Sheriff’s Office HR Heroes
Cross-posted from Sheriff’s Office Weekly Newsletter
General Counsel Erin Overbey and Chief Jeff Flohr, Technical Services Division, recently presented the King County Sheriff’s Office Human Resources team with a Meritorious Service award for their service and dedication the past few years.
This group navigated ever-changing protocols and worked on expediting the background process to improve hiring practices, all while never compromising the standards and core values of the Sheriff’s Office.
According to Chief Flohr, this team is always quick to respond to requests, research problems that arise, and smooth out problems. And they do it all with positivity and customer service in mind.
Pictured: Left to right, Julie Kyle, Janet Parks, Christy Hammond, Jessica Klein, Nae Saechao, Nicole Hall, and Jessica Lussier
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Executive Constantine proclaims ‘Terry White Day’ for retiring Metro General Manager
In celebration of the retirement of King County Metro General Manager Terry White, King County Executive Dow Constantine declared Dec. 12, 2022, as “Terry White Day” in King County.
White was recognized by the County Executive for understanding the power of transit to “help build healthy communities, a thriving economy and a sustainable environment.” Read more.
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Local health care leaders recommend wearing masks indoors
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
Communities across Washington and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19.
Health officers and health care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others. Read more.
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Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave rates to increase Jan. 1
Premium rates for Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program will increase on Jan. 1, 2023, as follows:
- The total premium rate for the Washington PFML program will increase to 0.8% (from 0.6% in 2022) of each employee’s gross wages up to the 2023 Social Security cap of $160,200 (was $147,000 in 2022).
- In 2023, employers will pay 27.24% of the premium and employees will pay 72.76%. In 2022, employers paid 26.78% of the premium and employees paid 73.22%.
The PFML program is funded by premiums collected from employees and employers in Washington state. By law, the Employment Security Department recalculates the premium rate annually in October based on program usage and premiums collected the previous year. More than 154,000 individuals claimed benefits in 2022, paying more than $1 billion in benefits to Washington workers.
To learn more about PFML rates, go to the Premiums Calculator on the Washington PFML website. For complete information about PFML and to apply, go to Paid Family and Medical Leave or contact them by email paidleave@esd.wa.gov or by phone at 833-717-2273.
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Mindfulness Toolkit for stress reduction at work
Mindfulness is a practice that can help reduce burnout, stress and anxiety. Balanced You’s partner, Mindfulness Northwest created a toolkit that offers practical tips to use mindfulness techniques throughout your whole workday.
Tips include setting intentions when you start your workday and taking purposeful pauses to minimize multi-tasking. View the Mindfulness Toolkit on the Balanced You blog.
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Work to repair lighting in Jefferson Street alley completed
The City of Seattle has completed the temporary repair work to the lighting in the Jefferson Street alley, just south of the King County Courthouse between Third and Fourth Avenues.
A permanent repair, which involves running new electrical cable, will follow at a later date. Ensuring the area around the Courthouse is properly illuminated will help provide a safer, more welcoming environment for staff and visitors.
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More holiday spirit, less holiday stress with WeightWatchers
Reach your goals—and still enjoy every delicious moment—with a truly livable program from our partner, WeightWatchers.
All employees and benefits-covered spouses and domestic partners can join now for as low as $8.48 per month on select plans—that’s 50% off the retail price. Visit WW.com/us/KingCounty to sign up. Join by Dec. 31 and get a free WW Easy Everyday Cooking cookbook with your membership.
Learn more at WW.com/us/KingCounty. Then, get your WW cookbook at WW.com/cookbookoffer.
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Safety video: Filing an Online Incident Report Form
Our top priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities.
Here’s another tip to help you stay safe: If you have an incident that’s not an emergency or does not require an immediate response, you can use the Online Incident Report Form to submit details to Facilities Management Division Security at KingCounty.gov/IncidentReport. The Online Incident Report form is also included in the Quick Links section at the bottom of every Employee News email.
Check out the video and watch for additional videos with safety tips this year.
For more information on employee safety programs and resources, see the Future of Work Personal Safety at Work intranet page (employees only) and the Safety at Work page.
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Photo of K9 Deputy wins contest
Cross-posted from King County Sheriff’s Office newsletter
In November, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) held their 2022 Photo Contest. Photos of Sound Transit K9 Deputy Kristi Bridgman won first place in two categories: Athlete and Officer, and Spirit.
The awards were presented at the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) International Conference in Austin, TX with almost 1000 participants in attendance. This program supports the Special Olympics.
The photo above of K9 Luna and athlete Ariana Graham was taken by Ariana’s mother and won the Athlete and Officer category. A photo of athlete Viana Lopez and Deputy Bridgman during the annual polar plunge won first place for the Spirit category. View a video of these photos and all the winners here.
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Why people over age 50 should get an updated COVID-19 booster before the holidays
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
The cold winter months help COVID-19—along with RSV and flu—to spread more easily. COVID-19 continues to spread and evolve across King County and in the world around us. The chance of having severe disease and needing to visit the hospital is much higher for those over age 50. Read more.
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