Reduce your risk, sign up for a COVID-19 booster shot
With the highly infectious Omicron variant now circulating rapidly in our region, it is more important than ever to take steps to reduce your risk – including getting a booster dose if you are eligible. If it has been at least six months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or at least two months since your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine or use the Washington State Department of Health’s vaccine… Read More
N95 masks for employees working onsite
King County is making N95 masks available to employees who are required to be onsite for voluntary use as we continue to monitor the rise of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. All King County department and division leaders have been provided with information on ordering N95 masks, and these masks will be available soon for onsite employees to request. If you would like to request a N95 mask for voluntary onsite use, please contact your supervisor. Before using a N95 mask, please ensure that you read the information below on voluntary use… Read More
Update on in-person operations in January
By Dow Constantine, King County Executive Many of you have been asking about Future of Work (return-to-office) plans in the new year, and the impacts of the Omicron variant to our timelines. Our Future of Work plans are created to be nimble and responsive to health and safety, operations, and the needs of our employees. We have not set a firm return-to-office date for those employees who are currently teleworking. At this point, due to the changing environment around the Omicron COVID-19 variant, and the expectation that the spread of the variant… Read More
We thank you, our employee audience
Our top stories and videos for 2021 This past year, the twice weekly Employee News newsletter shared employee accomplishments and events, COVID-19 resources and vaccine updates, training and career development information, and other relevant employee news. The Department of Human Resources Employee Communications Team also featured these items on the KC Employee News blog, the King County Employees YouTube channel, the KCEmployees Twitter account, and the King County, WA LinkedIn account. We would like to thank you, our employee audience, for interacting with this information, sharing it with colleagues, and helping us provide timely news… Read More
Is it time to schedule your COVID-19 booster?
If it has been at least six months since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or at least two months since your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone currently eligible should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster to maximize protection. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine booster, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine or use the Washington State Department of Health’s vaccine locator to check out your options and get on a waitlist. With the Omicron… Read More
Supported employee takes pride in his work, shares joy with community
The Supported Employment Program (SEP) provides employment opportunities within King County government to people with disabilities. With an assigned job coach, and supportive supervisors and team members, participants are encouraged to fulfill their potential, pursue career goals, and thrive in a helpful environment. One employee within the Supported Employment Program who enjoys his work and the chance to make a difference is Naveed Labib, an Office Assistant in the Transit Facilities Division of the Metro Transit Department. Naveed has been with King County since January 2018. While some of his duties include… Read More
Vanpool and Vanshare program requirements lowered from five riders to three
Starting Jan. 1, 2022, King County employees may start a King County Metro Vanpool or Vanshare with only three or more participants and the cost will be covered 100% by the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). This reduced ridership minimum from five participants to three or more participants is being offered after the recent survey of employee safety programs highlighted employee interest in more shared ride options for commuting into downtown Seattle. As a result of the survey and support from ETP, the Executive’s Office approved continuing the 100% subsidy for employees commuting in… Read More
Paid Family and Medical Leave benefit and rates to increase Jan. 1
The state of Washington is making the following changes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Higher premiums The total premium rate for Washington PFML will increase to 0.6% (from 0.4% in 2021) of each employee’s gross wages up to the 2022 Social Security cap of $147,000 (was $142,800 in 2021). Increased benefit for employees The maximum PFML weekly benefit will increase to $1,327 for leaves beginning in 2022 (from $1,206 in 2021). The PFML benefit amount is based on your income. Employees to pay a larger… Read More
Our recent survey about employee safety programs
Almost 2,500 King County employees who work in downtown Seattle recently had their say on new and existing programs designed to enhance safety at and around county worksites in the downtown campus. A total of 6,833 employees were invited to take the survey, with 2,491 submitting responses. The key findings were: For existing programs, employees were most interested in the Security Escort program (57% very or somewhat interested) followed by Walk-pooling (47%), VanPool (35%), Goat Hill Garage Tunnel (30%), and VanShare (25%). Almost half (42%) of employees were very or somewhat interested… Read More
Spend your Flexible Spending Account money
Do you have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Check the balance of your Health Care or Day Care FSA by going to Navia Benefits and signing in to your account. Expenses incurred by Dec. 31, 2021, must be submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2022. For this year only, any unused funds in your 2021 Health Care or Dependent Day Care FSAs will automatically roll over and be available next year. You do not have to be enrolled in an FSA next year to access these funds. (Normally, the… Read More
Employee News 