Remaining focused on our priorities and values
King County Executive Dow Constantine
Dear fellow King County employee,
I know that many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future of our nation and our world right now as we wait for a result in yesterday’s presidential election. For many, the prospect of weeks of recounts and legal actions only compounds what has been some of the most stressful times in our nation’s history, and our own lives.
We must remain patient, vigilant, and steadfast.
The record voter turnout in King County showed that, in this corner of the nation, we are united – to restore decency and rationality to our national politics, and to ensure our community is strong and safe. The presidency wasn’t the only decision on the ballot. I want to thank all those who worked on the Harborview bond measure, and to express my gratitude to the voters of King County who chose to invest in this vitally important regional asset.
Whatever the outcome of the election, we will continue to reject policies that divide us. In King County, we will continue to follow facts and science, and eschew the politics of insult and conflict. We will continue to lead with racial justice in all our work. We will continue to be a place that values women, racial minorities and the disabled, immigrants and refugees, and people of every religion, or of no religion.
Throughout the last four years we have been guided by our values and principles in our work. This approach remains unchanged. We will continue to partner with the local community, businesses, and governments at all levels to move our priorities forward. And we will continue to set an example of what a creative, forward-looking government can be and what it can achieve.
We remain focused on the major challenges facing us: taking urgent action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities; joining together to end the scourge of racism, hate, and discrimination that has held back people of color for generations; implementing solutions to combat climate change and its impact on our environment; rebuilding our economy so all people have the opportunity to create a solid future for themselves and their families; providing stable housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness; ensuring every child gets off to a good start in life.
No matter who is in the White House, we will never stop leading on the issues that matter to us, and America – racial justice, economic opportunity, environmental protection, and the notion that all people should be able to thrive, contribute, and fulfill their potential. We will work with the federal government where we can, and fight it where we must, to protect our values and the rights and dignity of all.
Guided by our True North – Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive – I submitted a two-year, $12.4 billion budget that provides local and regional services to the 2.26 million residents of King County. This measure funds our priorities, including our anti-racism work and transforming the criminal legal system. I look forward to Council passing this budget in the next few weeks.
I know that tensions continue to run high as we sort out this election and move forward. Remember that there are always people you can reach out to for emotional support. If you need to speak with someone, take the time to reach out to family members, friends, or colleagues. Our Employee Resource/Affinity Groups are a safe place you can go to talk to people with shared interests, issues, and backgrounds. King County provides two services to employees that offer professional support and advice: the Employee Assistance Program and Making Life Easier (username: King County). Both resources are free and confidential.
America may be a house divided, but we are a community united. I know that we will get through this by embracing the future with confidence in our convictions and our values. Please stay safe and keep hope alive.
Sincerely,
Dow Constantine
King County Executive
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Training Spotlight for November 3
- Brain-based Time Management – Online – What we do and how we do it are driven by how our brains are wired. Neuroscience tells us we have 10 brain skills and each one of us has skills that are strong (and skills that are not strong). In this class, you’ll hear about each of these skills so you can identify where the weak areas are for you and most importantly, learn what you can do about it. This three hour class is $50 and space is limited. The next session will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 11-4 p.m. Register here.
- Team Leadership – Online – Team leaders must account for the special and unique circumstance of working in a team where responsibility, accountability, communication, and leadership are shared. Know the benefits and challenges as well as key sources of motivation of empowered teams. You’ll also learn approaches for managing conflict in teams. This training takes place tomorrow, Wednesday Nov. 4, from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $89 and space is limited. Register here.
Please visit our King County Eventbrite page website for more opportunities. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit Learning and Development at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
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Tips and resources for coping with election stress
Today is Election Day and many Americans are waiting anxiously for the results. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), more than two-thirds of U.S. adults say the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life. And those feelings are being experienced throughout the King County workforce, as well. A recent survey of employees involved in the COVID-19 response showed that the presidential election is their primary source of stress.
Election stress will show up in different ways for different people. Some examples include panic attacks, trouble sleeping, difficultly concentrating, anger, sadness, headaches, or stomachaches. Election stress may also cause us to participate in behaviors such as over-eating, mindless internet scrolling, significantly increasing news consumption, or watching more TV than normal in order to “numb out” from difficult feelings.
