Resources to support your mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being
Chief People Officer
from Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer
I hope you saw the results from our annual Employee Engagement Survey that showed a clear connection between your engagement and the mission of the work you do. As a King County employee, you come to this work because you care about your community, and you want to make a difference.
For many this connection has become even stronger in the pandemic as the importance of the work became more and more evident and meaningful.
At the same time, the stress and anxiety of the pandemic highlighted the importance of our sense of well-being. Social distancing and physical separation elevated the significance of belonging.
Our engagement data, backed up by similar national data, tells us that we need to focus on these two elements – well-being and belonging – to help you thrive and feel welcome, engaged, and valued.
Throughout the pandemic, your health and well-being have been of paramount importance. We have radically changed the way we operate, provided childcare subsidies and COVID-19 leave to those who needed it, and made mental health a priority by investing in new mental health tools through your benefits plans. As we continue to look for ways to support you, we also want to provide the resources for you to tend to your well-being.
Across our organization, we will act on what you told us in the survey and work with our teams to create an action plan that focuses on your engagement and guided by these two crucial elements of belonging and well-being. Managers and supervisors are expected to lead their teams in creating an action plan that responds to your feedback using the survey data for insight.
In addition to what your teams are doing, I want to ensure you have the tools you need to tend to your well-being on an individual level. Supporting your personal well-being can encompass mental and emotional health, physical wellness, preventive care, social connection, and much more. We have several supportive programs available to you through Balanced You, including a webinar series on Pandemic Fatigue and Anxiety, Omada for healthy routines, Mental Health First Aid, a Mindfulness Hour for first responders, various trainings for all employees as well as targeted trainings for managers, the myStrength app for personalized self-care and emotional wellness, and many other resources. I encourage you to review all the resources and options available to you here.
I know it’s been a difficult and challenging 18 months, and I encourage you to do what you need to do to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being.
Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!
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Get your family vaccinated at Metro’s family day vaccine clinic on June 26
King County Metro is partnering with Public Health – Seattle & King County and their partner Discovery Health to host a family day vaccine clinic:
- Saturday, June 26 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Metro’s Safety and Training building at 11911 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila
- Parking is available on site.
King County employees and their loved ones are invited to make an appointment to receive one of two COVID-19 vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine will be available for those 12 and older and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available for those 18 and older. There will also be a limited number of vaccines available for walk-ins but your preferred vaccine type cannot be guaranteed without an appointment.
Please register for the vaccine of your choice by visiting Discovery Health’s registration portal:
- Pfizer (12+): https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov//appointment/en/reg/1322958605
- Johnson & Johnson (18+): https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov//appointment/en/reg/5261305492
If you are interested in getting vaccinated but cannot make it to the family day clinic, please explore your options by visiting:
Learn about vaccine incentives:
COVID-19 Vaccine: ImmUNITY Sweepstakes | Kaiser Permanente
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Security Tips: WiFi? Why Not? VPN is your friend
Using free public WiFi at a coffee shop or airport hot spot is great for convenience, but bad for security.
Most free access points do not make use of encryption. This is done for convenience and ease of access. If every person had to ask the barista or gate attendant for the WiFi key, it would get unruly, and no actual work would get done.
Keep in mind that you are sharing those wireless airwaves with anyone that is within range of your wireless communications.
There is technology out there that allows you to view the wireless computer communications that are within range of your device. To the bad guys, this technology lets them see what you are doing, the data you are passing to websites, and your usernames and passwords.
UNLESS:
- You are on websites with ‘https’ … the little S is for ‘secure’. Its like speaking a language that only two people can understand (your computer and the website).
- You are using VPN software to encrypt all your wireless communications
- You are using a wireless device from your cellular phone provider, 3G or 4G network access. This is not WiFi, and is not subject to WiFi Security Policies
Using a VPN client to encrypt and route your wireless communications allows you to create a secure channel for your computer to communicate. Even if you are accessing a website without HTTPS, your communication to that website is secured through your VPN connection. If there are any bad guys around you listening in on your WiFi traffic, it will be safe.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is good practice to use a VPN when in a public networking spot such as wifi hot spots. This will create a virtual tunnel for your computer to communicate securely through the public network.
Before traveling for work, consult with your IT department about their data security policies when on the road, how to setup your VPN connection, or how to obtain a 3G/4G cellular network card.
