“Supporting our Kids through the Pandemic with Connection and Collective Care” webinar, June 10
During the recent Balanced You webinar “A Conversation on Self-care and Connection,” we heard from employees that one of your top concerns is how the pandemic is impacting your kids. Because you asked for help supporting your kids through this, we reached out to one of the area’s top parent coaches, Sarina Behar Natkin, to coordinate a webinar and Q&A session for King County employees. The webinar will be held Wednesday, June 10 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Register here. The session will be recorded and posted for those who cannot attend the live… Read More
Update: Telecommuting with children at home
Crossposted from Balanced You To slow the spread of coronavirus, King County employees who can telecommute have been mandated to telecommute until at least Sept. 7, 2020. Because K-12 schools have closed, King County is temporarily allowing parents and caretakers to telecommute while caring for children at home. Telecommuting with children at home is a new experience for most employees and can present its own unique challenges. As such, Balanced You has put together some advice to help you continue to be productive and keep your family safe. Read more from Balanced You
Results from new model show necessity of robust contact tracing and other measures to prevent resurgence in epidemic
Crossposted from Public Health Insider A comprehensive program of increased testing, isolation of infected people, and contact tracing with quarantine of home and work contacts could prevent growth in the epidemic as King County gradually re-opens, according to a new modeling report by the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM). The report also found that there was little room to increase public interaction without risk of exceeding the effective reproductive rate of 1.0, a critical threshold for preventing growth in new cases locally. This report finding signals the need for caution in reopening to avoid… Read More
Taking care of mental health during COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider COVID-19 has drastically changed our communities, impacting not only physical and financial health, but emotional and mental as well. As we continue to learn more about COVID-19 and adjust our routines, we may notice changes in how we think, feel and relate with ourselves and each other. Now more than ever, staying up to date, making mental health a priority and connecting to supportive resources is key. Here are a few tips for managing mental health during COVID-19: Stay informed Information about COVID-19 is rapidly evolving week… Read More
Safety and security reminder
With many King County employees still working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are fewer “eyes and ears” around to notice when something is out of place in one of our buildings. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few safety tips. Don’t let anyone “tailgate” you into a county building, and make sure doors shut firmly behind you. Also, don’t prop doors open. Be alert to your surroundings as you walk to and from your car or transit stop, between buildings, or outside on breaks. … Read More
Updated teleworking resources
As many in King County continue to telework, KCIT has updated its guidance and resources to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Learn more by visiting the KCIT King County Telework Resources website (SharePoint). For help with a technical issue or problem, contact the KCIT Helpdesk or call 206-263-4357 (3-HELP).
New data shows broader social, economic, health impacts of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Nearly everyone in our community has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It might be from COVID-19 illness, or from local and state efforts to slow its spread. We all are experiencing social distancing, school closures, business closures, or isolation and quarantine. Public Health – Seattle & King County has created a new set of data tools that show some of the broader impacts in King County – focusing on social, economic, and overall health and well-being. Key topics include unemployment, housing and food needs, internet access,… Read More
Asian-Pacific Islander Affinity Group creating meaningful connections with communities during COVID-19
At King County, having a community to connect with is crucial, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. With May being Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important for employees to stay connected, and the County’s Employee Resource Groups, or Affinity Groups, provide a unique opportunity for employees to support one another. The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group’s vision is to be “committed to our community to thrive and celebrate our diverse cultures.” With one of their mission statements being “educate non-API communities by promoting and… Read More
Substance use and mental health disorder recovery resources during the pandemic
The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation, the theme of King County Mental Health Month’s third week, and a cornerstone of many recovery programs – has changed in the face of social distancing. Before coronavirus, rooms and facilities in communities across the globe were filled with groups of people offering each other resources, tips, and stories of strength and hope. Now, those groups have… Read More
On-demand webinar: A conversation on self-care
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone’s mental health in unique ways. Now, more than ever, self-care and connection are needed. In recognition of Mental Health Month, Shawna Johnson, Balanced You Employee Health Specialist, and Heather Steffensen, Interim Employee Assistance Program Manager, led “A Conversation on Self-Care.” This live, interactive webinar covered self-care strategies, techniques and tools to reduce stress and anxiety, and benefits and resources available to support King County employees’ mental health. This webinar, now available on-demand, can be found on the Balanced You blog.
Employee News 