On Oct. 31, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding a partnership to strengthen worker safety protections. The partnership is designed to enhance protections for workers who speak out about health and safety conditions in the workplace or engage in a...
There’s widespread interest in large claim trends for compelling reasons — they can be devastating for the injured worker and can have significant implications for carrier operations. Workplace injuries that result in large claims — e.g., exceeding $1 million in claim costs — form a small share of all lost-time claims, less than 0.5%. But they...
As the U.S. confronts escalating natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes and floods, the scope of employer responsibility extends beyond the confines of office walls. Regardless of where you live, people everywhere are vulnerable to experiencing the stress and anguish brought about by these disasters. As a result, employers must act as pillars of support for...
Mental health is not just a public health issue. It is also a workplace issue. Employers who cultivate a company culture that proactively supports mental wellness can gain a competitive edge in their ability to attract and retain talent. “An employer’s support of mental health in the workplace can be a differentiator in today’s challenging...
Power surges, which are sudden spikes in electrical voltage, can wreak havoc on business equipment and systems. While they may seem like minor inconveniences, power surges can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line. This article explores the dangers of power surges, effective strategies to shield businesses from their effects and the crucial...
With all the attention on return to office policies, employers should reassure workers that they can stay home if need be, especially as cold and flu season approaches. Despite an increase in attention to wellness, the majority of employees are still struggling with the notion of taking time off for an illness, according to a...
In life, we need to expect the unexpected. One could argue that this is an apt description for voluntary benefits, which were long viewed by brokers and employers as a labor-intensive afterthought. Individually underwritten policies like accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity theft, pet protection and numerous other coverages offered through payroll deduction weren’t seen as strategic...
Work environments can significantly impact the mental health of employees. In fact, research by the American Psychological Association found that 2 in 5 employees report that work negatively affects their mental health. Workers’ poor mental health can, in turn, negatively impact employee communication, performance, morale and productivity. According to a recent report by Mental Health...
The abundance of job openings, combined with a scarcity of available workers, has created a serious talent crunch that continues to raise the bar on retention. It also has sparked lively discussions between employers and their advisers about pursuing innovative strategies to win the talent war. The U.S. is in the midst of a historically tight...
For the past 12 to 18 months, office building owners have been energetically implementing new tactics to attract tenants back to their buildings as the pandemic becomes less impactful. One growing trend among owners is hiring outside vendors to provide added-value building amenities for tenants, such as conference room services, fitness centers with nutritionists, and...