SharedWork: An Employer’s Solution to Retaining Staff during COVID-19
During this unprecedented time, many employers are being forced to do things from laying off tenured employees to shutting down permanently. However, there is a solution to retaining your employees while keeping your business afloat. West Coast Careers suggests applying to the SharedWork program to help solve the burden of making hard choices.
What is SharedWork?
SharedWork is a voluntary business sustainability program that provides flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours. You can use it to:
- Support business stability
- Retain skilled workers
- Reduce payroll costs
- Be a smart alternative to layoffs
- Explore training programs that develop workforce skills
What Do Employers Have to Say?
A SharedWork survey of 2017 employers showed more than 99% would recommend SharedWork to other employers. They also said SharedWork:
- Reduced their payroll costs by at least 10%
- Allowed them to keep their trained workforce intact
- Improved employee morale
Does My Organization Meet the Requirements?
Businesses must:
- Enroll a minimum of two permanent employees in the SharedWork plan.
- Comply with IRS, state, county and municipal laws, rules and ordinances.
Employees must:
- Be hired permanently.
- Be eligible for regular unemployment benefits, apply for benefits and submit weekly claims.
- Be able to work all hours and be available for all work hours offered by the SharedWork employer.
Available Benefits
For more information, see the Employer’s FAQ or Employee’s FAQ.
Looking to apply? Go to: https://www.esd.wa.gov/SharedWork/apply
Stay safe.