Keeping employees paid as we respond to COVID-19

Dear fellow King County employee, In this time of anxiety and disruption, the last thing I want is for our employees to have any additional stress while they work to stop the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. To that end, all Executive Branch employees will remain in paid status and continue to receive their normal pay at least through Friday, April 24, with the exception of short-term temporary employees and interns. Whether you are teleworking, on the front lines, performing other duties, or on one of our types of… Read More

2020 Worksite Fund applications temporarily paused due to coronavirus 

The 2020 Worksite Fund application period has been temporarily paused while King County focuses its efforts on stopping the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Balanced You team will work with leadership to determine a new deadline that allows adequate time for teams to complete applications. The updated timeline will be announced at a later date.   Employees are invited to continue brainstorming Worksite Fund projects during this period. Please reach out to balancedyou@kingcounty.gov with questions or comments.   Balanced You supports you in rethinking self-care as you respond professionally and personally to coronavirus. Tips for telecommuters can… Read More

Remembering the contributions of trailblazing women during Women’s History Month 

During this difficult period, let us pause and remember the contributions by intelligent, passionate women toward helping and healing our world. From NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson and world renowned geneticist Barbara McClintock to computer programmer Grace Hopper and marine biologist Idelisa Bonnelly de Calventi, women have been responsible for leaps and bounds in science, math, medicine, the arts, and many other fields.  We take this month to honor their contributions and appreciate the impact women have in our lives. Join us in thanking and showing gratitude to women who have made a difference in your life. … Read More

March 18 is Transit Driver Appreciation Day 

Crossposted from Metro Matters Every day, thousands of King County Metro transit, rail, and paratransit operators are responsible for delivering passengers to work, school, and appointments, and back home again. They wake before the sun comes up and work through the night. During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we honor our public servants who are essential to keeping our community moving. On March 18, 2020, we’re again celebrating International Transit Driver Appreciation Day. Read more from Metro Matters

Navigating difficult times with resilience 

As COVID-19 related events unfold, we find ourselves in uncertain terrain as impacts move closer to home. It’s common during these times to experience heightened anxiety or fear. While we cannot control external events, we can establish practices and enlist tools to support our resilience and well-being. Instead of suffering with anxiety, we have the ability to administer care to ourselves, our families, our work colleagues, and our communities. Join in on a free webinar to learn how to navigate these uncertain times with resilience.  Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from noon to… Read More

Featured Job: Assistant Annexation and Levy Coordinator 

Salary: $2,993.87 – $3,794.90 Biweekly  Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week  Department: DOA – Assessor’s Office  Job Number: 2020-11414  Division: Accounting Operations  Closing: 3/27/2020 3:00 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 

Free virtual training for employees: Financial best practices in uncertain times  

When markets go on a wild ride, it’s understandable to feel uneasy and maybe even begin to question your investments and savings plans. Ironically though, one certainty is that market uncertainty is a constant. Market downturns happen frequently and are typically followed by recoveries. Presented by My Secure Advantage (MSA), this training session will cover key considerations and best practices in times of heightened volatility, as well as actionable next steps that you can take now and in the longer term.    The training will be held Friday, March 20, 2020 at 9… Read More

Input and approve time remotely in PeopleSoft 

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, many King County employees are working remotely. Basic self-service functions in PeopleSoft, such as entering time and manager timesheet approvals, are available outside of the King County firewall and can be done remotely without using the King County VPN. Timesheet entry and manager approval (self-service functions) are available in PeopleSoft using the Login from Home link on the BRC SharePoint intranet site or by typing ess.kingcounty.gov in the address bar of your browser. Log into PeopleSoft as you normally would; you will have access to only self-service functions. (Timekeeper, Human Resource,… Read More

King County essential services continue to operate with some modifications

King County employees are continuing to deliver essential services, but several buildings will close to public walk-in access until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Employees who are not telecommuting or on leave via a prior arrangement are expected to report for work as normal. Healthy first responders and medical personnel should continue to report to work. Supervisors, managers, and leaders will provide additional information to their employees as needed. The affected facilities are: King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave., Seattle King County Sheriff’s Office registry on second floor will… Read More

COVID-19 staffing updates – March 16, 2020

Approval to take IT peripheral equipment home while telecommuting With many employees telecommuting at this time in line with the County’s guidance, employees are permitted to take home laptop peripheral equipment, including monitors, to help them continue to be productive during the COVID-19 outbreak. Employees must receive supervisor approval prior to taking peripheral equipment home, such as a monitor, mouse, or other devices. Supervisors should keep a record of any equipment that is being taken home. Departments are responsible for keeping an inventory of equipment taken home. (Note: this applies to Executive… Read More