Healthcare
July 20, 2022
New Mental Health Crisis Dialing Code Launched July 16
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline) launched nationwide on July 16. Similar to dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 and be connected immediately to trained counselors who will listen, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary. The three-digit dialing code is...
July 12, 2022
The Hybrid Workplace is Here to Stay
One of the largest changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic to the workplace was the popularization of remote work. Industries that previously operated solely from offices realized almost overnight that they could operate without everyone under a single roof. With the pandemic on the wane and restrictions being eased, many workers have expressed interest...
July 8, 2022
How to Stay Cool in the Summer Heat
All heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Yet, an average of 658 people die each year as a result of exposure to extreme heat. The summer before last, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) did an in-depth study on heat exposure. It revealed that more than one-quarter of the U.S. population suffered from symptoms such as nausea,...
June 29, 2022
Is Your Health Plan Damaging Your Workers’ Financial Health & Undermining Your Wellness Efforts?
Other than wages, an employer’s largest human capital expense is typically its healthcare plan. As the costs of healthcare continue to rise, employers consistently look to and implement a number of different plan design and cost shifting options, including High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). At the same time, and in part responsive to the rising...
June 14, 2022
How to Avoid Heat Illness
When it is hot outside, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Normally, your body cools itself through sweating. However, in hot and humid weather, sweating is not enough and the result can be a heat illness. Staying Cool Follow the suggestions below to stay cool when working in hot weather: Wear loose, light-colored...
May 18, 2022
Why Are US Commercial Insurance Rates Continuing to Climb?
A new report from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has looked into the impact of inflationary pressures on commercial lines insurance in the US and identified three main drivers of commercial insurance rate increases. “Insurers and agents continue to look for ways to reduce costs while still meeting all obligations to policyholders, but as claims...
May 6, 2022
Mental Health Awareness Month
Your mental health plays a large role in your overall well-being. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many Americans have reported a decline in their mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 45% of U.S. adults have reported distress during these times. What is mental health?Your mental well-being includes how you think,...
April 28, 2022
A Diverse Workforce Needs Diverse Employee Benefits
Employee benefits play a key role in helping organizations attract and retain employees. But not all benefits are valued equally by all employees. As the U.S. workforce becomes more diverse in terms of racial and ethnic background, native language, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, health, work location and more, employers need to respond by offering a...
April 21, 2022
CDC No Longer Enforcing Mask Mandate on Air Travel and Public Transit
On Monday, April 18, 2022, a federal judge invalidated the national mask-wearing requirement for public transit, airplanes and transportation hubs. In their decision, the federal judge for the Middle District of Florida said the CDC exceeded its authority to enforce mask-wearing. Initially, the mask-wearing requirement had been extended by the Centers for Disease Control and...
March 7, 2022
DC Loosens Mask-wearing Guidance for Most of U.S. Population
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updates to its mask-wearing recommendations, loosening guidance for a majority of the U.S. population. The CDC provides COVID-19 Community Levels as a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. These levels can be low, medium or high,...