Supervision and Leadership Skills – Series, beginning Oct. 4: Develop your leadership, communication, motivation, and problem-solving skills with this workshop based series. Take all six classes in the series to enhance your professional toolbox with skills to be used in a variety of workplace situations. Register and learn more here.  View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning. 

Reasons why it’s important to review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft:  You will get important Open Enrollment and other employee benefits information mailed to you at the address you provide.  Your emergency contact can be notified if something happens to you at work.  Someone at King County can reach you with information about building closures, safety directives, etc.  You can receive information at the email address you prefer.  Here’s how:  Sign in to PeopleSoft. You can also access PeopleSoft from home: ess.kingcounty.gov.  Go to Personal Details  Make sure all items are up-to-date … Read More

If you are experiencing a mental or emotional health issue, you can access services offered by your King County medical plan.  Kaiser Permanente SmartCare plans: Kaiser Permanente has licensed mental health clinicians on primary care teams to provide assessment and short-term treatment for many mental health concerns. At Kaiser Permanente Mental Health specialty facilities, adults, families, teens, and children can get treatment and support for a wide range of issues. No referral is needed from your primary care provider to get care from Kaiser Permanente Mental Health. For first-time, non-emergency appointments, call 888-287-2680… Read More

As this video from the World Health Organization shows, mental illness can affect anyone at any time. Join us for a panel discussion on actions and resources to support mental well-being and a mentally healthy workplace. The panel will feature representatives from Public Health, Community and Human Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources, along with King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams.     Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 from 9:30 – 11 a.m., in the King County Administration Building’s 5th Floor Training Room  Join by Skype Meeting or phone at 206-263-8114 using conference ID 5289695  Please Note: This is… Read More

Check out the King County 2019 Flu Shot Schedule and mark your calendars for the location most convenient for you. These are open to all employees, unless noted otherwise. If you miss the opportunity to get a flu shot at work, here are some tips for getting your flu shot through your health plan. Contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov for more information. Some things to remember: Clinics are open to all employees, except when noted otherwise. Benefits-covered spouses and family members (age 11 and above) are welcome to attend most clinics, but please confirm these details with your site contact(s) beforehand…. Read More

Communication and Problem Solving Skills, Oct. 16: This one-day training will address communication and problem-solving skills with the public and with co-workers. This class covers skills for effective listening, speaking, dealing with conflicts and with defensive behavior. Register and learn more.  View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning. 

Employees at the King County International Airport (KCIA) celebrated the opening of the airport’s first-ever Activity Center on August 28. Located at the Maintenance Shop, 6518 Ellis Ave. S., the Activity Center features full-service exercise equipment including treadmills, a stationary bicycle, free weights, stability balls, and more. The ribbon-cutting event also featured personal trainers, who showed employees how to use the equipment. The center is open to all King County employees from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  “We encourage employees to take some time to get up from their desks for… Read More

Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness. It does not discriminate based on race, age, gender, ability or identity.   King County and Balanced You support the mental health of employees in many ways. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one or trying to learn more, there are many tools available to you. Visit Balanced You’s website or check out this Mental Health Resource Sheet for a list of community resources, counselor directories, benefits information, and more.   Together we can learn more, change the conversation and continue building a stronger, more supportive environment for all. 

September is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.   Join us Wednesday, September 25, for a panel discussion on actions and resources to support mental well-being and a mentally healthy workplace. The panel will feature representatives from Public Health, Community and Human Services, Metro Transit, and Human Resources, along with King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams.    Through this discussion, we join others around the nation in celebrating the millions of people who are in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and… Read More

Do you want to better understand your King County benefits before Open Enrollment starts on Nov. 1? Do you have questions about your retirement? King County is hosting benefits fairs where you can meet with benefits and retirement plan vendors. The fairs give you an opportunity to learn more about your options and ask questions—so that you can plan ahead for your and your family’s well-being. There’ll also be raffles, prizes, and giveaways: Oct. 15 and 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. King County Elections, Alvine Room, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton Many of the… Read More