Open Enrollment starts today, ends Nov. 15
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. Follow these steps to ensure you are selecting the right benefit options for you and your family: Review your benefit choices See what’s changing next year. Evaluate your medical plan options using the Plan Comparison Charts and other resources on the Medical plans page. Consider whether one of the lower-cost plans, Kaiser SmartCare or KingCare Select (Regular and Transit ATU employees… Read More
Rev Up For Retirement seminar on Nov. 13
Are you too young to think about retirement? Think again! With increasing concern over the future of Social Security and the stability of retirement plans, it’s a good idea to stay informed and to prepare in advance. Please join the King County Retirement team for a three-hour seminar featuring guest speakers from Social Security and Jean Cormier, an expert in Medicare choices and options. Employee resources available through King County will also be shared. Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., King Street Center, 8th Floor Conference Room, 201 S…. Read More
Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1 and ends Nov. 15
Don’t miss your opportunity to evaluate your benefit choices and make changes. If you haven’t already done so, make sure the right benefit options are in place for you and your family next year. See what’s changing next year. 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. Consider enrolling in a Flexible Spending Account—Health Care and Dependent Day Care FSAs reduce your taxable income, but you must enroll each year. In-person assistance with Open Enrollment… Read More
Training Spotlight: Mindful Leadership
Mindful Leadership, Dec. 5: A mindful leader embodies leadership presence by cultivating focus, clarity, creativity, and compassion in the service of others. Leadership presence is a tangible quality. Mindful leaders can fell the space in fast-paced, high-stress situations and work to create a culture of trust. Leadership presence is a tangible quailty. This requires full and complete attention, with curiosity and openness, in the present moment. Those around a mindful leader see and feel that presence. Register and learn more. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
Learn how to boost your retirement savings
Employees and their spouse or significant other are invited to learn more about saving for retirement with the King County Deferred Compensation Plan. Upcoming in-person sessions on Oct. 29, 30, and 31 will include: Social Security Simplified, Retirement Savings Options, Savings Strategies, and Achieving Financial Goals. See details and registration here. Other sessions are offered throughout the year. For more information about Deferred Compensation Plan education — including webinars — visit the Deferred Compensation webpage. For questions please contact KC Deferred Comp.
Training Spotlight: Basic First Aid/CPR/AED, renewal
Basic First Aid/CPR/AED, renewal, multiple dates: The “Medic First Aid” program provides basic first aid, CPR, and AED (automated external defibrillator) training. The renewal option is for those who hold a current First Aid/CPR/AED card. It consists of a brief review of primary topics, followed by performance of each skill. This certification is valid for 2 years. Learn more and register here. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
ESJ Opportunity Fund now accepting applications, deadline Nov. 22
The Office of Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) is now accepting applications for the Equity and Social Justice Opportunity Fund. The Opportunity Fund is a competitive process that provides resources to King County employees to develop and implement projects that work to advance equity, social justice and King County’s mission to lead with racial justice in support of the ESJ Strategic Plan. Read more in the overview here and download the application here. Applications are due by or before November 22, 2019. For questions contact Tynishia Walker at TWalker@kingcounty.gov or at 206-263-0534.
Focus on values: We are responsible stewards
Dear employee, Last month, we launched a monthly focus on our values to help us gain a deeper understanding of King County’s values and how we apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We are responsible stewards.” Being a responsible steward is a value I take very seriously. For me, stewardship is taking care of the resources entrusted to our care. As Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, my primary focus is making sure we are strong financial stewards, so people know their… Read More
It’s in the mail: Look for Open Enrollment information
Check your home mailbox for important benefits and Open Enrollment information mailed recently to the address you have listed in PeopleSoft. Open Enrollment takes place Nov. 1 – 15 and is your opportunity to: Enroll in a Flexible Spending Account—Health Care and Dependent Day Care FSAs reduce your taxable income—saving you money. You must re-enroll every year during Open Enrollment. The Health Care FSA maximum contribution for 2020 is $2,700. Select the appropriate Benefit Access Fee—or exemption. If you cover a spouse or domestic partner on your medical plan, a Benefit Access… Read More
Training Spotlight: Facilitating Effective Meetings
Facilitating Effective Meetings, Nov. 14: A common challenge faced by individuals in business is how to lead and facilitating meetings that are interesting and solicit active engagement. This one day training covers the skills used by a facilitator to design and run an effective meeting. How to be a better participant is also discussed. Topics include specific facilitation skills, group decision making skills, and how to deal with disruptive behaviors. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
Employee News 