Open Enrollment runs through Nov. 15
Open Enrollment is open now through Nov. 15. To ensure you are selecting the right benefits for you and your family for 2023, learn about your choices and see what’s changing next year.
Changes include a second dental plan option and a new fourth network choice in the KingCare Select medical plan. Read more.
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Safety video: Walkpools = safety in numbers
Our first priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities.
Here's another tip to help you stay safe. Walkpooling is a buddy-up initiative that helps employees travel safely by walking to and from work with a buddy. Walkpools are an option if you walk long distances, walk early in the morning or late in the evening, or have to navigate transit stations.
Walkpools give you safety in numbers, a boost in your daily step count, and can lead to new and stronger friendships with your walkpool buddies. Check out our video, or visit the Employee Transportation Program website for more information. Watch for additional videos with safety tips this year.
For more information on employee safety programs and resources, check out the Future of Work Personal Safety at Work intranet page (employees only) and www.kingcounty.gov/employeesafety.
Countdown to Election Day
Election Day is coming up fast on Tuesday, Nov. 8. If you have not voted yet, be sure to fill out, sign, and return your ballot as soon as possible.
Ballots need to be in a drop box by 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day, Nov. 8, or have a postmark on or before Election Day. Vote Centers open this Saturday, Nov. 5 for those who need in-person assistance.
Please remember that employees may not send their ballot to Elections via interoffice mail. They must use a regular mailbox or drop box – no stamp needed.
Call King County Elections with any questions at 206-296-VOTE (8683), and for more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
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King County Sheriff's Office represented at youth community events
From the King County Sheriff's Office newsletter
Recently, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) outreach team made appearances at two simultaneous youth community events.
These events offered youth of all ages the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and the judicial process, as well as other community programs. The KCSO representatives also shared their experiences in law enforcement and potential career opportunities with the Sheriff’s Office. Read more.
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Giving Program Nonprofit Expo Series: Housing and Shelter
The 2022 Employee Giving Program is underway and the virtual Nonprofit Expo Series is every Wednesday through Nov.16.
The next session will be for organizations focused on housing and shelter with representatives from Pioneer Human Services, Friends of Youth, Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, and Facing Homelesness. Read more.
Join the Employee Giving Program via Teams to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about.
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Complete your cybersecurity training by Dec. 31 to help manage skyrocketing insurance costs
In 2021, ransomware attempts against government agencies rose a staggering 1,885%. Besides potentially compromising confidential data, cyber-attacks can have a devastating financial impact – consider the recent incidents in Riviera, FL ($1.6 million), Atlanta, GA ($17 million), and Baltimore, MD ($18.2 million).
The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks is translating into higher insurance costs. “We’ve seen the cost of cyber insurance increase for years now, but this year it really skyrocketed,” said Christine Oh, Director of the Office of Risk Management Services. The County’s 2022 cyber liability insurance premium doubled compared to 2021, and has increased well over 300% in the past three years.
The good news is, you can help King County mitigate our rising cyber insurance costs. Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems, and the number of employees who complete training each year can impact our insurance premium. To complete your assigned training, see the email you received from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov or login with your work email here.
All employees must complete annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2022 unless your agency has specified a different deadline. Thank you for doing your part!
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New leave donation programs begin in 2023
King County allows you to donate your accrued vacation and sick leave to another employee who is in need. New leave donation programs will begin on Jan. 1, 2023.
The current employee-to-employee leave donation program will be updated to comply with IRS requirements and the emergency leave fund started during the pandemic will be converted to a permanent emergency medical leave fund. Read more.
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New Event Series: Get Movin’ with Balanced You
You talked and Balanced You listened! Based on your feedback to our exercise sessions during Coffee Connections, we decided to host regular bi-weekly classes to get you moving through your busy workday.
These 30-minute move breaks are free and virtual so you can tap in from anywhere and benefit from the instruction of a certified trainer. Each session will be different, ranging from yoga and stretching to cardio and strength training. Join us for an upcoming session.
Get Movin' with Balanced You: Cardio
Get Movin' with Balanced You: Strength Training
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Administrative Professionals networking event: Tools, tips, and tricks to working smarter not harder
NOTE: Updated registration information
For the next Administrative Professionals networking event, bring the tools, tips, and tricks of your trade. Learn from your peers, share your techniques, and pick up best practices for email management, outlook calendar, MS Office Suite, content management, and more.
Submit your tools, tips, and tricks to be highlighted during the event here.
Also, don’t forget to submit your favorite recipe for the AP Cookbook. Please use this form to submit your recipe by Nov. 18.
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Help recognize veterans who continue their call to service
Those who join the military do so because they feel called to serve and that call to serve continues after they leave the military. For this upcoming Veterans Day, we want to recognize King County employees who are veterans, or who are in the Guard or Reserve, and their volunteer work to support and serve our community or here within King County.
Please send your stories of recognition to the Veterans & Military Affinity Group (V-MAG) leadership team at vet.milag@kingcounty.gov by end of business Thursday, Nov. 3. If you can, please include a photo of the person or group, in what way they have volunteered, and their military branch of service. Our goal is to recognize and honor them during our monthly V-MAG meeting on Nov. 16 at noon, which will be open to all county employees.
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Training Spotlight:
Brain-based Time Management – Online – Join instructor Mary Ellen Baker for this hands-on, online class that will show you how to support your brain so you can be more efficient with time, more effective in planning, and experience less stress and feeling overwhelmed. The fee is $50 and the next session is:
Please visit our King County Eventbrite website, our Learning and Development website, and our Career Support Services website for more learning opportunities. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit Learning and Development at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
Pet of the Week: Basil
Hi, I'm Basil and I'm ready for adoption! I'm a two-year-old female American Staffordshire mix who is energetic and friendly. I also enjoy being around other dogs.
You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that RASKC has moved back to walk-in services. Find out more information about our adoption process on our website. If you have more questions, contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.
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Featured Job: Marketing/Communications Manager
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King County Headlines
Metro Matters: ‘Great day to ride Metro’ as transit ridership grows
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