) for Washington state employees. Here are some of the key questions our clients are asking: What is the purpose of the law? Is our business required to collect the employer and employee premiums and implement... View Article
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
Internships offer additional benefits to employers, namely recruiting and grooming talent for future employment in the organization. The question is: when is a company required to pay interns? There is a common misconception these individuals do not need to be compensated for their work if they are classified as interns. The misclassification of employees as... View Article
Physical Abilities Tests (PAT) can be a useful tool for employers that seek ideal workers for physically demanding jobs. However, a biased test could cost your business millions in investigations, charges, and lawsuits. Just earlier this year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed two cases of female discrimination that cost the respective companies $2.5... View Article