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2024 WA Employee Handbook Template

By Employee Handbook Store Staff Writers

Only $39.95 - Create an MS Word employee handbook for small business in The Evergreen State

Washington Law 2024 updates include:

  • Paid Family and Medical Leave Update
  • Minimum Wage Updates
  • Overtime Update

This template formatted specifically for Washington

Buy the WA Employee Handbook Template now

This MS Word template for small business can be completed, then saved as a PDF, RTF or MS Works. It contains all major policies for small business with specific language for Washington regulations, including language covering employee leave policy, and complies with federal guidelines and requirements for employers.

Creating an employee handbook from scratch can be very time consuming! And now you've been assigned the task of creating one for your Washington small business.

Simplify things...

This employee handbook template is a better way!

All the hard work has been done for you. The template masters at the Employee Handbook Store created the best employee handbook template on the market. Developed to comply with Washington and federal labor laws, this template includes the policies used by 99% of all small businesses. You found exactly what you are looking for!

Template formatted specifically for Washington:

Buy the WA Employee Handbook Template now
  • Washington-specific template - over 100 policy topics.
  • Easily customize with your company logo.
  • Many topics have multiple options.
  • Easily edit, delete or add topics.
  • Acknowledgement form for employees to sign.
  • FREE Safety Manual template with over 30 topics.
  • FREE No-Compete & Non-Disclosure agreement.
  • FREE Drug Testing Policy and Consent Form.
  • Formatted in Microsoft Word for PC or Mac.
  • Available in PDF format.
  • Available in MS Works format.
  • Available In RTF (Rich Text Format).

Comply With Washington Requirements

In addition to meeting requirements for Washington, policies provided in this template adhere to federal labor laws which meet or exceed state laws. Washington has state-mandated special requirements, that exceed federal requirements, for short-term disability leave for all employers with one or more employees. The employee handbook offered here includes a policy defining adherence to the Washington requirements for short-term disability leave to be used as company policy by Washington-based employers*. Washington small businesses will find, included in this template, policies for cell phones and texting, breaks, conduct, employee use of company vehicles, employee dress code, computer use, compensation, and nearly 100 other optional topics.

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Washington State, also known as the "Evergreen State," is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains, and the lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula. The state is also home to several prominent companies, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft. Washington State is also known for its strong agricultural industry, producing crops such as apples, cherries, and hops.

Small businesses play a crucial role in Washington's economy, accounting for over 98% of all businesses in the state. The small business community is supported by several resources, including the Washington Small Business Development Center, which provides business counseling and training, and the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, which offers resources and assistance to minority and women-owned businesses. Washington State also offers tax incentives for small businesses, including a Business and Occupation tax credit and a reduced sales tax rate for certain qualifying businesses.

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) plays a critical role in protecting the rights and safety of workers in the state. L&I provides assistance to small businesses, including education and training programs, workplace safety inspections, and assistance with workers' compensation claims. Additionally, L&I offers several programs and services designed to help small businesses navigate state labor laws and comply with regulations, including the Small Business Liaison Program and the Labor Standards Outreach and Education Program. Overall, L&I plays an important role in promoting safe and fair workplaces for small businesses in Washington State.

Develop a Washington employee handbook for your business.

A properly crafted employee handbook provides communication of company policy to all employees, and prospective employees. Labor laws require that all businesses have written policy and enforce policies uniformly with all employees. An employee handbook is simply the best, most cost-effective method for complying with this requirement. A variety of methods can be used to inform employees. Posters are popular in some cases, but most often the best method is an employee handbook.

What should be included in a Washington employee handbook?

As a matter of legal concerns, any policy the company would want to enforce should be clearly documented for the benefit of both the employer and employee. Particularly any policy that could impact hiring or dismissal of any employee, belongs in the employee handbook. If federal minimum standards are used as Washington standards, the federal guidelines should be included as company policy.

Other helpful information to include.

A well-constructed employee handbook can also include, as a matter of convenience, contact email addresses and phone numbers, holiday schedules, Human Resources Department hours, office hours, and any other information likely to answer employee questions about day-to-day operations.

Resources for maintaining policies per state and federal labor laws.

In Washington, labor laws that exceed federal labor law requirements, are created by the Washington State Legislature. Enforcement of labor laws in Washington is handled by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. This agency also processes labor law disputes.

Federal labor laws are developed and posted by The U.S. Department of Labor. To gather current information regarding a specific labor guideline, visit the Guidance Search Device. Additional information can be found via the Employer.gov website.

Who should develop an employee handbook for your small business in Washington?

If you intend to create an employee handbook from scratch, it is recommended to use HR professionals and attorneys for this monumental task.

However, this project can be simplified by using an employee handbook template. Quality templates, offered by trusted suppliers, can expedite the process from weeks or months, to an hour or so. Templates also reduce costs significantly.

Order a Washington employee handbook template, from The Employee Handbook Store. Founded in 1991 under the corporate name of The Guru Group, Inc., we have been offering these quality templates for over two decades.

Best WA Employee Handbook Template

Merchant Services
 

Fastest, easiest & best WA template available!

Logically organized for ease of use, topics are included for policies, procedures, employment standards, benefits, discipline and more. Many topics provide two to four options per topic (based on your preferences) for issues like smoking on company property. Developed by HR and management professionals, this template includes options that comply with federal FMLA and EEOC requirements.

Printable or Save as PDF to post or email

Print and distribute the handbook, or save it as a PDF which can be distributed via email or posted on the web for employees with access.

Sample Employee Handbook Pages

Download immediately and be ready to print and distribute today! The BONUS templates are included at NO CHARGE!

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Other State Handbook Templates

 

Resources for customized WA handbooks.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries provides detail on workers' rights to be considered when creating a WA employee handbook. The Karen Kruse Law, PLLC offers assistance in creating Washington employee handbooks from scratch. The Tyson Law firm offers answers to frequently asked questions about employee handbooks, for WA employers.

Information About WA Employment

State Legislature & Department of Labor

State-specific labor laws are drafted and passed by the state legislature. Many of these policies follow federal regulations, except where state requirements exceed federal minimums. Once legislation goes into effect, the state department of labor is charged with enforcement. These laws are the foundation of employee handbooks used by employers operating within the state.

Visit the Washington State Legislature website for details on current and upcoming labor and employment policy matters. Review requirements for employers operating in the state of WA. The Washington Department Of Labor is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

Washington Department of Labor & Industries
7273 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
360 902-5800


S.B.A. - Guidance for small business employee handbooks, as well as other resources and tools, are offered to employers at no cost.
U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd St, SW.
Washington DC 20416


U.S. Department Of Labor
200 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20210
866 487-2365


Leading Employers

The Washington-based employers listed here employ a substantial number of the employees working throughout Washington.

Barrett Business Services
Battelle Pacific Northwest
Evergreen Public Schools
Fairchild Air Force Base
Genie Industries
Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
Microsoft
Pacific Northwest National Labs
Providence Health & Services
Seattle Tacoma International Airport
South Seattle Community College
St Joseph Medical Center
Stewart Title
Summit Contracting
Swedish Medical Organ Transplants
T-Mobile
VA Puget Sound Healthcare Systems

These largest employers offer policy manuals to their employees. Small businesses in Washington are also required by labor laws to have written policy, make it available to all employees and enforce policies equally with all employees.