New Virginia Employment Laws: What Employers Need To Know

If you employ people in Virginia, there are several new laws that you should be familiar with. Most of these changes reflect practices that strong employers have been following for years. If you're already paying fair wages, posting salary ranges, and offering sick leave, you're largely ahead of the curve — but it's still worth making sure your policies and documentation are formally in compliance.

Pay Transparency. Job postings now need to include a wage or salary range, and you can no longer ask applicants about their pay history. This applies to both public and internal postings, so it's worth reviewing your application forms and interview questions too.

Minimum Wage Increase. Virginia's minimum wage is rising in steps over the next two years. It’s about time—but even when change is positive, it can still be challenging to adjust. If you have hourly employees, this is a good moment to look at your payroll budget, pricing, and how wage compression (the ripple effect on existing employees' pay when entry-level wages rise) might affect your team over time.

Paid Sick Leave. Paid sick leave requirements are expanding, with obligations tied to employer size and phased implementation dates. This one takes effect next year, but it’s a good idea to review your current sick leave and PTO policies now to make sure you're on track.

These are the headlines — but the specifics of how each law applies to your business will depend on your size, structure, and current policies. If you'd like a referral to an HR specialist or small business attorney in my network, just reach out.