Categories for Human Resources

Leadership in Practice

by | January 11, 2017

Talk of effective leadership abounds in business circles.  I know you have come across many books and seminars on the topic and hundreds of quotes as to what makes a great leader — yet it seems something that’s a bit tough to grasp in reality.  Part of the challenge in reading about and “implementing” leadership,... View Article

Washington Minimum Wage Increase Hike January 1st

by | January 11, 2017

On election night Washington voters approved Initiative 1433, which incrementally increases the state’s current minimum wage of $9.47 to $13.50 by 2020. The first hike to $11 per hour is set to occur on January 1, 2017. In addition, the rule requires every employer to provide sick leave starting 2018 as follows: one hour of... View Article

Overtime Rule Blocked

by | January 11, 2017

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted a temporary injunction blocking the DOL’s new overtime rule nationwide.What does this temporary injunction mean for employers? It means that, at least for now, employers are not required to comply with the new rule. However, if an employer  has already put the rules into... View Article

Leave Requests and the ADA

by | January 11, 2017

When an employee is confronted with a medical issue, particularly a sudden condition or illness, it is a time of fear and confusion. While it certainly cannot equate to what an employee is experiencing, our clients, the employers, are also faced with navigating a difficult situation. Almost all employers know one thing for sure –... View Article

Seattle Labor Standards Changes

by | March 31, 2016

By Victoria Bartow On April 1st, significant changes are taking effect regarding Seattle labor standards. An overview of the changes and current Seattle laws is provided here by the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS). Some key changes are discussed below: Notice of Employment Information: By April 1st, employers should provide employees (new and existing) a... View Article

The Journey to CEO

by | February 2, 2016

Yeah, we’ve all heard it – you must work “on” your business not “in” it.  I’m a big believer; yet I found it, as many business owners do, really tough to execute upon.  The reason why?  Because it’s easy to find the things that need to be done in day-to-day operations.  We know how to... View Article

Tacoma Mandates Sick Leave Pay Effective Feb 1

by | December 9, 2015

By Lauren Burgon Effective February 1, 2016, nearly every employee working even occasionally in Tacoma is entitled to paid sick/safe leave under a new Tacoma law. This applies to private sector employees regardless of where their employer is located or the size of their employer’s business. While the Tacoma law is patterned after Seattle’s paid... View Article

Foreign Workers

The Complexity of Hiring Foreign Workers

by | September 2, 2015

Last week the Seattle Times reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a civil fraud suit against local developer Lobsang Dargey, alleging that he stole nearly $18 million for his own use from immigrant investors under the EB-5 program. The program allows wealthy foreigners to invest money ($500,000 at a minimum) in a... View Article