Blog
August 31, 2026
2027 Open Enrollment Trends to Monitor
Open enrollment season is arriving with a different feel this year. Costs are climbing faster than they have in over a decade, employees are asking for benefits that reflect the realities of their lives rather than a one-size-fits-all package, and new technology is changing how people choose their coverage. For employers, that means open enrollment...
August 27, 2026
Preventing Employee Slips, Trips and Falls
Fall weather can create new workplace hazards as rain, mud and fallen leaves make walking surfaces slippery. Shorter daylight hours can also reduce visibility around entrances, sidewalks and parking areas. Without proper precautions, these changing conditions can contribute to employee injuries, workers’ compensation claims and operational disruptions. Common Seasonal Hazards Slip, trip and fall hazards...
August 25, 2026
How to Reduce the Cost of Alternative Care
If you’ve considered acupuncture, specialized chiropractic care, functional medicine or integrative mental health counseling, you may have found that insurance coverage does not always work the same way it does for traditional medical care. Even when a provider does not accept insurance, you may still have options to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Alternative and...
August 19, 2026
Addressing 4 Common Sources of Commercial Property Insurance Claims
Commercial property insurance claims can arise from numerous unexpected events. An electrical fire may destroy critical equipment; a severe storm may hit without warning, damaging a building’s exterior and allowing water to enter the property; or an act of vandalism may damage fixtures, resulting in significant repair expenses. These and other incidents can cause substantial...
August 18, 2026
Upskilling Employees on AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is continuing to reshape how work gets done, but for small businesses, keeping pace can feel daunting. Without large training budgets or dedicated learning and development teams, many small employers assume AI upskilling is out of reach, which isn’t necessarily the case. With a focused approach, small businesses can close the AI...
August 13, 2026
Addressing Silent Burnout in the Workplace
Burnout is the state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion from prolonged stress. According to Spring Health’s 2026 Workplace Mental Health Annual Report, 74% of employees have experienced burnout, while 61% of HR professionals say employee burnout has increased in the past year. Traditional burnout is generally easy to spot with missed deadlines, behavioral issues,...
August 12, 2026
CMR Risk & Insurance Services Named to the Inc. 5000 List for the Fifth Time
CMR Risk & Insurance Services is proud to announce that we have once again been named to the Inc. 5000, the annual list recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies. This marks the fifth time CMR has earned a place on this prestigious list, reflecting our continued growth, the trust of our clients, and the dedication of...
August 10, 2026
8 Tips for Effective 2027 Open Enrollment Communication
Now more than ever, employees are looking to their employers for guidance on navigating their available benefits and how to stretch their dollars further. Many of today’s workers want help understanding how much money to put aside for retirement, emergency savings and health care expenses. That means employers have an opportunity to shine by effectively...
August 5, 2026
California’s Minimum Wage Rate to Increase on Jan. 1, 2027
On July 31, 2026, the California Department of Finance (the Department) announced that the state’s hourly minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour on Jan. 1, 2027. The new rate will apply to all employers, regardless of how many individuals they employ. California’s Minimum Wage Rate California’s minimum wage rate is adjusted annually to...
August 3, 2026
Lightning Safety For Outdoor Workers
When lightning is present, it poses a significant risk to individuals working outdoors, particularly those in open spaces, near equipment or on tall structures. The risk of lightning strikes is often underestimated by workers, even though 300 people are injured by lightning strikes in the United States every year. Follow these tips to avoid severe...