A few good journeymen: Why skilled tradespeople are so hard to find

The costs up front are minor — only a fraction of a percent of the payroll.

However, Eric Grimstead, advisor at Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center, says there could be costs for businesses later on.

If business don’t begin planning now, they could be in trouble if their employees begin taking that leave once they’re eligible in 2020.

“The first step would be to try and develop some financial forecasting models,” Grimstead said.

He, and the other advisors at the SBDC, give free business consulting, and can help small businesses develop these models if they need it.