Washington PFML 2026 Update: What Small Employers Need to Know

  • 1 minute read

Starting in 2026, Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will extend job restoration protections to employers with fewer than 50 employees. The update also allows employees to take leave in smaller increments, adding flexibility but increasing administrative complexity.

Why This Matters:

  • Small Business Impact: Employers who haven’t had to guarantee job restoration before will need to adjust policies and planning.
  • Scheduling & Payroll Changes: Smaller leave increments mean more frequent adjustments to shifts, schedules, and payroll records.
  • Policy Review Required: Current leave, PTO, and scheduling policies should be updated to ensure compliance.

Tip: Start now. Review internal workflows for scheduling, job postings, and payroll so you’re not scrambling when the law takes effect. Proactive preparation = smoother transitions for both HR and employees.

More Resources

  • Article

Operational Documentation Reset: Build Your 2026 Defense File (Part 2)

We are back with Part 2 of our Leave Management Monday from last week to help you finish your year-end cleanup with the “back half” of the file—the spots most likely to trigger disputes. Action: Apply this checklist to five

Read More
  • Article

Recent Enforcement Trends: What Employees are Getting Wrong

Regulators are sending a clear message: employers must be proactive when it comes to ADA, FMLA, and PWFA compliance. Recent EEOC enforcement actions highlight common missteps, including: Lesson learned: Compliance is about more than paperwork. Employers need clear policies, well-trained

Read More