Shared Work Program Can Help Employers, Employees
The Washington Shared Work Program can help both employers and their employees when business slows down.
A downturn in business can hit small companies especially hard. A tempting way to cut costs can be to cut back on payroll. But then the business loses the skilled workers it paid to train. Likewise, workers face the daunting task of finding new work.
What Is the Washington Shared Work Program?
Fortunately, the Shared Work Program can help both sides. In this program, which the Employment Security Department oversees, companies can save money by reducing the hours of employees. Employees can then collect partial unemployment benefits to make up some of their lost wages.
The program has flexibility built in. Employers can enroll some or all of their employees. Companies can reduce payroll hours from 10 up to 50 percent a week. The can use the Washington Shared Work Program only when they need to.
Program Requirements
There are some requirements to participate in the program. For employers, they need to be a registered Washington state business with an Employment Security account. They must enroll a minimum of two employees in the program.
For employees, the workers need to be permanently hires (not seasonal workers). They must be eligible for regular unemployment benefits, apply for benefits, and submit weekly claims. They have to work all their scheduled hours, and be available to work all hours offered by their employer.
Benefits
The Shared Work Program helps employers get back up to speed quickly when business improves. And employees in the program still receive their employment benefits.
Links
Employment Security has a web page with general information on the Washington Shared Work program.
Employers can go here to register for a monthly webinar with live Q&A.
Lastly, you can learn more about our services here!
Recent Comments