UPDATED: Acceptable use of email in the workplace
Dear employee,
Email is an important tool for your work here at King County, and it is most effective when used appropriately. It is important that each employee understands the legislation and policies that apply to our use of email:
Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy
One of our eight core values is “We respect all people,” and the way that we communicate with another is central to being a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. King County’s Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy sets out the acceptable and prohibited use of all information assets, including email. The policy states that “Workforce Members shall ensure that King County information assets are used appropriately for King County business” (section 5.2). Minimal personal use is permitted “provided that the use is not prohibited as defined in section 5.3, and provided the use has the appearance of professionalism even if it is not used in a public setting” (section 5.4). The policy also outlines prohibited uses, including private or personal for-profit activities, conducting political activity, unsanctioned solicitation, harassment or intimidation, accessing obscene content, gambling, or other activities and services (section 5.3).
Public Records Act Requests
All emails distributed and received through work emails ending in @kingcounty.gov that relate to County business are of public record. This means that any member of the public can submit a public disclosure request to see them. Please be aware that your King County emails can be made available if requested, and therefore it is expected that you maintain professionalism in email communication as required by the Acceptable Use of Information Assets Policy. Forwarding of official King County business to personal email accounts is discouraged; public records are public records regardless of whether they are maintained in the County’s accounts or in the personal accounts of employees. If you need to access your work email, use OWA or an approved VPN.
Data Security
Providing services to the public in a confidential and secure manner is critical to how King County does business. While KCIT is working to limit spam and phishing emails, it is important employees are aware of the risk these emails pose to private information. Learn more about spam and phishing emails here.
This year a new way to identify external emails was implemented, but employees should still be cautious of all strange or unusual emails. For questions about possible phishing or spam emails contact the KCIT HelpDesk at 206-263-HELP (4357) or visit the HelpDesk website.
Professional Guidance
It’s always useful to consider how email impacts the work employees do, and as such, take into account any timelines or project needs when using email.
Some ideas to help streamline and make email more effective can be:
- Responding in a timely manner to employees and the public to ensure good customer service
- Limiting the use of “Reply All” to keep only those necessary informed and respect other’s time
- Only forwarding emails if permission has been given or the email has been reviewed so as to limit unnecessarily sharing confidential information
- Including a signature block within emails to help employees identify and contact one another more easily.
Email is an effective tool to help us do the work of serving our customers. Please consider how you use email and other tools to make our workplace effective, respectful, and safe, and our community a welcoming place where every person can thrive.
Share this:
Executive proclamation and celebration kick off Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month beginning September 15 “Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month” in King County.
“Latino and Latina residents have been a consistent, vital influence in the history of King County, and we name our commemoration “Latinx” Heritage Month to be more inclusive of the experiences and identities of our communities,” Executive Constantine said in the Proclamation.
Additionally, Sound Transit’s Latinx in Transportation (LIT) Employee Resource Group, King County Metro and the Seattle Department of Transportation held a multi-agency Latinx Heritage Month kick-off celebration on September 19, 2019. View more photos below and the proclamation here.
Share this:
King County 2019 flu shot schedule, week of Sept. 25
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. When able, bring your medical ID card or number.
Dates this week are:
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 a.m. – 10a.m. at Atlantic – Central Base, 1500 6th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134, 2nd Floor Classroom. Contacts are Benita Grace at 206-477-2409 and Tutti Compton at 206-477-0426.
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m at King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104, 8th Floor Conference Center. Contact is Chris Zanassi at 206-477-4541.
- Friday, Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Maleng Regional Justice Center, 620 W James St., Kent WA 98032, Jury Assembly Room. Contact is Shanna Knight at 206-477-3036.
- Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at East Base, 1975 124th Ave NE, Bellevue WA 98005, Classrooms A and B. Contacts are Janice Larson at 206-477-7839 and Tonya Davis at 206-477-7226.
- Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007. Contact is Quan Ha at 206-477-8055.
Share this:
Training Spotlight: Supervision and Leadership Skills – Series
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.
Share this:
Featured Job: King County District Court Human Resource Manager II
Salary: $106,889.33 – $135,488.70 Annually
Location: Seattle – Regional area, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department: KCDC – District Court
Job Number: 2019 KCDC HRM II
Closing: 9/29/2019 11:59 PM Pacific
The Human Resources Manager II (HR Manager II) for the Department of Human Resources (DHR) works entirely for the King County District Court (Court) as their Human Resources Director. The delivery of all of the human resources services is accomplished through a Service Level Agreement between the two Branches of government. Because of the separation of branches, strict confidentiality and firewalls must be maintained. The HR Manager II must maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the court including 25 elected Judges. This position will ensure service delivery continuously meets or exceeds the service level agreement between the Court and DHR. The position maintains a dual reporting structure to both the Court and DHR. The DHR team supporting the Court includes the HR Manager II, a Human Resource Manager I and a Sr. Human Resource Analyst.
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Share this:
Don’t be left out – Update your PeopleSoft information
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
- Save any changes
If you need a new password, go to Forgot My Password. If you have any other login issues, call the IT Service Center: 206-263-4357.
Share this:
Accessing mental health services through your medical plan
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 or 206-630-1680. Your copay for outpatient mental health visits is the same as for other office visits. For additional information, go to Kaiser Permanente Mental Health
Regence BlueShield KingCare or KingCare Select plans: If you are a member of KingCare or KingCare Select, you can access a wide range of mental health services. professionals in their networks. When you need care, contact Your Primary Care Provider first. Your Primary Care Provider can treat you and help you find a specialist, or you can call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card for assistance in finding a qualified mental health professional. You can also sign in to your Regence BlueShield account and use the Find A Doctor tool. Your coinsurance for outpatient mental health visits is the same as for other office visits.
Share this:
Pet of the Week: Kingston
Hi! My name is Kingston and I am available for adoption.
I was brought into the shelter because I was sometimes too pushy with the other dog in the home. I do like other dogs though! I just maybe like to be the boss :). After all I’m a spunky little guy with a big boy personality!
I also love to play and cuddle with people, but I like to get to know you first. Give me a few minutes to warm up, and I’ll be jumping up and down in your lap to give you kisses!
Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
Share this:
Panel Discussion on Mental Health, Recovery, and Suicide Prevention, Sept. 25
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 a County-sponsored event and supervisors are encouraged to permit employees to participate, if possible. Read King County’s HR Bulletin regarding employee attendance at County-sponsored events for more information. Attendance is voluntary, and employees will not be compensated or receive overtime for attending
Share this:
Focus on values: We drive for results
Dear employee,
In July, Executive Constantine launched our True North vision and values to Executive Branch employees as part of our ongoing effort to build a workplace culture of respect, innovation, and performance excellence.
Beginning this month, we are launching a monthly focus on each of our eight values to help us gain a deeper understanding of the values and how to apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We drive for results.”
When we talk about driving for results, we are talking about doing more for our customers – better, faster, more equitable. Driving for results isn’t just a department, division, or section effort – it’s an individual effort. What can each of us do to provide a superior experience for our customers?
While our individual responsibilities may vary, no matter at which level or in which department we work, each of us has an impact on King County residents in some way. That makes us all accountable for the results we deliver, for the attitude we bring to our work, and the way we show up in our jobs. It’s how we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
Please take a moment to watch this short video where employees discuss what “We Drive for Results” means to them. Your supervisor will also soon discuss what this value means to you and your team, and how it applies to you and your work.
In the end, driving for results is about how we serve our customers. Our customers expect good results. It’s up to each one of us to provide them.
Sincerely,
Gary Kurihara
Chief Performance Officer
Employee News 