business
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...
October 22, 2024
How to Mitigate Supply Chain Risks
Consumers have come to expect ample choice, instant shipping and ultrafast delivery, making a smooth supply chain critical. However, the fragile nature of supply chains can lead to sudden bottlenecks, delaying production or shipments and impacting an organization’s ability to meet customer demand. These delays can disrupt cash flow and damage customer loyalty as expectations...
October 17, 2024
Best Practices for Safety Committees
A safety committee is crucial for creating and maintaining a safe workplace culture. These committees bring together employees, management and safety professionals to proactively address workplace hazards. There are several organizational benefits to implementing a safety committee. They can provide a safer work environment, increase employee morale, lower workers’ compensation premiums by improving incident rates...
October 15, 2024
OSHA Announces Top 10 Violations for 2024
OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2024 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to plan their compliance programs. For 2024, the top 10...
September 24, 2024
Preventing Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination, or ageism, in the workplace involves treating an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits age discrimination against those aged 40 or older in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training and benefits. Some states also have laws...
September 18, 2024
Motivating Employees to Spend More Time With Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is a critical period for both employees and employers. It’s the time when employees can make important decisions about their benefits, which can significantly impact their health, financial well-being and overall job satisfaction. However, many employees rush through this process, missing out on opportunities to optimize their benefits. In fact, a Voya Financial...
September 10, 2024
Pay-or-Play Affordability Percentage Will Increase for 2025
On Sept. 6, 2024, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2024-35 to index the contribution percentage in 2025 for determining the affordability of an employer’s plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2025, employer-sponsored coverage will be considered affordable under the ACA’s “pay-or-play” rules if the employee’s required contribution for self-only...
September 4, 2024
Preparing for the 2024 Election
Federal, state and local elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5, this year. Employers should be aware of the number of ways elections impact the workplace. For instance, some employers are subject to voting leave requirements, and elections can lead to employee behavior challenges. As voting approaches, savvy employers can prepare by taking steps to...
August 29, 2024
Stopping Jobsite Theft
Construction businesses are at a heightened risk of jobsite theft, as expensive tools and machinery are attractive targets for criminals. Theft of construction materials can substantially disrupt a project, leading to delays and significant financial losses; therefore, it is essential for companies to understand how to prevent these incidents. Although every jobsite has its own...
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...