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
$2 million for King County departments, agencies to increase language access services
We know language access and providing King County communities with accurate information in a language they understand is more important than ever. When people can receive information and services in the language and format that is accessible, it leads to more equitable and healthier outcomes King County has $2 million in federal funding to distribute to departments, agencies and divisions to increase language access as part of our pandemic response and recovery efforts. The Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ), in partnership with the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB), will be allocating these resources. Applications will open soon. … Read More
Connecting to VPN? You’ll need to verify your identity
King County’s AnyConnect VPN software will get MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) security starting on December 1, 2021. What does this mean for you? Each time you connect to VPN you must provide your username (username@kingcounty.gov) and password, and verify your identity on a separate device such as a cell phone or digital fob – just like when you access your Microsoft account. For employees currently enrolled in MFA, no additional action is necessary. Simply respond to the MFA security requests on your enrolled device, as described below. If you are not enrolled in… Read More
Changes coming to PeopleSoft – new login and security requirements
Starting Monday, Nov. 22, you will be prompted to log in to PeopleSoft using your King County network username and password. This streamlined login experience gives you one less password to manage and better protects your PeopleSoft account from cyber attacks using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) security, also called “two-step verification.” For employees currently enrolled in MFA, no additional action is necessary. If you are not currently enrolled in MFA, you should do so immediately to maintain access to PeopleSoft. Executive branch employees should contact the KCIT Helpdesk. Employees in other branches of county government… Read More
New Gender Identity in the Workplace policy
By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer This week, as we celebrate Transgender Awareness Week, we are launching a new King County policy: Gender Identity in the Workplace: Policies for Supporting Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Employees. This policy sets out guidelines to address the workplace needs of transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse employees and helps us create a safe, inclusive, and productive workplace that is free of harassment and discrimination in accordance with the county’s Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct Policy. Our True North – Making King County a welcoming community where all people… Read More
Taking action on September pulse survey responses
The most recent employee engagement pulse survey found that Engagement, Well-being, and Belonging indices are all trending upwards since the previous survey, and that a sense of belonging among teams can help reduce stress and increase well-being. The pulse survey, conducted in September 2021, took a deeper dive into belonging to better understand how our public service work benefits when employees have a strong sense of belonging and well-being. Key findings included: Well-being, engagement, and belonging are all trending up for most demographics, except 51 and older where belonging and engagement have… Read More
Let us hear your stories of hope, MLK Committee seeks employee testimonials
Posted by the King County Martin Luther King Day Committee Since COVID-19’s emergence, our community has been rocked by despair, tests and trials, grief, and struggle. In the midst of what some may deem the greatest turmoil we have ever experienced, we still fight and work towards solutions that bring our community together, ever better. Every year the King County MLK Day committee chooses a theme that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and that guides the tone of the event and the recognition. This year, the committee chose to focus on… Read More
Supporting human and civil rights organizations through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations committed to human and civil rights issues. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. Businesses Endling Slavery and Trafficking (10972) – Provides training, education and awareness to prevent human trafficking and help to identify trafficking victims, prevent exploitation and provide safe employment to survivors. Northwest Justice Project (9739) – Free civil legal services ensure that low-income persons in WA can pursue justice when faced with eviction, foreclosure, domestic violence, loss of income,… Read More
Employee News 