Smoky conditions likely continuing tomorrow
Smoke from wildfires is affecting some areas in King County today and tomorrow. While the forecast has smoke decreasing later this week, air quality may change frequently throughout the day, and may be different from location to location. Check airnow.gov and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for updates. King County departments are implementing standard operating procedures and providing safety guidance for employees who are working outside in smoky conditions. This includes limiting outdoor work and issuing masks. DES Fleet Stores has ample supply of N95 masks for employees. Section Managers and Division… Read More
Supporting people living with disabilities through the 2022 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2022 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports people living with disabilities. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 18, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by: For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
Stay home when you’re sick or have symptoms this flu season
We’re heading back indoors, children are back in schools, and sure enough, the cold and flu season has arrived. At the same time, COVID-19 remains with us, and as we spend more time indoors, we could expect to see the number of COVID illnesses rise again. Please do what you can to prevent the spread of illness in our workplaces and community. If you get sick, please follow your agency’s sick leave request and approval protocols and stay home. We value your work here, but it won’t help anyone if you spread… Read More
7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
The Annual Giving Drive is underway and King County employees have until Nov. 18 to fundraise for causes they are passionate about. But did you know that you can give back all year? You can use up to three sick days per calendar year to volunteer at a nonprofit in the Employee Giving Program. Besides providing necessary support to an organization, volunteering for a cause you are passionate about can improve your own mental health and help you feel good. Read through the 7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering, including stress reduction, confidence building, and preventing… Read More
King County named among top 10 Green Fleets
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express King County placed sixth in the 2022 NAFA Fleet Management Association’s Green Fleet Awards Competition. NAFA is the industry’s largest membership association for those who manage the vehicular fleet and mobility responsibilities for their employers. The Green Fleet Awards recognizes government and commercial fleets in North America that implement innovative programs designed to minimize the negative environmental impacts of their fleet operations. Read more.
Annual Cybersecurity Training required for all King County employees
Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems, and the number of employees who complete training each year impacts our insurance rates. When your training is assigned, you will receive an email from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov with a direct link to your required training modules. If you can’t find the email, check your Junk folder or login with your work email here. All employees must complete annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2022 unless your agency has specified a different deadline. Thank you for doing your part to protect King County. Read more.
Executive announces new actions to rapidly reduce countywide greenhouse gas emissions
King County Executive Dow Constantine’s proposed budget includes actions to decrease countywide greenhouse gas emissions at a faster pace as an analysis of the Puget Sound region shows an urgent need for collective action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. A first-of-its-kind analysis led by King County found that greenhouse gas emissions per person have decreased as the result of more energy efficient vehicles and buildings, but total emissions have increased as the population has grown. Read more.
King County Affinity Group celebrates National LGBTQ+ History Month by highlighting activist Heather Purser
This week, for National LGBTQ+ History Month, the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group celebrates Heather Purser. Purser is a Suquamish activist that successfully advocated for her tribe to legally recognize same-sex marriages in 2011, before they were recognized in Washington. Learn more about Purser and other LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history by visiting this calendar celebrating LGBTQ+ History. If you are interested in getting connected to the LGBTQ+ community at King County, consider reaching out to the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at LGBTQ@kingcounty.gov. Learn more about King County Affinity groups at www.kingcounty.gov/AffinityGroups.
Get emergency alerts with KCInform
During an emergency having timely information on what is happening is critical. King County employees can sign-up for KCInform, the employee alert and warning system, to receive information about infrastructure disruptions, facility impacts, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email are already in the system. It is important to register your County-issued cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you receive time-sensitive messages. This service is free and your personal contact information is secure and protected. On… Read More
Commute Trip Reduction Survey begins Oct. 17
On October 17, the Commute Trip Reduction survey will be distributed to all County worksites with over 100 employees. The Washington State Commute Trip Reduction law requires these surveys of employers every two years. When you complete the confidential survey, you will have a chance to win prizes provided by the King County Employee Transportation Program and Commute Seattle. The survey results assist the state and county to design and implement transportation programs that address the diverse needs of employees, while also working to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and decrease… Read More
Employee News 