What specific employee-related actions are Focalpoint Coaching franchisors prohibited from restricting franchisees from doing?

According to Focalpoint Coaching's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically for franchises operating in Washington state, there are explicit prohibitions on restricting a franchisee's ability to solicit or hire employees.

Specifically, Focalpoint Coaching is prohibited from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from (i) soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor. This means a Focalpoint Coaching franchisee in Washington has the freedom to recruit and employ individuals who are already part of the Focalpoint Coaching network, whether they work for another franchisee or directly for the franchisor.

This protection is provided under RCW 49.62.060, and any conflicting provisions within the franchise agreement are deemed void and unenforceable in Washington. This ensures that Focalpoint Coaching franchisees in Washington have the autonomy to build their teams without undue restrictions on their hiring practices within the existing Focalpoint Coaching system.