Free HR Audit for Washington Employers (2025 Edition)

What is a Washington HR Audit — and Why You Need One

If you’re a small business owner in Washington, you’re juggling a lot. Keeping your HR practices in check is just another thing to manage. A Washington HR audit takes a deep dive into your hiring, pay, benefits, and workplace policies to help make sure you’re keeping up with the latest federal, state, and local employment laws. For Washington businesses, compliance is especially complex due to fast-evolving state regulations and city-specific labor standards.

Washington State has one of the highest minimum wages in the U.S., currently set at $16.66 per hour for 2025. But some cities go even further:

Seattle requires large employers to pay $20.76 per hour and has additional rules around scheduling, sick leave accrual, and secure scheduling for hourly workers.
SeaTac mandates a $19.71 minimum wage for hospitality and transportation workers, along with required paid sick leave.
Tukwila, a newer player, implemented its own local minimum wage ordinance, which phases in rates that exceed the state minimum depending on employer size.

These jurisdictions also impose unique workplace protections. For example:

Seattle enforces ordinances on paid sick and safe time (PSST), domestic workers' rights, and protections for gig workers.
Tacoma has its own sick leave ordinance that differs from the state model in accrual and usage thresholds.
Bellingham and Spokane have introduced local discussions and task forces around fair employment practices, signaling possible future ordinances.

Beyond wages and leave, Washington employers must comply with state mandates such as Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), anti-discrimination training, and strict requirements for labor law postings and new hire notifications.

Ignoring these layers of regulation can increase the risk of fines, audits, and employee disputes. That’s why small businesses in Washington, especially those operating in or near cities with extra rules, can benefit from a structured HR compliance review.

What the Free Washington HR Audit Covers

Our Free HR Audit Tool evaluates key compliance areas specific to Washington State:

Wage & Hour Rules: Ensures adherence to the state minimum wage of $16.66 per hour and higher local rates, such as Seattle's $20.76 per hour.
Worker Classification: Reviews employee vs. independent contractor status to align with Washington's labor standards.
Leave & Benefits: Assesses compliance with state-mandated paid sick leave and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs.
Mandatory Trainings: Checks requirements for trainings such as asbestos awareness and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Labor Law Posters & New Hire Notices: Verifies that all required federal and state workplace posters are properly displayed and that new hire documentation meets state guidelines.

How Our Free HR Audit Tool Works

Our intuitive tool is designed for small businesses and can be completed in just 5–10 minutes. It covers five key compliance categories, providing you with:

A customized compliance score
Actionable recommendations for improvement
A downloadable report to assist in aligning your HR practices with Washington State regulations

Who Should Use the Washington HR Audit Tool?

This tool is ideal for:

Small Businesses: Companies with 1–250 employees seeking to ensure HR compliance.
Startups: New businesses hiring their first staff members.
Business Owners Without Internal HR: Entrepreneurs managing HR responsibilities themselves.

Start Your Free HR Compliance Audit for Washington

Don't let compliance issues disrupt your business operations. Our Free HR Audit Tool can help you identify potential risks and align your HR practices with Washington State laws.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified HR or legal professional.