Working from home

Resources to help employees stay connected and engaged

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some employees have had to adjust to telecommuting or remote work. With this emergency situation, King County is aware of the change and that employees are adapting to added stress, juggling family obligations, and learning new technologies and ways of working.

This website is designed to help employees get started with telecommuting, stay engaged and productive, and to gain new knowledge or skills if their schedule allows.

Get started

Prepare with the appropriate paperwork and training, and get necessary supervisor approval

Learn the tools

Ensure you have the right items needed, and understand how to utilize VPN AnyConnect

Receive support

Find answers to frequently asked questions and get technical support if needed

Access and explore

Review the items below to accomplish work duties and invest in professional skills.

Create a safe workspace at home

Review these tips for good ergonomic practices when working from home by King County Safety and Claims.
Review these Best Practices for working from home.

Set routines and boundaries around work and home life

Watch this short video from the Harvard Business Review to set yourself up for success.
Listen to a pro talk about working from home during the coronavirus pandemic in this video by CBS.
Read more about successful telecommuting, in this article from Science Focus Magazine.

Implement best practices for virtual meetings and communication

Consider these King County tips on Virtual Meeting Best Practices (SharePoint).
View these resources from The Center for Creative Leadership on how to manage virtual teams and meetings.

Learn more about using the tools available

Prepare for teleworking by familiarizing yourself with the KCIT Telework Resources website (SharePoint).
Check out these Zoom Training Resources.
Review this Guide for Microsoft Teams.

For technical support, contact the KCIT HelpDesk at 206-263-4357, or submit a HelpDesk ticket.

During this time it is especially important to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional health

Learn about wellness programs offered by Balanced You, your King County employee wellness program.
Seek Making Life Easier: free counseling and referrals for employees facing personal issues.
Consider the Employee Assistance Program: free counseling to help employees navigate workplace stress.
Access your comprehensive healthcare benefits, including options like telehealth.
Read this Balanced You blog post about telecommuting with children at home.
Take a course on the Science of Well-Being, by Yale University, through Coursera, a free online learning platform.

Explore resources specific to the COVID-19 experience

Review this Balanced You blog post, Self-care tips for telecommuters during the COVID-19 pandemic
Watch the Mental Health America video, Older Adults & Isolation During COVID-19
Enroll in the University of Toronto course, Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19
Consider these resources if you provide support during a crisis: World Health Organization's Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers, as well as Psychological First Aid, a learning course available through Coursera.
View this webinar by USA Mental Health First Aid, Employee Support Under Stressful Conditions . Use password t5.mo.#7. Accompanying materials include Resources During COVID-19 and the April 14, 2020 handout.

Learn how to apply our King County Values and Equity and Social Justice behaviors to virtual work environments

One of King County’s values is we are racially just. Learn how you can support this work here in UpFront (SharePoint).
King County Affinity Groups help employees to connect. Get started by reaching out to a group lead.
Learn how to combat discrimination during COVID-19, with the anti-stigma toolkit developed by Public Health.

Consider these courses and articles as well

View this COVID-19 ESJ Resources list developed by the organization Racial Equity Tools.
Listen to renowned speakers share about diversity and inclusion via these TED Talks.

King County learning resources

Check out the Learning and Development training website and King County eLearning, with free access to thousands of resources, such as these useful courses:

Complete available trainings to refresh your knowledge of King County policies and practices:

Records Management training and resources

External learning resources

Review courses offered through an online learning platform. Please check with your supervisor if course fees are required.

Acumen Academy
edX
Udemy
Coursera
Lynda - Accessed using a King County Library or Seattle Public Library account.

Please coordinate participation in online trainings during work hours with your supervisor. Learning can be done outside of regular work hours, though you will not be compensated for the time.