Business
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...
July 30, 2026
4 Midyear HR Trends to Monitor
As 2026 moves into its second half, HR leaders are navigating a workforce that is being reshaped on several fronts at once. Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing hiring patterns, gig work is becoming a mainstream labor arrangement, burnout is reaching a measurable tipping point and employee confidence in the labor market remains historically weak. This...
July 29, 2026
What to do in the First 24 Hours After a Commercial Property Loss
A fire, severe storm, burst pipe or other property loss can disrupt business operations in an instant. While the damage itself may be unavoidable, the actions taken during the first 24 hours can significantly influence the claims process and the speed of recovery. By responding promptly and documenting the situation carefully, businesses can help protect...
July 21, 2026
Understanding Commercial Insurance Sublimits
Most business owners know their policy’s overall limit, the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered loss. Fewer understand that many of those same policies contain sublimits, smaller caps buried inside the broader coverage that apply to specific types of losses. A business can carry a $2 million property policy and still discover,...
July 14, 2026
How to Drive Employee Participation
Many employees do not realize how much their employer contributes to their benefits package. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, benefits account for 30.1% of total compensation in the private industry, yet low participation remains a widespread challenge for employers. Without meeting carrier participation thresholds, employers risk losing access to group coverage altogether,...
July 9, 2026
Best Practices for Implementing a Risk Assessment Program
Numerous business challenges can hinder operational resilience and cause losses, including cybersecurity threats, supply chain disruptions, evolving regulatory requirements and changing workforce dynamics. Fortunately, a comprehensive risk assessment program can help organizations identify risks, plan mitigation responses and reduce exposure. However, to be effective, the program must be supported by several key elements, including standardized...
July 2, 2026
General Liability Insurance 2026 Midyear Market Outlook
At year-end 2025, the 2026 price prediction for general liability stood at +1% to +6%. Pricing data through the first half of 2026 suggests rates are tracking toward the upper end of that range, with industry sources indicating renewal rate changes in the 5% to 8% range for many accounts. However, certain sectors, such as...
