How to Utilize the SharedWork Ohio Voluntary Layoff Aversion Program
Published on by Ryan Lauer in COVID-19, Tax Services
SharedWork Ohio (SWO) is a voluntary layoff aversion program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). It allows Ohio employers to retain staff during periods of reduced business activity.
Participating employers reduce the hours of affected employees by between 10 and 50 percent in a uniform manner. After employees work the reduced schedule, the ODJFS provides eligible individuals with an unemployment benefit proportionate to their reduced hours.
Ohio employers may apply for SWO if the following criteria are met:
- Have at least two affected employees that do not work on a seasonal, temporary or intermittent basis;
- Are current on all Ohio unemployment insurance reporting, contributions, reimbursements, interest and penalties due;
- Agree to the program requirements. For more information about employer requirements, see JFS 20142, “SharedWork Ohio Guide for Participating Employers and Employees.”
Interested employers must provide the ODJFS with a list of participating employees and specify their normal weekly hours of work, not to exceed 40 hours and not including overtime. Part-time employees may be eligible as long as the same reduction percentage is applied.
The SWO is not meant to be adopted indefinitely as an ongoing business practice, and cannot be used for seasonal employees or conflict with other valid employment agreements. The plan can be in effect for up to 52 weeks, but the weeks do not need to be consecutive.
Employees of the participating employer must meet certain eligibility requirements detailed in the SharedWork Ohio Guide to receive the benefits.
Complete information on SharedWork Ohio can be found through the ODFJS webpage.
Additional Resources
Visit Barnes Dennig’s COVID-19 Resource Center for a comprehensive list of communications. Please contact our COVID-19 Advisory Team or any of our leadership team at Barnes Dennig to discuss.
Barnes Dennig COVID-19 Advisory Team
- Cheryl Ganim
- Andy Bertke
- Matt Rosen
- Ryan Lauer
- Nick Pennekamp
