Employee News

Posted on July 30, 2020 by kingcountyemployees

Vacation to rest, relax, and recharge

Often when we think of vacation, we think of traveling. With travel restricted right now, it might be tempting to conclude that we don’t need to take a vacation from work. This might feel especially true if your favorite or dream holiday destination is temporarily off limits.

A vacation from work allows the body and mind to rest. It allows us to pursue other activities and think about things unrelated to our jobs and careers. We can focus on our family, share laughter with friends, and devote energy toward our communities. And we can prioritize self-care. Studies show that taking time off reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, and fatigue.

In addition to the many benefits to our physical, emotional and mental health, taking a vacation from work actually contributes to being engaged at work. One definition of stress is that constant feeling that you should be doing something other than what you are currently doing. The solution? Work when you’re at work, enjoy your kids and family when you’re with them, and recognize when you need a break or vacation. When you’re on vacation, focus on your vacation, knowing that your colleagues can handle the work while you truly rest.

So if your vacation to Italy is now on hold, consider exploring Woodinville’s wineries – safely of course. If hiking in Kauai got canceled, perhaps instead enjoy a hike in the Olympic National Park. There is no packing involved, no airport lines to stand in, and only minor actual traveling.

Staying close to home might be just the vacation you need. The Pacific Northwest provides so many ways to rest, relax, and explore. Pick a new neighborhood to discover, a new or engaging hobby to pursue, or a beloved vista to visit again. Alternatively, vacation at home, perhaps catching up with a good book (if you’re seeking inspiration, the 2020 Booker Prize longlist has just been announced), going for long walks, relaxing in the garden, or sleeping in late.

Then we’ll see you back at work.

Got questions about vacation leave? Talk to your supervisor or department’s Human Resources Manager (employee access only).

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Video: July 24, 2020 Update on COVID-19 in King County with Dr. Jeff Duchin

Crossposted from Public Health Inisider

On July 24th, 2020, Dr. Jeff Duchin gave an update on the COVID-19 outbreak in King County as the current seven-day average of new cases reached the highest level since the beginning of April. Dr. Duchin addressed the importance of minimizing the number of close contacts people have outside the house and emphasized the need for making long-term behavior changes.

Mental health tips and resources for King County employees facing layoff

A lay-off may be difficult to cope with mentally and emotionally. Some feelings you may experience include grief, anger, sadness, hopelessness, or relief. Any feelings you experience are valid. Remember that there are steps you can take and resources you can access to support your mental health and emotional well-being during this process. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information.

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Airport staff pitch in at Emergency Operations Center during pandemic

Crossposted from the DES Express

Kevin Nuechterlein, Capital Project Manager, and Matt Sykora, Properties and Business Development Administrator, are both back at the airport after having served as part of the Donations Management Team at King County Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nuechterlein was part of the first small group of employees who, under Senior Emergency Management Program Manager Janice Rahman’s leadership, worked with KCIT in March to develop a web-based platform to match donors with those who needed personal protective equipment (PPE), hand sanitizer or other items.

Executive’s 2020 State of the County address

On Friday, July 24, King County Executive Dow Constantine released his annual State of the County address, in which he discussed King County’s historic challenges and changes, and announced new actions in human services, the criminal legal system, and the environment.

His announcements included:

Maintaining the nearly one-third reduction in adult detention we have achieved during the COVID-19 crisis, and beginning a phased closing of the King County Correctional Center after the pandemic.
Proposed investments to help create safe and community-based solutions for the increasingly difficult youth cases that remain, fully converting the remaining youth detention capacity to other uses as quickly as possible, and no later than 2025.
An effort to ensure that every resident has a safe and secure place to call home, and wherever possible not returning people to stay long term in crowded, congregate spaces.
Transforming our internal operations, learning from DNRP’s pilot of ongoing remote work for employees, and determining whether and how to expand remote work across the County.

You can learn more about the Executive’s initiatives and priorities in the State of the County by reading the transcript or watching the video of the address.

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Sunday, July 26, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which enshrined the civil rights of people with disabilities into law.

