Prior to this date, employers should have already been collecting premiums through employee payroll and submitting reports and paying premiums throughout 2019.
Employers should become familiar with their roles and responsibilities as it relates to this paid time off program, the process and the requirements for providing the necessary paid time off for your employees. There have been many new updates to the WA State website (paidleave.wa.gov) and your first step is to familiarize yourself with the updates.
Employer responsibilities include:
- Submitting reports of employee hours and wages and paying premiums to the state each quarter
- Notifying your employees about their rights under this program (free workplace poster download)
- Communicate with employees who may qualify for leave that they may be eligible for Paid Family & Medical Leave
- Job protection – if over 50 or more employees and employee meets eligibility requirements
Many resources are available to employers and can be found online HERE or call (833) 717-2273 or email the state with questions.
If employers have Time Off and Leave policies in their handbooks, now’s a great time to have these reviewed and updated for accuracy. Contact the JBCS team to help in these endeavors.