Black Lives Matter silent march and general strike Friday, June 12 

Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County (BLMSKC) has called for a statewide silent march and general strike across Washington on Friday, June 12. 

King County remains steadfast in our fight against racism, hatred, and violence, and in our commitment to our “We are racially just” value. We respect, value, and support people peacefully expressing their views and exercising their First Amendment rights.  

Employees who are scheduled to work and wish to attend any of the strike events on June 12 must follow their department’s appropriate leave policies. For more information on your department’s leave policies, please refer to your Human Resources Manager. You can find more details about Friday’s strike and events here. Read more.

Health officials stress continued vigilance as limited reopening begins 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider 

As King County continues its first week of limited reopening of some businesses and recreational activities, Public Health – Seattle & King County reminds the public to continue following physical distancing and infection control practices to help prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases. Also, expanded data available on the COVID-19 dashboard. 

Story   

After nearly three months of stay-at-home orders and other guidelines targeted at slowing the spread of COVID-19, the gradual reopening of businesses, recreational opportunities and social activities is underway across King County.  And, while some restrictions have been eased, it’s important that we approach reopening gradually and continue practicing infection control practices to help prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases. 

Public Health – Seattle & King County encourages everyone to follow these tips to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read more. 

Emotional well-being resources for Black communities 

Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed continued harm to Black bodies and minds, harm that has been perpetuated for generations via institutions, policies, and laws in every community throughout the United States. The combined impact of police violence, a pandemic disproportionately affecting People of Color, and centuries of systemic racism places undue stress on Black communities. 

This stress continues to impact each individual Black person’s emotional well-being uniquely, based on their identity, support systems, and other contexts. Balanced You stands with Black Lives Matter and recognizes the resiliency and strength that lies within the Black community. Balanced You also recognizes that, because you and your community are sacred, caring for your well-being is an act of resistance. 

In the event that you are seeking additional support, Balanced You has partnered with the King County Black/African Affinity Group and equity partners from across the County to develop the list of emotional well-being resources below, including local spaces for community, connection, and healing; self-care and collective-care tips and resources; and traditional mental health resources. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information. 

PeopleSoft HCM outage this weekend, June 12-14 

To allow for KCIT infrastructure maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available this weekend, June 12 through June 14. 

During this planned outage, KCIT will upgrade infrastructure including server maintenance that impacts the PeopleSoft system. As a precautionary measure, the PeopleSoft system will be taken offline and not available during this time. 

This work will begin on Friday, June 12 at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 6:30 a.m. on Monday, June 15. 

The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window. There will be a communication sent out to all County staff when the system becomes available. 

We realize that this outage impacts all PeopleSoft users and we appreciate your understanding and support. 

Use new W-4 to change your tax withholding 

Form W-4 is used to let your employer know how much federal income tax to withhold from your pay. The IRS recommends completing a new Form W-4 when your personal or financial situation changes. This year, the IRS redesigned Form W-4 to reduce complexity and improve accuracy. Go to the IRS website for information about Tax Withholding, FAQs on the 2020 Form W-4, and a Tax Withholding Estimator. 

If you would like to adjust the amount withheld from your King County paycheck for tax purposes, please use PeopleSoft to update your W-4: 

• Sign in to PeopleSoft 
• Select the Payroll tile 
• Select W-4 Tax Information 
• Enter your choices and make note of your selections 
• Review and Submit 

For additional instructions, check out the W-4 Withholding Certificate video or the Updating Your W-4 training document, both available in the PeopleSoft Knowledge Center. Read more.  

Bloodworks NW now offering Pop-Up Donor Center June 15 through July 29 

The essential measures Bloodworks NW has taken for social distancing has taken away the usual setting for mobile blood drives that account for 60% of collections. With hospitals preparing to re-start surgeries, organ transplants and cancer treatments that were suspended in March, donors are needed now, and in the coming months. To help keep the blood supply stable during this unprecedented time, Bloodworks NW has partnered with the iconic STG Paramount Theatre to host a Pop-Up Donor Center, beginning June 15 through July 29. 

With King County on-site blood donations temporarily on hold, this is a great opportunity to give blood. All donations at this Pop-Up Donor Center and other Donor Centers are by appointment only to provide the safest donation environment and adhere to all social distancing guidelines. Additionally, no walk-ins, guests, or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. The one-hour donation appointment is a safe and essential action to support local hospitals. 

Make an appointment at the Pop Up Donor Center at The Paramount Theatre by clicking here. The Theatre is located at  911 Pine Street,  Seattle, WA 98101. Parking for donors is available on Ninth Avenue between Pine Street and Pike Street. For other donation opportunities visit BloodworksNW.org or call 800-398-7888. 

Reminder: Supporting our Kids through the Pandemic with Connection and Collective Care, June 10 

During the recent Balanced You webinar “A Conversation on Self-care and Connection,” we heard from employees that one of your top concerns is how the pandemic is impacting your kids. Because you asked for help supporting your kids through this, we reached out to one of the area’s top parent coaches, Sarina Behar Natkin, to coordinate a webinar and Q&A session for King County employees.  

The webinar will be held Wednesday, June 10 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Register here. 

The session will be recorded and posted for those who cannot attend the live event. Attendees will learn how to support their children and take care of themselves to build resilience and increase connection in the home. Following the presentation, attendees will also be able to get their top parenting questions answered. For questions or more information, contact BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov. Read more.  

Facilitating Effective Meetings online webinar, June 10 and 11