Newsletter | May 20, 2021

Your Workforce Matters Retail employers are hiring! According to ESD’s February economic data, five of the top 25 online job ads are retail frontline positions and five of the top 25 employers posting online job ads are also retailers. Hiring right and retaining good employees is increasingly challenging. This month’s newsletter focuses on resources that reduce costs while improving your employee recruitment and retention.    Featured: Is employee upskilling on your mind? Access free employee training consultation and employee training tax credit or grants. Are you paying competitive wages? Ask your local economist to obtain local wage and economic data for your industry. Got seasonal workforce? Apply and/or attend the SharedWork conference to reduce costs and keep good employees.

COVID Safety, Vaccination and More: Encouraging employee vaccination is the employer’s best practice to reduce liability and keep business open. CDC’s Essential workers COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine | CDC Vaccination tax credit for small business that provides employees COVID presumptive coverage for frontline retail employees - Effective May 11, 2021, retail frontline workers who contract COVID are presumed to have contracted from the workplace while public health emergency is in place. Read HERE for more information and additional employer requirements.  Staying vigilant with COVID safety protocols is good business – use this FREE COVID safety training app with certification (SAFEME COVID-19) in English and Spanish. Because your workforce matters, Retail Services will continue to provide resources that matter to you.

Other Guides and Resources: Getting ready for the Long-term Care payroll deduction mandate. Overtime Rules Resources from Labor and Industries - Salary Exempt Employee eLearning and salary budget tool | Salary Threshold Schedule Small business grants under Paid Family Leave – eligibility, application, and more

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WR diversity statement WR is committed to the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment in which these principles can thrive. We value all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, identity, sexual orientation, nationality or disability and that is the foundation of our commitment to those we serve.

Washington Retail Staff

Renée Sunde President/CEO 360.200.6450 Email

Rose Gundersen VP of Operations & Retail Services 360.200.6452 Email

Terry Hopsecger Director of Business Development 360.200.6453 Email