There are many layers of individuals and agencies involved in creating an outstanding workplace. Each group needs to understand their role in building a nonprofit with exceptional employer compliance and effective practices that support the worker throughout the employment lifecycle. You may identify other layers specific to your nonprofit based on your organizational structure and decision-making processes.
In the following graphic, we illustrated the different layers of individuals, groups, and agencies involved in employer compliance.
This graphic illustrates the different layers of individuals, groups, and agencies involved in employer compliance. There is a half-circle divided into layers, like an onion. Each layer is labeled and has an explanation.
At the center of the circle is the board. The board provides governance for an organization. They typically set strategic priorities, fund those priorities through a budget process, initiate and approve policy, and are accountable for ensuring the organization provides a safe, healthy, and legally compliant workplace.
The next layer is leadership. Whether a paid CEO, co-directors, a team of directors, or a volunteer executive director, this role oversees the day-to-day work around employer compliance. They model behaviors and practices aligned with the employer philosophy and workplace culture.
The next layer is workers. Nonprofit workers may include paid employees, volunteers, interns, and independent contractors, and collectively they are the eyes, ears, arms, and legs of the organization. The workers transform the mission into living, breathing practices.
The next layer is the people you serve. Your nonprofit serves people who benefit from your programs, and strong employment practices that support workers to thrive. Your workers also engage with the people you serve in a variety of ways that directly relate to workplace experiences.
The next layer is the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is a state agency dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washington workers. The agency oversees workers’ rights like minimum wage, overtime, and the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act as well as safety and health.
The next layer is the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The Washington State Human Rights Commission Is a state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington State Law Against Discrimination.
The eighth and final layer is the United States Department of Labor. The United States Department of Labor is a federal agency that fosters, promotes, and develops the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States.