Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, July-August 2023

Crossposted from Metro Matters They style hair, fix vacuums, garden, run gift shops and study geopolitical history. What they have in common is they enjoy being behind the wheel, serving the public and getting people where they need to go. They are our “rolling ambassadors,” the kind, courteous and helpful smile that greets you every day when you ride with us. They represent over two centuries of driving experience. The operators who drive your bus are as unique as you, and all of them love driving and giving back to their community. Meet your… Read More

We are racially just: Our King County values at work

A message from King County’s Learning & Development team To reach our True North – a welcoming community where every person can thrive – we must achieve racial justice. “We Are Racially Just” is a core value of King County. Through personal testimonies from King County employees, the We Are Racially Just: Our King County Values at Work eLearning course explores what it means to be racially just and helps to familiarize employees with King County’s Pro-Equity and Anti-Racist actions and identify behaviors that can support these actions at work. This training… Read More

Back to school mental health

It is that time of year when teachers are busily getting their classrooms ready for the drove of students to enter, parents and caregivers are gathering school supplies, and students are picking out their first day outfits. It is an exciting time, but it can also be a time of mixed emotions for many youth that are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression. This is a critical time for students and their mental health. The back-to-school transition is challenging enough on its own—navigating academics, social dynamics, and personal growth are very… Read More

Step into Fall with healthier habits

Learn more about tracking and WW tools to help you on your journey of success. Join WW by Oct. 31 and get a free Smart Scale that syncs right to the WW app, making your activities easier – and tracking is one of the keys to building healthier new habits. Available for all new sign ups Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. It’s easy to get started, available to all employees and benefits-covered spouses and state-registered domestic partners, and King County pays for half of your membership dues. (Please note: The dollar value of the employer paid… Read More

What we know about the new COVID-19 vaccine: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow

Crossposted from Public Health Insider This week, the CDC recommended that everyone six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the newer variants and potentially serious COVID-19 complications now ahead of possible increases in infection this fall and winter. We talked to Dr. Eric Chow, our Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization, to get the latest about the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Chow, why is there yet another COVID-19 vaccine? COVID-19 viruses change, and that makes it harder for our bodies to fight off new versions, or… Read More

Emergency Management does the Puyallup

Crossposted from the DES Express Emergency Management staff, along with the King County E911 Program Office and the Washington State Patrol, attended the Washington State Fair for an evening earlier this month. The Washington State 911 office hosted a booth for the duration of the fair and encouraged government agency partners to join in. Emergency Management staff shared community preparedness information with event goers and promoted Alert King County, a regional public information and notification service. While pulling the evening duty, Susanna Trimarco tried some state fair classics, including a Krusty Pup (similar… Read More

Balanced You and Benefits resources for King County employees

King County offers multiple programs and resources to support the health and well-being of employees. Whether it’s tools to help your physical, mental, emotional, or financial health, there’s a program or benefit that’s right for you. Watch this video to learn more and visit the Balanced You blog and website and the Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations (BPROS) website for more informational.

It’s that time 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… Read More

Is your personal information correct in PeopleSoft?

It’s important to review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft to ensure: You will receive important Open Enrollment and other employee benefits information mailed to you at the address you provide. Your emergency contact can be notified if something happens to you at work. You can be notified of safety directives, building closures, etc. You can receive information at the email address you prefer. Watch the Updating Personal Details in PeopleSoft video or follow these steps: Sign in to PeopleSoft from any device at https://ess.kingcounty.gov. Go to the Personal Details Make sure all items are… Read More

Nora Bennett named Chief Treasury Officer

Crossposted from the DES Express The Finance and Business Operations Division (FBOD) is pleased to announce that Nora Bennett has been selected for the permanent leadership role of Chief Treasury Officer. Nora has served as the interim Chief Treasury Officer for the past eight months and was selected for the permanent position after a competitive recruitment process. “I’m excited to continue working with the FBOD/Treasury team,” Nora said. “It is an honor to lead such an amazing group of professionals who care deeply about their jobs and the people of King County.” Read… Read More