Business
August 28, 2024
Generative AI Benefits and Risks
As generative artificial intelligence (AI) advances, corporate boards are increasingly leveraging its capabilities to improve several aspects of their organizations. However, these boards must understand how to use this tool properly in order to use it effectively in their operations. They must also carefully analyze and weigh the risks it presents; otherwise, they may be...
August 27, 2024
The Risks of Severe Convective Storms
Severe convective storms can cause injuries, infrastructure damage and significant financial losses for businesses and their commercial properties. Often accompanied by hail, flooding, strong winds, lightning and abrupt temperature shifts, they are among the costliest types of natural disasters, according to industry research. To reduce potential losses and improve safety, employers should understand the risks...
August 22, 2024
Recent and Upcoming U.S. Supreme Court Cases Employers Should Monitor
In its 2023-24 term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued several consequential decisions that will likely have a significant impact on employers. These cases involved federal agency power, discrimination until Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII), whistleblower retaliation and arbitration. The Supreme Court’s next term, which starts Oct. 7, 2024, will also decide...
August 7, 2024
How to Address Employee Burnout
Employee burnout is escalating globally, with a significant number of workers experiencing severe physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. The 2024 Global Talent Trends report reveals that approximately 82% of employees are at risk of burnout, primarily due to financial pressures and excessive workloads. Burnout occurs when long-term stress overwhelms employees’ ability to cope, leading to...
August 6, 2024
Factors to Consider When Estimating Maximum Loss of Business Income
Business interruption insurance can offer much-needed financial protection when an organization’s usual business activities are disrupted by covered perils (e.g., fires, theft, vandalism, heavy wind and hailstorms). Sometimes called business income insurance, this form of coverage can be purchased as a supplement to commercial property insurance or secured through a business owner’s policy—a bundled insurance...
July 30, 2024
Report: Employers Plan to Raise Wages 3.9% in 2025
The latest Salary Budget Planning Report released by Willis Towers Watson (WTW) shows that salary budget increases are expected to rise by 3.9% in 2025. The overall median pay raise for 2024 dropped to 4.1%, compared with 4.5% in 2023. Although these expected wage increases have diminished since 2023, this figure remains high compared to...
July 25, 2024
CAL/OSHA Indoor Heat Requirements Update
On June 20, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 3396, “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment”. This standard applies to most workplaces where the indoor temperature reaches 82°F. It establishes required safety measures for indoor workplaces to prevent worker exposure to risk of heat...
July 22, 2024
California Enacts New Workers’ Compensation Poster Requirements
On July 15, 2024, California enacted Assembly Bill 1870, requiring employers to notify injured workers that they can consult with a licensed attorney regarding their rights under workers’ compensation laws. This law becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2025. Overview of the New Posting Requirements California’s workers’ compensation laws generally require covered employers to post a notice...
July 17, 2024
The Value of Professional Liability Insurance
Although most service professionals prioritize taking good care of their clients and providing them with the best possible guidance, mistakes can still happen. When these errors occur, clients could face considerable harm, prompting them to hold service professionals accountable for their wrongdoings and leading to costly lawsuits. Fortunately, that’s where professional liability insurance can help....
July 16, 2024
Inflation Cooled Further in June
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 3% year over year in June, declining from 3.3% in May. This is the first time since May 2020 that the monthly rate has shown a decrease. The “core” CPI, which strips out the unpredictable food and energy components, increased 0.1%...