A new report from the Washington Employment Security Department shows firms in Washington state are offering employees fewer benefits than in the past. A few notable statistics:

• Full-time workers were much more likely to be offered benefits than part-time employees;
• Medical coverage for both part-time and full-time employees was down 10% from 2007;
• Dental coverage was down from 47% in 2006 to 37% in 2008;
• Sick leave offered dropped from 44% to 38%;

You can read the full report here.

The benefits of medical and dental coverage should not be treated as luxuries — they are essential to healthy families and healthy workplaces. And offering sick leave is a proven method to boost employee morale and increase productivity.

Now more than ever, Washington workers need benefits that will ensure their health and happiness throughout times of economic crisis.

Read related articles from the Puget Sound Business Journal and the Seattle Times.