Dear employee,

King County released the Outside Employment and Volunteer Activities policy for employees in executive branch departments, offices, divisions, and agencies, including the Assessor’s Office and King County Elections.

We are a large, diverse organization with employees who generously support their communities and organizations through volunteerism. We also recognize that there are employees who have outside employment. We acknowledge that employees and the County can benefit from employee involvement with outside organizations.

The Outside Employment and Volunteer Activities policy reminds King County employees that they are responsible for meeting the job expectations and work requirements of their King County positions.

Key elements of the policy include:

• An employee may engage in outside employment, or volunteer activities, provided that they are not detrimental to the employee’s job performance or in conflict with the employee’s official duties.

• If the outside employment or volunteer activities create an actual or an appearance of a conflict of interest, or will occur during an employee’s regular work schedule, the employee must obtain prior written approval from their supervisor. Supervisors will receive support and guidance from HR Managers when considering requests.

• Employees will use the Request Form for Approval of Outside Employment and Volunteer Activities. 

• The policy provides clarity on the employee approval process, and employee responsibilities when engaged in outside employment or volunteer activities – with or without formal approval.

Employees are prohibited from outside employment or volunteer activities that:

• Prevent them from completing the responsibilities of their county positions;

• Create a conflict of interest;

• Violate the King County Code of Ethics;

• Violate local, state, and/or federal laws or rules.

Also, the Telecommuting Agreement has been updated to reference and acknowledge the Outside Employment and Volunteer Activities policy. New King County employees and employees updating their Telecommuting Agreement will use the new template immediately. In the coming months, 2025 guidelines will be shared that outline requirements and timelines for currently telecommuting employees to update their Telecommuting Agreement.

I encourage you to review the policy. Your department HR Managers will also be able to answer questions.

Sincerely,

Whitney Abrams (she, her, hers)
Chief People Officer