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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...