Washington Employment Law Changes for 2026 - HR ALERTS
- Regina Dyerly, SHRBP, PHR
- Dec 30, 2025
- 1 min read
Washington Employment Law Changes for 2026
Effective: January 1, 2026
Washington has enacted several employment law updates for 2026 that impact pay thresholds, leave administration, workplace safety, and wage compliance. These changes apply to employers with Washington employees, including remote workers, regardless of where the employer is headquartered.
Key 2026 Washington Updates
Pay, Classification, and Payroll (High Priority)
Increased minimum salary for overtime-exempt employees to $1,541.70 per week
Lower thresholds for reporting and remitting unclaimed wages
Leave and Breaks
Amendments to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) requirements
New option allowing certain hospital workers to waive meal and rest breaks
Workplace Safety and Harassment Prevention
Expanded domestic violence protections
Updated requirements for isolated worker harassment prevention
Amendments to health care workplace violence prevention laws
What Employers Should Do Now
Washington employers should review exempt classifications, PFML processes, wage reporting practices, and workplace safety policies, particularly in health care and hospital settings, ahead of the 2026 effective date.
Get day-to-day updates on Washington Employment Law Changes for 2026 visit the Vida HR Knowledge Center (Vida HR Clients Exclusive).
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