A Q&A guide to employee privacy laws for private employers in Washington. This Q&A addresses employee privacy rights and the consequences for employers that violate these rights. Federal, local, or municipal law may impose additional or different requirements. Answers to questions can be compared across a number of jurisdictions (see Employee Privacy Laws: State Q&A Tool).

States and municipalities continue to issue public health guidance in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that may impact employee privacy. For information and ongoing updates, see COVID-19: Employment Law and Developments Tracker: Washington.