New employees have new expectations. Best-Run Government: Employees is Executive Constantine's initiative to modernize King County's human resources using these guiding principles:

• Respect for people
• Continuous improvement
• Diversity and inclusion
• Undo institutional racism and individual bias
• Value for the communities we serve
• Provide fair pay for quality work

Employees are problem-solvers, and supporting them creates opportunities to develop and thrive. We treat others with respect at all times, and embracing diversity at all levels helps people feel included for their unique perspective and ideas.

We are good stewards of public resources and work together to innovate with a focus on results. King County recognizes productivity, encourages learning, and promotes a healthy quality of life for employees and their families.

King County is committed to building equity and opportunity for all employees, while embracing continuous improvement and Lean management tools. Here's what that looks like in action:

• Engage employees
  We must support their development so every employee can reach their full potential.

• Improve recruitment and hiring practices
  Attracting and retaining a talented workforce that represents the diversity of the communities we serve is paramount.

• Enhance business processes
  The systems and technologies we have should support employees from the moment they apply to the day they retire.

• Develop a total compensation package
  King County is beginning negotiations with labor partners on the next total compensation contracts. By Jan. 1, 2017, we will have a package that is sustainable, equitable, and competitive with regional employers. 
  

In the past several years, managers, employees, and labor leaders have collaborated on innovative approaches to reform King County government, including:

• Two-year labor agreement
  Slows the growth of compensation costs and gives parties the chance to discuss all aspects of compensation at the same time.
• Agreement on the implementation of Lean
  Deal reached with the King County Coalition of Labor Unions helps staff eliminate inefficiencies and increases the capacity of employees to deliver quality customer service.
• Joint effort to reduce health care costs 
  Agreement through the Joint Labor Management Insurance Committee with the King County Coalition of Labor Unions supports employees’ health and well-being.

Continued collaboration with labor is critical to making King County one of the best places to work in the nation. We are working closely with union partners on this initiative, so please share your thoughts with your union representatives. 

King County staff understand the needs of residents better than anyone. Employees also know what they value in a career. For Best-Run Government: Employees to succeed, we need employees to provide input and shape our efforts:

• Talk to your union
  Many employees who are represented by unions participating in Total Compensation Coalition Bargaining will be asked to participate in a separate survey about compensation, benefits, and leave. Employees are urged to complete the union survey, which helps focus negotiations for the next total compensation contract covering 2017-2019.

• Send us an email
  Email us any time at BRGemployees@kingcounty.gov.

• Share your story ideas with us
  Our Employee News Blog at kcemployees.com is a great place to showcase your team's success. Please send us your stories and we'll work with you to make it a blog post you can be proud of.