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There's a LOT to know about insurance. So, whether you've got a specific question or just want the 411 on what we do, click around on the articles below.
The Value of Cyber Insurance
As cyberattacks become more frequent and costly, it’s crucial for organizations to maximize their financial protection against related losses by purchasing sufficient insurance. Cyber coverage, also known as cyber liability insurance, can help organizations pay for a range of expenses that may result from cyber incidents—including (but not limited to) data breaches, ransomware attacks and phishing scams.
The 3-2-1-1-0 Data Backup Rule
It is essential to effectively back up data since its loss can have significant financial and reputational consequences. Yet, as technology advances, backup strategies also evolve. For example, the 3-2-1 rule, a long-held data backup standard, has developed into the 3-2-1-1-0 rule that provides businesses with more robust guidance on mitigating the risks associated with data loss.
Helping Employees Feel Heard
Employees who feel disregarded by their organization are more likely to get frustrated, feel burnt out and quit. Forbes listed being unheard by supervisors and feeling “overlooked or ignored” as two of the top ten reasons employees leave their jobs. This can devastate employee retention rates, increasing hiring costs and making it challenging for employers to keep talented workers.
Hurricanes and Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes, resulting in costly repairs and even total property loss. Hurricane season starts May 15 on the west coast and June 1 on the east coast and along the Gulf of Mexico.
Vehicle Theft on the Rise, NHTSA Reports
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that vehicle thefts in the United States are on the rise, with more than 1 million motor vehicles stolen in 2022—a 25% increase from previous years. In partnership with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the NHTSA encourages all vehicle owners to be extra vigilant in their security practices to prevent theft.
Personal Lines Insights | August 2023
Warm weather and sunny days are among the best parts of summer, but it’s often possible to have too much of a good thing. When enjoying the season, it’s important to do so safely and responsibly. After all, extended exposure to high temperatures could be dangerous.
Soaring Child Care Costs Squeezing Working Families
The results of the 10th annual Cost of Care Report show that child care has become unaffordable for most U.S. families. Of 3,000 surveyed parents, 67% are spending 20% of their annual income or more on child care, up from 51% in 2022. This marks the 10th year in a row child care costs have risen.
Insured Adults Struggle to Access Mental Health Care
A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that nearly half (43%) of insured adults who rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” were unable to receive necessary mental health services or medication in the past year. Amid a shortage of mental health professionals, many patients are struggling to find mental health care services. Insurance issues, such as lack of coverage and availability, may exacerbate the problem, KFF found.
Considering the Risks of AI Chatbots in HR
The recent explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, like ChatGPT, has many employers searching for ways to leverage this technology’s ability to create efficiencies, enhance workflows, streamline operations and improve customer experience. In fact, many organizations are already utilizing AI chatbots to aid and augment HR functions. These tools can help HR professionals screen job applications, generate job descriptions, improve onboarding efficiency and enhance employee engagement.
Maui Wildfires Likely to Cause Second-largest Insured Loss in State History
Wildfires burning since Aug. 8 on Hawaii’s Maui Island will likely result in the second-largest insured loss in the state’s history, according to a brief from catastrophe modeling firm Karen Clark & Company (KCC).
Safety Focus | August 2023
When an emergency arises on the job, evacuating the workplace can be challenging. However, preparing in advance to safely exit the area can help ensure a smooth and successful evacuation. Consider the following emergency evacuation best practices.
Utilizing HR Data to Improve Workplace Culture
Various factors can influence company culture, and new norms can be introduced to employees anytime. As technology advances and becomes more common in today’s workplaces, organizations can specifically leverage HR data to optimize the overall employee experience and foster a strong company culture. With accurate data, HR professionals better understand who employees are and what they need and value. In turn, this can help organizations develop and foster a positive and authentic workplace culture.
How Cybercriminals Are Weaponizing Artificial Intelligence
The past few years have seen artificial intelligence (AI) surge in popularity among both businesses and individuals. Such technology encompasses machines, computer systems and other devices that can simulate human intelligence processes. In other words, this technology can perform a variety of cognitive functions typically associated with the human mind, such as observing, learning, reasoning, interacting with its surroundings, problem-solving and engaging in creative activities.
Sunscreen Tips for Summer
Sunlight can enhance your body’s vitamin D production, boost your mood, regulate your immune system and lower blood pressure, among other benefits. But prolonged exposure to sunlight can be harmful, causing painful sunburns and increasing your risk of skin cancer. Such risks are greatest in summer when the sun is higher in the sky and ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are at their peak.
Live Well Newsletter | August 2023
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This campaign serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations to prevent serious diseases. Immunizations are often associated with children, but adults may also be at risk for diseases. Without vaccinations, you or your loved ones are at a greater risk of catching a vaccine-preventable disease.
Navigating the Overlap Between the ADA and the FMLA
When an employee becomes sick, has a disability or must take leave to support their family, they may be entitled to legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or both, in some situations. However, determining which laws apply to an employee’s circumstances can often be complicated, and missteps can be costly for employers.
Overview of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022, became effective on June 27, 2023. Under this law, employers with at least 15 employees must provide reasonable accommodations to workers with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.”
Staying Healthy and Safe During Wildfires
In many parts of the United States, the risk of wildfires begins early spring and continues into the fall. Being prepared for fire activity is crucial if you live in a wildfire-prone area. Wildfires can be a serious threat to lives and property—and smoke pollution can affect your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wildfire smoke mostly consists of fine inhalable particles known as PM2.5, which is of greatest concern to public health.
Live Well, Work Well | August 2023
Self-discipline is an important skill that can enable you to reach personal and professional goals. Developing self-discipline is like strengthening muscles; it can be improved with practice. This skill can help make difficult tasks seem more manageable as you achieve your goals.
Finding Fun Ways To Stay Active in the Summer
Summer offers boundless opportunities to spend time outdoors and try new activities. No matter your age, being active can improve your physical and mental well-being, and research shows that combining exercise with outdoor time may yield greater benefits, such as improved cognitive function. This article highlights fun ways to stay active and increase your time outdoors this summer.