King County’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Making Life Easier (MLE) are about to go through a refresh. This is the result of feedback from employees, supervisors, leaders, and HR staff.  Historically, the MLE program focused on helping all King County employees with home- and life-related stress and concerns. Beginning July 1, MLE will expand their services to also support employees with workplace issues. MLE will continue to provide support to employees and their families living in the same household for home-related stress and concerns. This all-in-one counseling is provided by our external vendor Curalinc and includes:   Confidential… Read More

On Monday, June 1, the Facilities Management Division (FMD) will start a Walking Bus Pilot Program in the Downtown Seattle Core. The FMD Walking Bus Pilot Program pairs groups of King County Employees with an FMD Security Officer to escort them to public transit hubs in the Downtown Core at the end of the workday. To participate, please arrive at the designated departure location and time as described below, there will be a white sign clearly marked “Walking Bus” that indicates the meeting location at each building. The Walking Bus will make… Read More

Do your benefits ever feel like a puzzle that’s hard to put together? Many employees run into stress when trying to figure out their health insurance, whether it’s for physical, dental, or mental health. King County’s new Benefits Unlocked series is here to simplify that process. Join the Balanced You team’s Karla Clark and the Benefit team’s Matt Munson as they discuss topics such as finding a healthcare provider, understanding how to make changes, anticipating any costs, and more. Together, they will answer your questions and help you feel more confident using… Read More

Are you noticing increased stress due to ongoing uncertainty? During times of change, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions – such as anxiety or frustration – alongside hope for what’s ahead. Mindfulness offers a way to pause during difficult feelings, notice what’s happening in the moment, and respond with greater calm and clarity. Balanced You and King County provide resources to help employees learn about and practice mindfulness skills. Read more.

Crossposted from the DES Express Due to heightened security measures in downtown Seattle during the World Cup matches in June and July, vehicle and pedestrian access to buildings near Lumen Field – including King Street Center – will be significantly restricted. Even on non-match days, expect large crowds and extra traffic that will make travel through the area difficult. To ensure you receive timely check payments during the event, the Payables Team highly recommends minimizing or eliminating your need to pick up checks. For employees who still wish to pick up checks in person,… Read More

We’re excited to introduce the new and updated Employee Experience page, your hub for understanding and strengthening Employee Engagement at King County. On this page, you can explore what engagement means and why it matters, how we measure it, and how your feedback directly shapes improvements through Action Planning. As a reminder, another opportunity to share your voice is coming soon with the Better Government Customer Focus survey, which launches on May 26. Your feedback is essential—it helps leaders refine processes, build better programs, and strengthen how we serve our community. Surveys aren’t just about gathering information; they’re about taking… Read More

Stress has a way of building up in our bodies and minds. If you’ve been feeling tense or weighed down, moving your body can be one of the fastest ways to release it. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost energy and focus. Balanced You and King County make it easier to fit movement into your day with resources designed to support you. Read more.

As we begin Mental Health Month, Balanced You reminds King County employees of the many resources available to support you and your loved ones. Making Life Easier (MLE): Free crisis or short-term counseling, daily living support, and online tools for managing stress, available to employees and household members. Mindfulness classes and videos: Resources you can join from anywhere for a reset or a moment of calm. Mental Health First Aid: Training to help employees recognize when coworkers may need support and respond with confidence. Insurance-based mental health providers: Long-term counseling and psychiatric care available through your health plan. Movement… Read More

Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress and crunched for time? You’re not alone. Many of us juggle busy schedules and competing demands, leaving little room to pause and recharge. Making Life Easier (MLE) offers free, easy-to-access resources designed to support you and your household members in the moment, without fuss. Learn more.