Be gentle with yourself if these feelings or behaviors arise. 2020 has been the year of a pandemic, a racial justice uprising, wildfires, and economic struggles. Experiencing difficult emotions or adjusting your behaviors in order to cope is normal during hard times.
Take comfort in the value of your work – the services you provide are important for the people of King County and this work will continue, regardless of the election result.
Visit this Balanced You blogpost for tips and resources to help you reduce election stress.
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Make your voice heard and vote today
Don’t forget to vote if you haven’t returned your ballot already. Registered voters can return their ballot:
- At a ballot drop box. Find your nearest ballot drop box—no stamp needed! King County’s 73 drop boxes are open up until Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. sharp.
- At one of the accessible Vote Centers. This year there will be seven locations: Elections Headquarters in Renton, CenturyLink Field Event Center, the Dempsey Indoor Center on the UW Campus in Seattle, Bellevue College, Showare Center in Kent, the Federal Way Performing Arts Center and Kenmore City Hall.
For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections, contact King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683), or visit the Election Connection blog.
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Make the most of your King County benefits
Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer, King County Executive Office
Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits is Nov. 1-15, so now is the time to review your benefit options for 2021.
Make sure you get the most out of your robust King County employee benefits package by learning what’s offered during Open Enrollment and how you can make changes:
- Check out the new online enrollment tool: This year, we’re using an updated PeopleSoft tool featuring a new look and feel and a mobile-friendly interface – making it easier for you to complete Open Enrollment using a smartphone or tablet. For details and step-by-step instructions, watch the video Completing Open Enrollment with PeopleSoft or read the Open Enrollment PeopleSoft Guide.
- Attend a virtual information session: Get a good understanding of your 2021 benefit changes, learn more about the updated Open Enrollment tool, and get your questions answered at live information sessions hosted by the Benefits Team. This event is offered on a variety of days and times to accommodate your schedule. Register here: Open Enrollment information session.
- Watch an Open Enrollment overview video: If you can’t attend an information session, the Open Enrollment Overview video covers similar information.
- Go to the Open Enrollment website: A wealth of information and tools, including 2021 benefit changes, medical plan comparisons, and information about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Benefit Access Fees, can be found at Kingcounty.gov/Open-Enrollment
- Complete Open Enrollment Nov. 1–15: You can log in to PeopleSoft from your work computer or personal device: kingcounty.gov/mybenefits. If you choose not to participate, you will not be enrolled in FSAs for next year; and if you cover a spouse/domestic partner, the Benefit Access Fee linked to your medical plan will be applied. Other benefits will remain the same.
For additional information, contact the King County Benefits Team at 206-684-1556 or by email at KC.Benefits@kingcounty.gov.
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Supporting children and youth through the 2020 Annual Giving Drive
This week, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports children and youth. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
- Children’s Home Society of Washington (9244): A voice for children since 1896, we stand as the premier service provider to ensure the safety, security and success of Washington state’s children.
- Children’s Hunger Fund (2871): Our mission is to deliver hope to suffering children by equipping local churches for gospel-centered mercy ministry.
- Children’s Institute for Learning Differences (9280): Once-failing students learn to regulate themselves, develop relationships, and be learners with CHILD’s life-changing interventions, so they achieve success at school and in life.
Find out the many ways that you can take action in support of the participating nonprofits who are doing great work in our community and around the world. Make a donation, make a difference, and help make a long-lasting change.
From now to Nov. 20, you can go online or use a paper form to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by:
- Payroll donation: One-time, once–per-month, or twice-per-month.
- Time donation: Eligible vacation or comp time. See your department Lead Ambassador for details in your office.
- Check or credit card: Made out directly to the nonprofit.
- Volunteering: Up to three sick days per calendar year at a nonprofit in the EGP (for non-represented and employees whose union has approved this benefit, including those covered by the Master Labor Agreement).
For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov or call 206-263-9405.
