General Industry
December 5, 2024
Holiday Shopping Online? Remember These Cybersecurity Tips
Online shopping has made it easier than ever to peruse the wares of various businesses and vendors from the comfort of your own home as you search for the perfect gifts this holiday season. However, conducting transactions over the internet always involves inherent risks, as cybercriminals may be lying in wait. As you check friends...
December 3, 2024
Stable Outlook Continues for the U.S. Commercial Lines Market
“Persistently strong” underwriting performance and solid investment returns prompted a continued stable outlook for the U.S. commercial lines sector, according to a market segment report from AM Best. “Our expectation is that the U.S. commercial lines segment will remain profitable in the aggregate and will be resilient in the face of near- and longer-term challenges,”...
November 27, 2024
Supporting Mental Health for a Safer Workplace
Mental illness is a prevalent issue in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 1 in 5 (23.1%) adults live with a mental illness. These conditions can range from mild to severe, with the potential to significantly impact individuals and their ability to thrive in the workplace. Proactive measures...
November 26, 2024
California Employment Laws Effective Jan. 1, 2025
Most new bills in California become effective on Jan. 1 of the following year once approved by the state Legislature and the state governor (though some exceptions are possible for emergency measures and when the bills specifically appoint a different effective date). This Legal Update provides an overview of labor and employment laws California adopted...
November 21, 2024
Working Safely in Cold Weather
Workers exposed to cold conditions are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration and muscle injuries. To prevent injuries and illness while working in winter weather, it’s crucial to understand safety considerations related to cold exposure. Signs of Cold-related Injury and Illness If you or a co-worker have any of the following symptoms, get indoors and...
November 19, 2024
The Role of Coinsurance and Sublimits in Cyber Insurance
Cybercriminals increasingly use sophisticated methods to infiltrate businesses’ computer systems and networks, putting sensitive data and personally identifiable information at risk. With cyberthreats evolving in scope and complexity, businesses of all sizes and industries face potentially devastating financial and reputational damages. To manage these risks, leaders should adopt robust cyber defenses and follow cyber hygiene...
November 15, 2024
Inflation Up in October After Six-month Slowdown
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.6% year over year in October, up from 2.4% in September. Although the month’s reading followed six consecutive months of slowing rates, it met economists’ predictions. The inflation increase won’t likely disrupt the Federal Reserve (Fed) as expectations are for...
November 14, 2024
Employer-reported Nonfatal Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Down 8.4%
Private industry employers reported an 8.4% decrease in nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2023. The decrease was driven by a 56.6% drop in illnesses in...
November 5, 2024
5 Strategies to Engage Employees in Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is a critical time for employees. It’s when employees make important decisions about their health care, retirement and other benefits that will affect them for the rest of the year. However, confusion about benefits is a widespread issue among employees of all generations; in fact, a recent survey by Business Solver found that...
October 31, 2024
Implications of the 2024 Election on Employee Benefits and Health Care
Millions of Americans have submitted ballots for the 2024 presidential election, and voting concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 5. With a new presidential administration set to take over the White House in January, health care-related topics are a high-priority issue for many voters. Election results hold the potential to bring significant changes to employee benefits and...