- Benefit programs
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Right now, businesses across Washington are facing an uncertain economic reality. Employers need to keep their organizations running during tough times. They also need to look after their workers. These may seem like competing priorities, but they don't have to be.
As the SharedWork program from the Employment Security Department turns 42 years old today, we continue to help employers and workers in this situation. It can prevent layoffs with the flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours during economic downturns. SharedWork lets you tighten your belt and keep your employees.
SharedWork benefits
SharedWork allows you to reduce your employees' usual hours from 10% to 50%. Your workers collect unemployment benefits to replace part of their lost wages.
Here are a few of the program’s benefits:
- Employers keep their workforce intact during an economic setback.
- Employees keep their job and get a prorated percentage of unemployment benefits.
- Open to both full- and part-time employees.
- Open to most businesses and industries.
- Improves employee morale.
- Applying is free and takes less than 10 minutes.
Learn more about the SharedWork program.
Applying for SharedWork
Can SharedWork help you? It might. Over 1,000 businesses are participating in the program with 29,000 employees enrolled. But we believe over 100,000 businesses are eligible now. That’s a lot of unused benefits that could be helping people. While the program does affect your experience rating, so do layoffs.
It’s easy to find out if you qualify. Call 800-752-2500, option 3. A plan specialist can tell you if your business qualifies — usually in about 2 minutes. All you need is your business name and Employment Security Department (ESD) number. You can find your ESD number on tax documents we send you.
Only employers can apply for SharedWork. It’s easy to sign up and it’s easy for employees once the business is in the program.
What SharedWork employers say
Read testimonials from employers who have used the SharedWork program.
Smith Gardens: Bellingham, Washington
"SharedWork has been our biggest stress reliever. Everyone there has been so helpful and patient. They're just so great!"
Falco's: Spokane, Washington
"We are grateful. We truly believe our 80-year-old business would have had to close its doors had we not participated in the SharedWork program. We have been able to keep quality, well-trained, long-time employees on staff.
"You have created a model program that is well organized and simple to implement and maintain. The SharedWork employees are some of the nicest, most helpful and patient people I have ever encountered. Our business is secure, and we hope others can benefit from this program as we did."
Spokane Galvanizing: Spokane, Washington
"Our business has had its ups and downs, and without SharedWork, we would be forced to lay people off. Our employees are thankful we used it and happy they do not have to draw full unemployment. There are so many advantages to SharedWork.
"We do not know what the future will bring. Get approved for SharedWork!"