Guidance for working in smoky air

Dear employee, Our region is experiencing significant levels of wildfire smoke today, which is expected to continue through the weekend. Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. Some people need to be outdoors for their work or other responsibilities. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please consider these tips and guidance: Talk to your supervisor about possible options to reduce the amount of… Read More

Developing new practices for COVID-19 just another day in Payroll Operations 

Many groups around King County have had to adapt rapidly to the challenges posed by the coronavirus, switching gears to accommodate new policies and procedures. But for the Central Payroll Operations Team, a small group of employees who already move at a quick pace, these changes are part of their ever-evolving work routine. As we celebrate National Payroll Week, we spoke with Payroll Operations Supervisor Pam Bell to learn more about how the Team is operating during this time. Pam joined King County in 2004 and has been with the Department of Executive… Read More

Administration Building to close in early 2021 

King County will close the aging Administration Building to most operations in early 2021, with employees relocating to King Street Center and the Chinook Building when it is safe for them to return to work.  Executive Constantine will propose decommissioning the Administration Building – which requires significant maintenance and replacement of aging systems – in his 2021-2022 budget address. Existing customer-facing services previously provided at the Administration Building will be co-located at King Street Center.  The Administration Building closure is part of a comprehensive effort to re-envision how King County can best… Read More

New discount for T-Mobile 

Employees of King County now have access to a new discount through T-Mobile. For a limited time, eligible customers who are switching to T-Mobile can save up to $200 (via 20 monthly bill credits) when you activate a new account on Magenta Plus. Call 855-570-9947 to speak to one of our experts, visit us online here, or visit a retail store near you. Restrictions apply. Additionally, from Sept. 1-30, 2020, join and get $150 after rebate via Virtual Prepaid Card with each new line. Get premium features like Netflix, international texting and data, and free… Read More

Executive Constantine convenes regional thought leaders for ‘12 Arguments for Change’, a series of live, virtual panels envisioning an equitable post-pandemic King County 

King County is hosting three live virtual panels with local community leaders, equity experts and small business owners as part of a conversation series called “12 Arguments for Change.” Beginning on Thursday, September 10 and continuing on September 15 and 17, King County Executive Dow Constantine will moderate these panel discussions to identify how we create a sustainable, equitable recovery for King County into 2021 and beyond.  Each panel will have a unique set of speakers with backgrounds ranging from healthcare to community-based nonprofits, small business owners, racial and social justice activists, educators, and… Read More

Tune in for the Executive Award for Community Resilience, September 11 

On Friday, Sept. 11, King County Executive Constantine will present his 10th Executive Award for Community Resilience. The award is given each fall in recognition of outstanding efforts made by organizations to prepare for and respond to emergencies. As King County deals with two pandemics, COVID-19 and racial injustice, organizations across the region are stepping up. This award honors those who have done extraordinary things in the arena of preparedness and response, to make sure their community can weather any storm.   View the award ceremony live tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. to watch… Read More

What happens when you get a COVID-19 test? 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Maybe it’s happened to you: you wake up one morning with a new cough and a slight fever, and you’re not sure what to do. You’re worried it might be COVID, so what are your next steps? Getting tested is one of the best ways to protect your family, friends, and community, but if you’ve never been tested before, you might be a little nervous. We reveal what really happens when you get a COVID test in this short video, below. For more information on testing, including where to… Read More

Reduce your risk for flu, find vaccines near you: Flu shot options for telecommuting employees 

Every fall, King County’s Balanced You team encourages employees to get their flu shot and this fall, flu shots are more important than ever. To encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommuting employees are being asked to get their flu shots from their healthcare providers or pharmacists, instead of coming into the workplace. Visit this Balanced You blogpost for information telecommuting employees need to know about flu shots this fall, including how to access them near you. 

Getting a flu shot is essential and so are you: Worksite flu shot clinic options for onsite employees 

Each year, King County’s Balanced You provides onsite flu shots for employees. Providing programs to support your health and well-being is one way we’re Investing in YOU.  Visit this Balanced You blog post to learn how we’re modifying the flu shot clinic program to serve those most impacted during the pandemic. 

Get a flu shot this fall

Dear King County Employee, Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States was recognized in King County just over 6 months ago, I have deeply appreciated the care and commitment to public service I see demonstrated every day by my fellow employees. Our response to the pandemic has been a tremendous effort, where the entire workforce has rallied during a public health emergency to take personal actions to stop the spread of the disease, while at the same time working hard to safely continue delivering critical services to our region…. Read More