If you have questions, please reach out to kcitcsat@kingcounty.gov.
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Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be observed holidays beginning in 2022
Starting in 2022, King County government will observe two new paid holidays, Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, subject to available funding resources, bargaining, and potential impacts to existing county services.
King County Council passed two Ordinances last year to establish Juneteenth (June 19) and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as paid holidays for King County employees eligible for leave benefits starting in 2022. The holidays are subject to available funding resources, bargaining, and potential impacts to existing county services. The Office of Equity and Social Justice is consulting with county employees who identify as Indigenous people and with tribes located within King County on whether October 12 is the preferred date for Indigenous Peoples’ Day or if there is a different, more appropriate date to designate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, such as the second Monday of October.
These new holidays reflect our work to build a more racially just King County by honoring and strengthening our understanding of our history. They will be dedicated as days of service and learning, and provide an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history, Black and Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Black and Indigenous people in our region. They will also help us sharpen our focus and commitment to undo the institutionalized racist practices and policies that harm Black, Indigenous, and People of Color today.
Click here for information about the upcoming Juneteenth event on June 17 at 10 a.m. celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States and providing insights, education, and personal experiences from a historical and current day perspective. There will also be ongoing opportunities in 2021 and beyond to learn more about both Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day and their significance to the history and experience of Black and Indigenous people, our nation, and our shared journey going forward.
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State retirement plan contributions change effective July 1
Employee and employer contribution rates for the following retirement plans will change on July 1, 2021, as approved by the State Legislature. The state Pension Funding Council adjusts contribution rates every two years, as needed, to fund the retirement benefits earned by members.
The PERS employer rate changed to 10.25% for PERS plan 3 and PERS JBM plans 1 and 3.
The new contribution amounts will be deducted from your second paycheck in July:
- If you are paid every other Thursday, your new contribution will appear on your July 22 paycheck.
- If you are paid on the 5th and 20th of the month, your new contribution will appear on your July 20 paycheck.
More information is available on the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Member Contribution Rates webpage. If you have any questions about the rate change, please contact DRS at 800-547-6657 or recep@drs.wa.gov.
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June proclaimed as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month
In recognition and support of the LGBTQIA+ community, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month. King County is a leader in advancing equitable policies and practices based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and Executive Constantine urges “everyone to honor the fight against discrimination and the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people to our County and our society.”
Read the full proclamation below.
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FAQs on vaccine and mask requirements for employees
On June 2, 2021, King County issued new vaccine and mask requirements for employees. We have developed a Frequently Asked Questions document to provide additional information on this guidance.
You can read the FAQs here and review the June 2 announcement here.
This information will be updated periodically as new information and guidance emerges. It applies to all Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County government will receive guidance from their leaders.
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Juneteenth Celebrations for King County employees
There are several Juneteenth events scheduled celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. These presentations will provide insights, education, and personal experiences from a historical and current day perspective. All King County employees are invited to attend.
Stories from the Road to Freedom – SPARKS! conversation series
Stories from the Road to Freedom, narrated by Deon Cole, gives a fresh perspective of the Black Movement in America, from Emancipation to the Civil Rights era. The film uses first-hand accounts, rare audio recordings, never-before-seen archival footage, and home movies to chronicle African American life as lived by regular people, in their own words, through over 100 years of social upheaval. (Runtime: 87 min)
After the film, go deeper with your questions, seek answers and hear discussion about major turning points in our continuing journey toward racial healing and wholeness, as a nation.
Additional insight, commentary, and facilitation will be provided by Cecelia Hayes, Equity Social Justice and Engagement Senior Practitioner, Executive Services.
- Friday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m.
- Join the Zoom meeting
- Meeting ID: 939 0108 9084
___________________________________________________________
A Liberation Celebration with Tales from Our Griots
This event is part of our Transformational Conversations (Town Hall Series 2020-2021), and indeed marks the one-year anniversary of the Town Hall Series, which began with Black King County employees being moved to mark, authentically acknowledge, and hold space collectively in response to the murder of George Floyd.
The Juneteenth celebration continues the conversations by featuring Black Elders who have worked for King County in the past and in the present, and still work in our communities. Our honored guests include:
- Judge J. Wesley Saint Clair, former Presiding Judge for King County District Court and Superior Court Judge
- Ms. Paula Harris-White, JD and former Workforce Equity Manager, King County
- Mr. Michael Hepburn, JD and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at King County
Use the following information to join this special virtual event:
- Monday, June 14 from 12-1:30 p.m.
