It can be challenging to maintain good ergonomic practices when working away from the office. Below are some tips to help employees when setting up a laptop for frequent use. Maintain a neutral neck position by placing the top of the screen at about eye level or slightly lower if using bifocal glasses. Use a laptop stand or place your laptop on a stable support surface, such as monitor risers, reams of paper or books so that the screen height can be adjusted. Attach a regular size, external keyboard and mouse to… Read More

King County has entered into Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) with many of its unions to provide employees who meet specific eligibility requirements (see below) and workers with non-standard full-time schedules with up to 80 additional hours of paid leave for COVID-19-related illnesses and reasons. This leave is prorated for part-time workers and is not available to interns and short-term temporary employees (STTs). The Office of Labor Relations (OLR) is currently finalizing negotiations with the remaining unions, and the list will be updated as agreements are finalized. This leave is also available to non-represented employees. Please be advised that employees… Read More

Crossposted from Balanced You  To slow the spread of coronavirus, all King County employees who can telecommute should now be telecommuting. Because K-12 schools have closed, King County is temporarily allowing parents and caretakers to telecommute while caring for children at home.  Telecommuting with children at home is a new experience for most employees and can present its own unique challenges. As such, Balanced You has put together some advice to help you continue to be productive and keep your family safe.   Read more from Balanced You

Yesterday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced an extension of his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order through May 4, extending the ban on all gatherings and temporarily shuttering non-essential businesses. King County’s guidance remains the same for employees: First Responders and Mission-Critical Employees are classified as “critical government workers” for the purposes of the Governor’s Order, and accordingly are expected to continue to report to work in person or telework per existing arrangements. Departments can change employee designations as needed, and must inform employees accordingly. Under King County’s Temporary Leave and Telecommuting Policy, First Responders… Read More

King County’s Temporary Leave and Telecommuting Policy, which applies to Executive Branch employees, sets out procedures for leave usage during the COVID-19 outbreak. Some employees have asked about the recently announced Federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave and expanded FMLA Public Health Emergency Leave. Please see the following guidance provided in the Temporary Leave and Telecommuting Policy for Executive Branch employees (Employees in other branches of County government will receive guidance from their leaders [definition below]): People who are sick with COVID-19 or taking care of people with COVID-19 need to first use leave… Read More

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, King County will extend the suspension of many face-to-face customer service operations through at least April 30. This move is being made in accordance with Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued on March 23. Employees are expected to work in line their current, approved arrangements. Employees will continue to provide services by phone, online, and by email wherever possible. Supervisors, managers, and leaders will provide additional information to their employees as needed. Please visit kingcounty.gov/ServiceChanges for a list of face-to-face service suspensions. This list… Read More