Reminder of Racially Just training for all Executive branch employees
King County has launched a new training, We Are Racially Just: Our King County Values at Work, to help ensure that we all understand what it means to be racially just and what we can do in our own work to advance racial justice at King County. “Racial justice necessitates breaking with the status quo, disrupting business as usual, and approaching our work differently,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “It can be hard work and it can be uncomfortable, but in order to make progress we must lean into one of… Read More
Using sick leave to volunteer helps employees make a difference in our community
“When you ask most people what they want to do when they retire, they will often say two things – travel and volunteer more,” said Junelle Kroontje, Employee Social Impact and Well-being Manager. “During an employee’s work life, making time for volunteering can be difficult. By allowing our employees to use up to three days of sick leave to volunteer at a King County Employee Giving Program nonprofit or at a local school, it frees them up to do it today – instead of waiting for retirement.” The volunteer program allows all employees covered… Read More
Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This September, as we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are reminded that we can all provide hope and support to those who are struggling. Too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. The COVID-19 pandemic added to our anxieties and challenges, putting further stress on people’s mental health and wellness. We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and… Read More
Resources to help people at risk for suicide
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and an opportunity to highlight some of the resources and services available to support mental health and emotional well-being. “We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss,” Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams said. “When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us.” One way we can help people who are struggling is to learn to identify the risk factors, recognize the warning signs, and know what… Read More
Executive Constantine proclaims National Payroll Week
King County Executive Dow Constantine is recognizing the dedication and expertise of King County’s payroll professionals by proclaiming Sept. 4 through Sept. 8, 2023 as National Payroll Week. “King County payroll professionals play a key role in maintaining the economic health of the County, in ensuring the economic security of families by carrying out diverse tasks such as processing paychecks, payments to child support, and tax withholding, reporting, and depositing,” Executive Constantine said in the Proclamation. Read the full Proclamation below.
Celebrating the team behind your pay
As we celebrate National Payroll Week, we’re highlighting the work of the Central Payroll Operations Team which ensure that all employees are paid accurately and on time every pay period. Central Payroll Operations works hard to ensure paychecks are received in a timely, smooth manner, with no hiccups or inconveniences to employees. The team also handles payroll taxes and provides employees with annual W-2 forms. “Payroll seems like it would be really simple: department timekeepers report time and time off, Human Resources reports changes to positions or pay rates and employees magically get a… Read More
King County launches new effort to prevent youth suicide, invites you to join
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections September is coming around the corner, and we are preparing for September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Department of Community and Human Services partnered with Rescue Agency to develop a countywide Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign to help prevent youth suicide during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, including a Suicide Prevention Week of Action that will take place Sept. 10 – 16, 2023. Read more.
Massive pumps at West Point Treatment Plant get a tune up
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories The Intermediate Pump Station pumps that push wastewater through West Point Treatment Plant are massive and old. This three-pump trio is from the era of crimped hair and flannel shirts and Pearl Jam on a cassette tape. In constant service since 1993, they are now among the last of their kind on the West Coast. Even as pump designs (and hairstyles) have moved on, King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is making these reliable ones last another 20 years. Last summer, the first pump came out of its… Read More
Sign up for onsite employee flu shot clinics
Getting a flu shot will help to protect you, your loved ones, and your work colleagues from getting sick with the flu this season. King County is hosting onsite flu clinics where employees can get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year, ideally by the end of October. Onsite flu clinics start Sept. 18. Learn more about onsite flu clinics and how to register here. In addition to onsite flu clinics at county worksites, employees can also get vaccinated at pharmacies and healthcare clinics. All… Read More
Executive, employees accept Employer Support Freedom Award in Washington D.C.
King County was honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C. with a 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members. Only 15 recipients were selected for the award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to small and large private and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. On hand to receive the award were King County Executive Dow Constantine, Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams, Metro Transit Operator Christopher Cappelletti… Read More
Employee News 