Balanced You: 2020 Reflections and 2021 Highlights
As we welcome in 2021, we at Balanced You want to take a moment to reflect on the growing importance of well-being in 2020 and share our plans for this coming year.
If there is a silver lining on the last year, it’s the realization at every level of the organization that well-being needs to be a priority for all of us. Over the last year we heard through surveys and listening sessions how your well-being was challenged by social unrest, the pandemic, and the presidential election. We were inspired by those of you who adapted self-care practices to the changing environment, and we were grateful to leaders who openly discussed mental health and well-being, normalizing the impacts we were all feeling. We learned a lot over the last year which we will carry forward into 2021 to support employees.
Read this Balanced You blogpost for reflections on 2020, new programs that were launched, and what our plans are for supporting employee well-being in 2021.
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New survey shows how COVID-19 is impacting basic needs, mental health, and social supports in King County
The coronavirus pandemic has brought dramatic changes to our lives – beyond the illness and death directly caused by the virus. Rising unemployment, increased needs for food assistance, and remote schooling are all economic and social impacts of COVID-19 that go beyond the daily counts of new cases or deaths.
The overall results are concerning. 1 in 4 respondents said that COVID-19 impacted their ability to pay for essentials like rent/mortgage, utilities or groceries. About 1 in 6 of survey respondents said that sometimes, their food didn’t last and they didn’t have money to buy more. This was particularly a challenge for people of color. 1 in 10 people said they needed medications but couldn’t get them because of COVID-19. And 1 in 4 adults shared that they had experienced poor mental health on at least 14 days in the past month. Read more.
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2021 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, January 14
Community members and King County employees are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for the 2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “Creating the Beloved Community” and the accompanying quote is “A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served.” – US Congressman John Lewis
The 2021 Celebration keynote will be delivered by Dr. Ben Danielson, Director of the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic. The event will also include music and a spoken word performance. Read more.
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Metro Deputy General Manager Michelle Allison
Michelle Allison, who has helped shape King County Metro into the regional mobility leader it is today, was named Metro’s Deputy General Manager. Allison served as Interim Deputy General Manager since August and was previously Metro’s Chief of Staff. Terry White, recently confirmed as Metro’s new General Manager, announced the appointment this week.
“I would not have accepted my new position without knowing that Michelle would fill this important role,” said White. “She is a trusted colleague and friend, and I am confident she is the right person to help lead Metro during this challenging time and into the future.”
Allison joined Metro four years ago as its first Chief of Staff. In that role, she strengthened stakeholder partnerships, and grew the agency’s strategic communications and engagement efforts. Read more.
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Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations joins Department of Human Resources
The Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations Section (BPROS) of the Department of Executive Services officially joined the Department of Human Resources (DHR) on Jan. 1, 2021, part of Executive Constantine’s efforts to better serve King County employees from one centralized department.
This transition brings multiple benefits by centralizing the entire hire-to-retire value stream under one single department, avoiding any confusion that multiple business owners can cause. It will also deliver greater synergies by closely aligning BPROS’ work with DHR’s Employee Health and Well-Being team. Read more.
Hope and Joy Campaign: January 6 Coffee Connection
As part of the Hope and Joy Campaign, the Balanced You team is hosting a series of virtual zoom sessions, called “Coffee Connections”, to provide spaces for employees to connect over fun topics and events. The next Coffee Connection’s theme is “New Year’s Resolutions.” It will be held on Wednesday, January 6, from 10-10:30 a.m. Join us then to share your intentions or themes for 2021, or hear others’ plans to get inspired.
Check out other upcoming Coffee Connections on the Balanced You Blog here.
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Employee webinar: The Role of Hope, Joy, and Resilience
Please join us for our upcoming webinar, “The Role of Hope, Joy and Resilience” which will be held on January 13, 2021, from 1-2:00 p.m. This event will provide an opportunity for King County employees to acknowledge that we have gone through a lot in the last year and will show how finding hope and joy during these uncertain times may help us start the new year off right. The panel will be coordinated by Balanced You and our community partner, Mindfulness Northwest. We hope you will join us for this important discussion! Register here
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Easy Steps to Great Grammar - Online
Confused about grammar and punctuation? This fun, three-session class will help you master the latest rules, avoid common errors, and write with confidence. You'll cover apostrophes, verb tense, word usage, subject/verb agreement, commas vs. semicolons, style guides, how to avoid the 10 most common grammar and punctuation mistakes, and more. Class sessions include plenty of examples and exercises to help you practice your new skills. This three-part series starts January 6 and finishes January 20; classes are held each Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Register Here
Leadership and Management Series – Online
Develop your coaching, problem solving, strategic planning, and time management skills with this workshop based series. Take all four classes in the series to enhance your professional toolbox with skills to be used in a variety of workplace situations. Offered through N Seattle College, this course will run 1 - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays from January 13, 2021, through February 3, 2021 and is $275.00 for all four classes. Register Here
Coaching Skills – Online
Become an effective and productive coach! In this workshop, you’ll learn a model of coaching for maximum effectiveness and the impact coaching has on a team. You’ll conclude the class with an action plan for your personal growth and development as a coach. Offered through N Seattle College, this course will be held on January 13, 2021, from 1 to 4 p.m. with a fee of $89.00. Register Here
Featured Job: Transit Mechanic
Salary: $60,819 - $86,881 annually
Location: Multiple locations in King County
Job Type: Multiple - Career Service and/or Temp
Department: MTD – Metro Transit
Division: Vehicle Maintenance
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