Special employee programs
A paycheck is just part of a total compensation package. In addition to pay and benefits, the state offers the following special programs for employees:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tentative agreements that would, if funded, cover July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.
Employees may seek confidential, professional help with personal or work-related problems through the EAP. There is no charge for assessment or assistance. EAP services are available statewide.
Training and development
Enterprise Services offers a variety of training opportunities to all public sector employees. Employees should contact their department's HR office for further information on training.
Leadership development
Enterprise Services offers courses developed especially for current and future leaders and managers. If an employee is interested in taking a leadership course, he or she would need to contact their department’s HR office.
Tuition assistance
OFM created a form that agencies can use for tuition assistance requests. Agencies must develop their own tuition assistance policy. Contact your HR office to learn more about your agency's policy.
Recognition and service awards
Public Service Recognition Awards are given to public service professionals during the first week of May. They serve to: pay tribute to public service professionals; encourage excellence and esprit de corps in government; promote interest in public service careers, and inform citizens about the services public employees provide.
Washington Wellness
Washington Wellness is a statewide wellness initiative to improve the health of Washington State employees, retirees, and their family members. Wellness coordinators have been designated by state agencies and higher education institutions to implement wellness activities in their own organizations.
Commute trip reduction
Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) programs may offer information, promotional prizes, incentives, subsidies, preferential parking, and/or other rewards to state employees for using alternate commute modes to get to work. These benefits support employee and agency efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, offer a unique benefit to prospective employees, and encourage employee wellness through walking and biking commute alternatives.
