King County essential services continue to operate with some modifications 

King County employees are continuing to deliver essential services, but several buildings will close to public walk-in access until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Employees who are not telecommuting or on leave via a prior arrangement are expected to report for work as normal. Healthy first responders and medical personnel should continue to report to work. Supervisors, managers, and leaders will provide additional information to their employees as needed. Read more. 

Remembering the contributions of trailblazing women during Women’s History Month 

During this difficult period, let us pause and remember the contributions by intelligent, passionate women toward helping and healing our world. From NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson and world renowned geneticist Barbara McClintock to computer programmer Grace Hopper and marine biologist Idelisa Bonnelly de
Calventi, women have been responsible for leaps and bounds in science, math, medicine, the arts, and many other fields. 

We take this month to honor their contributions and appreciate the impact women have in our lives. Join us in thanking and showing gratitude to women who have made a difference in your life. 

View the official proclamation for Women’s History Month here. 

Crossposted from Metro Matters 

Every day, thousands of King County Metro transit, rail, and paratransit operators are responsible for delivering passengers to work, school, and appointments, and back home again. They wake before the sun comes up and work through the night. 

During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we honor our public servants who are essential to keeping our community moving. On March 18, 2020, we’re again celebrating International Transit Driver Appreciation Day. Read more. 

Free virtual training for employees: Financial best practices in uncertain times  

When markets go on a wild ride, it’s understandable to feel uneasy and maybe even begin to question your investments and savings plans. Ironically though, one certainty is that market uncertainty is a constant. Market downturns happen frequently and are typically followed by recoveries. Presented by My Secure Advantage (MSA), this training session will cover key considerations and best practices in times of heightened volatility, as well as actionable next steps that you can take now and in the longer term.   

The training will be held Friday, March 20, 2020 at 9 a.m. and noon. Register here.

My Secure Advantage resources, including this training, are free-of-charge for all employees. If you register and cannot attend, a recording of the webinar, along with a copy of the session presentation and handouts, will automatically be sent within 24 hours.   

Self-care tips for telecommuters during the coronavirus response 

Crossposted from Balanced You 

As King County responds to the coronavirus (COVID-19), many employees have been asked to telecommute as a form of “social distancing” to reduce the community risk of coronavirus transmission. Furthermore, the CDC has recently issued guidance that everyone minimize time spent in large groups, and that immune-compromised, chronically ill, and older adults stay home as much as possible. While these strategies have many benefits, the sudden switch can throw off your routine. 

Balanced You wants to support you in rethinking self-care during this time. Up-to-date information on how to protect yourself from the coronavirus can be found here. Tips on how to keep your mind and body well while you respond to the coronavirus professionally and personally can be found here. Frequently asked questions for employees regarding coronavirus can be found here. Read more. 

Input and approve time remotely in PeopleSoft 

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, many King County employees are working remotely. Basic self-service functions in PeopleSoft, such as entering time and manager timesheet approvals, are available outside of the King County firewall and can be done remotely without using the King County VPN. Timesheet entry and manager approval (self-service functions) are available in PeopleSoft using the Login from Home link on the BRC SharePoint intranet site or by typing ess.kingcounty.gov in the address bar of your browser. Read more.

Pet of the Week: Dakota 

Hi! My name is Dakota and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by my previous owner on February 2, 2020. They described me as energetic and outgoing. I'm a really smart guy, everyone here at the shelter keeps calling me a genius and I'm not sure what they are refering to....... I love to train, I am beyond basic commands and would love to train for a job like agility or nose work.

Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.