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King County e-procurement is live
King County’s new e-procurement system is now live, and will streamline the procurement process and enhance engagement with suppliers. Procurement and Payables (P&P) is dedicated to supporting each employee as they learn the new system. Here are a few of the resources prepared:
- To assist agency staff, the agency website has been enhanced to provide details and answer questions. For help, please visit the agency website to collect more information and find user guides to assist with the new system. Questions can also be emailed to Procurement.Web@kingcounty.gov
- In preparation to support the supplier community, P&P has created a supplier specific landing page designed to answer all questions. If a supplier reaches out for assistance, direct them to the supplier website and highlight the supplier resources on the website.
New Concur travel and expense system coming next
This project also includes the implementation of a new state-of-the-art travel and expense (T&E) system as well. The T&E system is scheduled to launch on Dec. 7. In preparation for this fast approaching launch date, P&P will be providing regular updates and training content. Look for updates from P&P coming soon.
Thank you to the PTM Project Team
Thank you to all the staff in P&P and the Business Resource Center, along with agency representatives, who helped complete this portion of the PTM Project. Your hard work and dedication helped create the future for procurement activities for both internal and external stakeholders.
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Featured Job: IT Lifecycle Scheduling, Reporting and Asset Coordinator
Salary: $52,781.87 – $66,904.24 Annually
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department: KCIT – Information Technology
Job Number: 2020-12360
Division: Ops and Infrastructure
Closing: 11/9/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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Reminder: Fall and winter mindfulness classes available
Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees, via both employee-specific and community classes. In alignment with social distancing recommendations, all in-person classes have temporarily shifted to online platforms. For the fall and winter, we have expanded our mindfulness class menu to include classes for employees involved in the COVID-19 response, classes for parents, classes for mindful eating, classes for emotional resilience, and more.
A sample of upcoming classes include:
- Mindful Morning for King County Employees, Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Register here.
- Mindful Eating, Tuesday, Nov. 10 and 17, from 1-3 p.m. Register here.
For the full mindfulness schedule and all registration links, visit this Balanced You blog post.
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Welcome to Open Enrollment!
Open Enrollment starts today
Take a fresh look at your benefits
Make the most of your robust King County employee benefits package by making informed decisions for next year during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1 – 15.
Learn more
Use the following resources to learn more, and ensure you are selecting the right benefit options for you and your family:
- See what’s changing next year.
- Register for a live Open Enrollment information session.
- Watch the Open Enrollment Overview
- Find out about the updated PeopleSoft Open Enrollment tool: Watch the Completing Open Enrollment with PeopleSoft video or read the Open Enrollment PeopleSoft Guide.
- Go to the Open Enrollment website.
Your choices
- Evaluate your medical plan options using the Plan Comparison Charts and other resources on the Medical plans Consider whether one of the lower-cost plans—Kaiser’s SmartCare or KingCare Select—makes sense for you.
- Review the Benefit Access Fee associated with your medical plan if you cover a spouse or domestic partner. If you qualify for an exemption, you must confirm this each year during Open Enrollment. The Kaiser SmartCare medical plan has no Benefit Access Fees.
- Consider enrolling in a Flexible Spending Account—Health Care and Dependent Day Care FSAs save you money by reducing your taxable income. You must re-enroll every year during Open Enrollment.
- Add or drop family members from coverage.
- Give to the Employee Giving Program during the Annual Giving Drive. Pledges do not rollover—you must submit your pledge each year.
All Set?
When you’re ready, login to PeopleSoft Nov. 1 – 15, and select the new Open Enrollment tile. Make your changes, review your Preview Statement, then use the Submit Enrollment button.
If you don’t participate in Open Enrollment…
- The Benefit Access Fee associated with your medical plan and benefit group will be automatically applied if you cover your spouse or eligible domestic partner.
- You will not be enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account.
- Your other benefit choices will remain the same for next year.
Need assistance or have questions?
Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations
206-684-1556 or KC Benefits
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday (closed Veterans Day, Nov. 11)
Extended Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 & Sunday, Nov. 15
Due to COVID-19, the Benefits office is closed for walk-in service.
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