Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Compliance for Seattle Businesses

By Sound Payroll | June 21, 2025

Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) law ensures that employees have access to paid leave for illness, medical appointments, and safety-related concerns. This blog post will explore PSST requirements, employer obligations, and best practices for compliance.

PSST Requirements

  • Employees accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked.
  • The number of required leave hours varies based on employer size.
  • Employees can use PSST for personal health, family care, or safety concerns such as domestic violence.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Track employee leave accrual and usage.
  • Provide employees with written leave balance updates.
  • Maintain accurate leave records for at least three years.

Common Compliance Challenges

  • Misclassification of employees – Ensure all eligible workers receive PSST.
  • Failure to track leave balances – Use payroll software to monitor accrued time.
  • Lack of employee communication – Provide clear PSST policies in handbooks.

Seattle employers must ensure PSST compliance by maintaining accurate records and communicating policies to employees. Proactive management of sick leave benefits promotes workplace wellness and legal compliance.

Posted in Seattle, Washington State, Payroll Laws