- Join the Zoom meeting
- ID: 986 6927 8925; Passcode: 531644
___________________________________________________________
King County Executive & Legislative Branches present:
Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga
Tacoma Program Dean, Evergreen State College
Author, activist and entrepreneur
With special presentations of
“The Unspoken Truths” by Delbert Richardson
and a performance by Acts on Stage
- Thursday, June 17 at 10 a.m.
- Live on King County TV
- Comcast channels 22 and 322
___________________________________________________________
Be on the lookout for communication from the Black African Women’s Affinity Group regarding additional planned activities for the week leading up to June 19.
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King County Security Tips: Lock Your Screen
Locking your screen when you get up from your desk is a security action that is often overlooked and can have dangerous consequences. Failing to lock your screen can open you up to several vulnerabilities–some more serious than others.
Although many organizations have a policy which automatically locks your screen with a screen saver after a certain amount of inactivity, not all screen savers are password-protected, leaving your workstation defenseless.
Here are a few actions the bad guys can do when you leave your workstation unlocked and unattended:
- Files can be downloaded from the internet and executed on your computers, such as malware, spyware, keyloggers, and other types of malicious software.
- Emails can be sent from your email address to coworkers, your boss, or other business contacts.
- If you save passwords in your browser (another no-no), they now have access to your online banking, Facebook, and other accounts.
Locking your workstation before you get up from your desk is simple and can prevent you from ending up in a bad situation.
Here are some ways you can lock your workstation:
For Windows:
- Press the Windows key + the L key at the same time on your keyboard.
- Press and hold Ctrl+Alt+Del and then choose Lock This Computer.
For Mac:
- If using Mac OS X (2015 and later), be sure to enable the lock screen ability. Find this under System Preferences > Security & Privacy > and look for the “Require password…” setting under the General tab.
- Then, press Control+Command+Q on your keyboard, or do a quick web search to learn the keyboard shortcut for your Mac’s Operating System.
- Set up hot corners, which allows you to push your cursor to a certain corner of your screen to lock the computer. This can be set up under System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver then choosing Hot Corners.
Get in the habit of locking your screen. If nothing else, it will prevent coworkers from sending prank emails from your account!
If you have any questions, contact kcitcsat@kingcounty.gov.
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FAQs and updates to mask requirements for King County employees
Mask requirements are evolving with changing federal, state, and local public health guidance, and will continue to be updated as needed. Effective immediately, King County employee mask policies are as follows:
If you are working indoors or in an enclosed space with others (for example, multiple people in a vehicle):
- You must wear a mask whether or not you have been fully vaccinated.
On May 18, the King County Public Health Officer directed all individuals – regardless of vaccination status – to continue wearing face coverings over their noses and mouths when in indoor public settings. Public Health took a number of factors into consideration in issuing this directive, including the number of people who are not yet fully vaccinated, people with certain health conditions who don’t have the option of getting vaccinated, and that children age 12-15 and young adults only recently became eligible for vaccination, among other reasons.
This directive will remain in effect until Public Health – Seattle & King County confirms that at least 70% of residents age 16 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Someone is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second shot (or in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, their first shot). Public Health currently projects the county will reach the threshold in late June.
If you are working outdoors, you may remove your masks when:
- You are fully vaccinated and have provided copies of your vaccination cards for review (see below), or
- You are working at least six feet from others.
Some employees will be required to wear masks while working under the state and CDC guidance due to the nature of their work:
- This includes employees in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, schools, public transportation, long-term care, and healthcare settings.
Providing proof of vaccination
The State Department of Labor & Industries requires that we obtain proof of vaccination for employees where they are allowed to work without a mask. Employees can provide acceptable proof of vaccination by showing photos, copies, or actual vaccination cards to designated department representatives. Again, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last shot needed for the type of vaccine you received.
Departments will be providing the names of designated representatives for your work group in the next couple of days to receive information on vaccination from employees. Departments will not keep copies of vaccination cards but will record that evidence of vaccination, including the date of last vaccination, has been received. This temporary policy applies to all Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County government will receive guidance from their leaders. We expect that this advice will be transitional and will provide further updates as public health guidance changes.
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