February is Earthquake Awareness Month. It is a good time to make sure your property is protected against the impact of earthquakes. Even though earthquakes are seen as more common on the West Coast, earthquakes have occurred in 39 states. Consider implementing the following safety measures to protect your property from the impacts of an...
The manufacturing industry plays a critical role in driving economic growth, producing a diverse range of goods essential to global markets. In recent years, this sector has seen significant expansion fueled by increasing production demands and legislative initiatives offering funding and tax incentives. In fact, professional services firm Deloitte reported that construction spending in manufacturing—funds...
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.9% year over year in December 2024, up from 2.7% in November. This figure matched economist expectations and was likely impacted by seasonal factors, including gas, food and vehicle prices. The “core” CPI, which strips out the unpredictable food and energy...
Theft and vandalism pose significant risks to small businesses across all industries. These incidents can lead to financial losses, property damage and operational disruptions. Given these potential consequences, business leaders must take steps to safeguard their organizations. Theft and vandalism can affect a small business’s finances and operations, so business leaders should take steps to...
Employers will likely continue to struggle to attract and retain talented employees this year. In fact, an EY report found that 38% of employees are likely to leave their jobs in 2025. Despite looming employee turnover in 2025, employee quits consistently decreased throughout 2024. This means workers stayed in their current jobs, potentially due to...
Former President Donald Trump has won a second presidential term. Employers can expect a number of changes to employee benefits under the Trump administration. Although the specific policy objectives that are enacted remain to be seen, employers may look to the campaign policies that President-elect Trump ran as well as the initiatives that Trump took...
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...