2021 Engagement Survey starts March 8
King County’s Employee Engagement Survey is back in 2021, and there are a few changes that we want to share. Every year, the County’s Employee Engagement team recommends improvements to the data and survey process. Many of these improvement ideas come directly from employees. Their feedback helps us improve the employee experience and data quality, and to provide better analysis. Here’s what is changing in 2021: All employees will take the survey electronically, saving 80 reams of paper – or roughly five trees each year. There is a new belonging index. There… Read More
Community Corrections keeps up with COVID changes
The caseworkers who used to oversee the operation in the King County Courthouse aren’t idle – far from it. They’re busier than ever. Work Education Release and the Community Work Program closed down this year, after a long pandemic pause. But the number of people on Electronic Home Detention shot up over that time. It all spells huge changes for the Community Corrections Division (CCD). Like many countermeasures against COVID19, these appear to be here for the long term. “Everyone has had to rethink things, and we’re no exception here,” said John… Read More
Supporting People with Disabilities: When and how to disclose a disability
One of the key issues that came out of last October’s Disability Awareness Month was how and when to disclose a disability for both King County job applicants and employees with disabilities. Applying for jobs and maintaining positions can be stressful for anyone, but for a person with a disability–whether visible or invisible–there are added layers of complexity. Should you disclose? When should you ask for accommodations…during the hiring process or after? Disclosure of a disability is a very personal decision. Whether or not you choose to disclose, it’s important to be… Read More
King County Security Tips: What’s the deal with data breaches?
Data breaches are becoming more and more common these days. You hear about them in the news all the time. So you might be wondering: what exactly is a data breach? A data breach is when secure information is taken from a trusted environment without permission. The bad guys can use this information to steal your identity, hack into your online accounts, or use the information for targeted phishing attacks to gather even more information about you. However, just because the data was exposed does not necessarily mean it’s already being used… Read More
Celebrating Black History Month: The face of change
As a symbol, King County’s logo remains a powerful daily visual reminder for what Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy stands for — past and present — and the values of racial justice and advocacy for fair and equal treatment of people of all races, that he represents for our community and government. “During the less than 13 years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from December 1955 until April 4, 1968, African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in America than the previous 350 years had produced…. Read More
What to do if you are victim of unemployment fraud
Last year, many employees were victims of unemployment fraud, which has resulted in some employees receiving 1099-G forms showing reported income from Washington State Employment Security Department. If you have received a 1099-G from the State of Washington and already reported the fraud, please follow the instructions provided at ESDWAGOV – Tax info for fraud victims. If you are just learning that you may have been a victim of unemployment fraud because you received a 1099-G, please also take the following steps: 1. Step One – Contact ESD Complete a fraud report… Read More
Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and ice
Snow is forecast for our region this week with extremely cold temperatures and icy road conditions expected, so please be prepared for possible commute delays and impacts to business operations. If you work onsite, please be prepared for cold weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Also, make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. Please remember to wear a mask at… Read More
Celebrating Black History Month 2021 in King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed February 2021 to be Black History Month in King County. “King County acknowledges the long history of forced enslavement, and institutional and structural racism toward African Americans in the U.S. and its generational impacts, and has committed itself to make progress on Equity and Social Justice, reflecting its commitment to racially just policies and practices that create opportunities for all people to thrive,“ Executive Constantine said in his Proclamation. “The scientific, technological, economic, political, and cultural innovations by Black Americans and African Americans have been essential… Read More
Pause on visits to Administration Building remains in place
COVID-19 infection rates remain high In our region and we need to be vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread of the virus and make our workplaces safer for employees and the people we serve. Many King County employees remain under the Executive’s mandatory telework order through July 5, 2021, where their work and operations allow for it, and heightened safety measures and protocols have been instituted for those delivering in-person services. The county also continues to restrict employee access to its facilities and has extended the pause on employees accessing… Read More
Are you ready for winter weather?
Snow is expected in our region this week, so now is a great time to ensure you are prepared for an emergency or inclement weather at home or work. Stay informed: Make sure you’re getting the latest King County information at work and at home in the event of inclement weather. Sign up for KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system. KCInform is used to reach County employees during an emergency with timely information about infrastructure disruptions, facility impacts, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk… Read More
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