Balanced You Hope and Joy Campaign 

As we move through the difficulty and stress of a socially isolating pandemic, Balanced You is launching the Hope and Joy Campaign. Throughout the winter, we will find ways to connect with one another through moments of hope and joy.  The Hope and Joy Campaign does not exist to quiet other emotions you may be experiencing during this time, but rather balance them with joyful emotions and connection with each other so we can build our strength to weather these challenges.  Please join Balanced You in making hope and joy contagious this… Read More

“Imputed taxable income” and agency-paid parking 

Some employees have received agency-paid parking at the Goat Hill and King Street Center garages during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers this an employer-paid benefit, and employees can be liable for income taxes on any amount over $270 per month, the threshold amount for 2020. For example, if the agency-paid parking for the month totaled $340, an employee receiving the benefit could be taxed on the excess, which in this example is $70. This “Imputed Taxable Income” is shown on your paystub as “ImpTxIncm” under Employee Taxable Value. … Read More

Strategic Interviewing Tips and Techniques, December 9 and December 17  

This two-hour virtual workshop will provide you with strategies and tips to help you to do your best during the interview. Learning objectives include: How to prepare for a virtual job interview The interview structure and types of questions you will be asked The STAR-LA method and how to use it to provide organized and complete responses General tips and strategies There are two opportunities to attend this online workshop: Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 10 to noon and Thursday, Dec. 17 from 1–3pm. Register here. For additional online workshops offered by King County Career Support Services… Read More

Pet of the Week: Indy 

Hi! My name is Indy and I am available for adoption. I was brought in as a transfer from another shelter on November 12, 2020. I’m a wiggly and active guy with a ton of energy. I love running zoomies! My personality color is RED. I am a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality! I am still working on my manners, so I would do best with a family who is willing to work with me and help me become the best dog I can be!  Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have… Read More

PeopleSoft HCM outage notice, December 4-6 

To allow for system maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available the weekend of Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday Dec. 6.  During this planned outage, the Business Resource Center (BRC) will apply vendor updates and maintenance.  This work will begin on Friday, Dec 4 at 3 p.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec 7.   The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window. There will be a communication sent out to all County staff when the system becomes available.  We… Read More

Getting a flu shot this season is even more important due to COVID-19

Winter brings with it darker days and cooler temperatures, but also an increase in respiratory illnesses, like the flu. With the risk of COVID-19 increasing as people head indoors, it is recommended to get a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of getting the flu, severe illness, and hospitalization. This helps minimize the need for medical attention and ensures hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices can care for COVID-19 patients and their health needs. Getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Not only does it prevent flu medical visits, but since… Read More

Training Spotlight for December 3

 Mentorship Lunch and Learn – Online – Would you like to have a mentor, someone who can help you grow professionally? Do you want to strengthen your coaching skills? As a Mentee, you will have a trusted advisor who can help you navigate complex situations, and as a Mentor, you can uncover new or forgotten skills and build influence. This Lunch and Learn is free and the next session is on Dec. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. Register Here Please visit our King County Eventbrite page website for more opportunities. For more information, contact… Read More

Video: As hospitalizations increase, an update from Dr. Jeff Duchin and Matias Valenzuela 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  As cases skyrocket and hospitalizations increase, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County and Matias Valenzuela, Equity Director for Public Health, shared updates on COVID-19 spread, reviewed what the public needs to do to turn this trend around, and discussed new data that shows where people most frequently report being exposed to COVID-19. 

Metro urges protective measures, shares reported numbers 

Crossposted from Metro Matters  On Nov. 15, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the increased rate of the COVID-19 infections in Washington and across the country. King County also has seen an increase in cases, with south King County disproportionately impacted.  Since the beginning of the pandemic and especially during this time, the safety of Metro’s employees, customers, and community members remains our highest priority.   Read more. 

Giving thanks for those who continued to serve at Thanksgiving

Last week, many King County employees were able to take time to celebrate the Thanksgiving Day holiday, but many employees continued to serve our community throughout the holiday.  At this time, as we battle the spread of COVID-19 and care for people impacted by the virus, we want to thank the many employees who continued to serve our community during Thanksgiving.  We send a special thank you to the many employees – bus operators, medics and other health care professionals, Isolation and Quarantine Facility staff, corrections officers, sheriff’s deputies, and many others… Read More