The second and final application period for the 2023 Coalition Labor Agreement Professional Development Scholarship Program opens May 8 – June 4, 2023. The Scholarship Program is a benefit offered as part of the 2022 – 2024 Coalition Labor Agreement and is only open to employees represented by one of the unions in the Coalition. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the revised supplemental questions, rating criteria, and Individual Development Plan, which is highly recommended but not required. Scholarship award recipients who did not receive the full $3,000 from the January/February 2023 period may reapply to receive the remaining… Read More

As part of King County’s commitment to employee wellness, Balanced You observes Financial Literacy month. Financial wellness is a key component to overall wellness. This week, we are highlighting retirement resources. Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but there are classes available that offer the information you need. If you are planning for retirement, consider attending the classes below. Road to Retirement Are you planning to retire in the next six months? If so, join your Retirement Team for this informative two-hour class. We’ll discuss procedures and forms, medical coverage options, and… Read More

King County employees are invited to participate in Identity-Based Affinity Spaces to engage and provide information and ideas on how King County can enhance its workplace culture, increase equity in workforce practices, and ensure inclusion and belonging for all employees.    King County is particularly interested in hearing from on-site, customer-facing, and shift employees. Sign up for an Identity-Based Affinity Space by April 21 using the opt-in form.   The Identity-Based Affinity Spaces are different from the King County Affinity Groups. They have been created specifically for the refresh project and assure employees they… Read More

In recognition of contributions to all aspects of society by Americans of Arab descent and Arab immigrants, including science, business, culture, and social services, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed April 2023 to be Arab American Heritage Month. “I encourage all residents to honor the contribution of Arab Amercians to our county, state, and nation,” the Executive stated. Read the full prolcamation below.

King County will not conduct an Employee Engagement Survey in 2023. The annual survey usually occurs in March of each year. However, due to staffing challenges the survey will not take place this year. Listening to employees and actively addressing their concerns and desired outcomes is key to building a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture, and we will seek other opportunities to engage with employees. The Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan Refresh project and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benefits Review project offers multiple touchpoints for employee perspectives and feedback…. Read More

From DNRP News A productive collaboration between King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) and local staffing organization Weld Works not only resulted in the successful disassembly and recycling of offices and cubes on the sixth floor of King Street Center, it provided jobs and training to a diverse labor pool in need. Weld Works is a non-profit serving the construction, manufacturing, and retail industries with purpose and heart by bringing together companies hiring in construction, clean-up, and general labor with a pool of individuals interested and ready to work… Read More

Balanced You continues to partner with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Browse through the new spring 2023 mindfulness schedule to see new topics and register for a class. All classes are held live on Zoom. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience. We have classes available for all employees that will teach techniques such as mindful movement, mindful relationships, and more.