King County Executive Dow Constantine filmed a short message to celebrate the milestone, which you can watch here, or below. We also put together a short video that highlights some of the County’s work to expand opportunities for people with disabilities, which you can watch here.

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Pet of the Week: Bullet

Look fast because here comes Bullet, our Pet of the Week! This nine-year-old boy came to RASKC because the people in his previous home couldn’t keep up with his active lifestyle. He lived in a home with children, but would prefer older kids who can respect him and his space, or an adults-only home. His previous owner described Bullet as active, gentle, and loving.

Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Reminder for employees to wear cloth face masks

As King County continues its work to slow the spread of COVID-19, all Executive Branch employees must wear face coverings over their noses and mouths if they are likely to be in contact with another individual and distancing of six feet is not able to be maintained, per the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.

The only exceptions are:

Any individual who has a physical disability that prevents easily wearing or removing a face covering;
Any individual who is deaf and uses facial and mouth movements as part of communication;
Any individual who has been advised by a medical professional that wearing a face covering may pose a risk to that individual health related reasons;
Any individual who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance.

This guidance was issued May 13, 2020, and applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County government (definitions below) will receive guidance from their leaders.

Because it is still important to conserve medical-grade or N95 respirators for health care workers, unless a particular health reason requires it, individuals should use county provided cloth masks or substantially similar masks in the workplace. Cloth face masks must be worn properly in order to avoid contaminating the hands or face of the user. Here is how to properly wear a mask.

The County has cloth masks available for all employees to use in the workplace. Individuals should use County-provided cloth masks or their own substantially similar cloth masks in the workplace. Face coverings must be workplace-appropriate and cannot feature political or offensive images or content.

We acknowledge that some individuals who are members of communities historically and currently discriminated against may experience anxiety and fear about wearing face coverings. King County is committed to maintaining a respectful, productive, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and discrimination and other conduct that is inconsistent with that will not be tolerated. In this unprecedented time, when individuals can be infected and contagious before or without symptoms, and evidence suggests a significant number of infections may be transmitted this way, face coverings must be worn to prevent inadvertently spreading COVID-19 while interacting with others. If employees will be in close contact with the public and have concerns about being discriminated against while wearing face coverings, they should speak to their HR Manager about ways to clearly identify them as a King County employee. However, even with identification, we fully acknowledge that the anxiety and fear for members of historically and currently discriminated against communities are real and these steps alone cannot change that. We, through your supervisor or HR Manager, are committed to working with you to making sure that everyone stays healthy and safe.

Executive Branch departments: Department of Assessments, Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, Department of Executive Services, Department of Community and Human Services, Department of Human Resources, Department of Judicial Administration, Department of Local Services, Department of Metro Transit, Department of Natural Resources and Park, Department of Public Defense, Department of Public Health, Executive Department, King County Elections, King County Sheriff’s Office (The King County Sheriff’s Office is administered by the King County Sheriff).

Other branches of County government: District Court, King County Council, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Superior Court.

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Lilia Cabello Drain

Extension of mandatory telecommuting through Jan. 8, 2021

King County Executive Dow Constantine

Dear fellow King County employee,

On Feb. 29, 2020, the nation’s first death from novel coronavirus was reported here in King County. Since then, we have had to radically change our way of life and the way we work to slow the spread of COVID-19. By maintaining social distancing, changing the way we deliver services, telecommuting wherever possible, implementing measures to keep front line staff safer, practicing good hygiene, and wearing cloth face masks, we have helped to slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives. However, we need to remain vigilant if we are to slow it further.

That is why I am extending mandatory telecommuting through Jan. 8, 2021, for all Executive Branch employees who are currently telecommuting, except where there is an operational need to physically return to the workplace. The King County Council, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, King County Elections, and the Department of Assessments have also mandated telecommuting for their employees through Jan. 8, where appropriate. Employees in other branches of County government may receive additional guidance from their leaders. Please see the full guidance and definitions here.

I continue to be impressed by your professionalism, ability to adapt, and commitment to our customers under extraordinary conditions. The services you provide remain critical amid this pandemic, and I am committed to supporting you and doing what I can to enhance your safety and engagement, and the safety of this community.

Sincerely,