Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Policy Template for a Business
This policy ensures compliance with Seattle’s PSST law and clearly communicates employees’ rights and procedures.
Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Policy
[Your Business Name]
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
1. Purpose
[Your Business Name] is committed to providing employees with paid leave to care for their health and safety needs, as required by Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Law. This policy outlines employees’ rights and procedures for requesting PSST.
2. Eligibility & Accrual
A. Who is Covered?
This policy applies to all employees who work in Seattle, including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. Independent contractors are not covered.
B. Accrual Rates
Employees earn PSST based on company size:
| Employer Size (FTE Employees) | Accrual Rate | Carryover Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1-49 (Small) | 1 hour per 40 hours worked | 40 hours |
| 50-249 (Medium) | 1 hour per 40 hours worked | 56 hours |
| 250+ (Large) | 1 hour per 30 hours worked | 72 hours |
- Employees begin accruing PSST on their first day of work and can start using it after 90 calendar days of employment.
- There is no cap on the number of hours employees may use in a year.
3. Acceptable Uses of PSST
Employees may use PSST for:
✔️ Sick Time:
- Personal illness, injury, or health condition
- Medical appointments (doctor, dentist, therapist, etc.)
- Caring for a sick family member
✔️ Safe Time:
- Domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking situations
- School or workplace closures due to public health reasons (e.g., COVID-19, extreme weather)
- Childcare facility closures due to a public health emergency
4. Requesting PSST
- Employees must notify their manager as soon as possible before their scheduled shift.
- If unable to provide advance notice, employees should inform their manager as soon as they can.
- Requests can be made verbally, via email, or through [your scheduling system].
5. Documentation Requirements
- If an employee uses PSST for three consecutive days or more, [Your Business Name] may request documentation, such as a doctor’s note.
- The company will cover any costs for obtaining required documentation.
- No documentation is required for absences of three days or fewer.
6. Pay & Tracking
- Employees will be paid their regular wage for PSST hours used.
- PSST balances will be included in employee pay stubs or available upon request.
7. Protection Against Retaliation
[Your Business Name] strictly prohibits retaliation against employees for using PSST. Employees will not face termination, demotion, or any form of punishment for using their legally provided leave.
8. Contact Information
For questions or to request PSST, contact:
📧 [Manager’s Email]
📞 [Manager’s Phone Number]