- OSHA Extends Outdoor and Indoor Heat-related Hazards National Emphasis Program - OSHA issued a notice in January that it would extend the effective date of its Outdoor and Indoor Heat-related Hazards National Emphasis...

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The Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Management - The scale of risks facing organizations is multiplying. Challenges such as political instability, economic volatility, evolving regulations and cybersecurity...

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Recognizing Good and Bad Stress - Stress is often perceived as a negative force that impacts our overall well-being. However, not all stress is detrimental. Stress is common and healthy; it’s your body’s way of...

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June Is National Safety Month - June is National Safety Month. This campaign, put together by the National Safety Council (NSC), highlights efforts to prevent injuries and deaths inside and outside the workplace. It...

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New Executive Order Aims to Reduce Drug Costs by Aligning with Global Prices - On May 12, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) that aims to bring the prices Americans pay for prescription drugs in...

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Form 5500 Deadline Is July 31 - Each year, employers that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) must electronically file an annual report (Form 5500) for each employee benefit plan...

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Health Plan Deductibles and OOPMs – Key Concepts for Employers - Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums (OOPMs) are important cost-sharing parameters for health plans. A deductible is the amount an individual must pay...

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DOL Issues Guidance on Independent Contractor Misclassification Enforcement - On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) 2025-1 on how to determine employee or independent...

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- The Dangers of Doomscrolling - During times of uncertainty or stress, you might find yourself scrolling through your phone, unable to stop consuming negative news and social media content. Although this habit, known...

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Ensuring Highway Safety for Roadside Workers - Employees across multiple industries have job roles that may require them to work alongside the highway, including law enforcement officers, first responders, firefighters,...

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Understanding Roof Coverage Terms in Your Home Insurance - Your home’s roof is among its most critical structural components, protecting your family, belongings and the rest of your residence from many possible perils...

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EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination - On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued joint guidance on illegal and...

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News Brief: Report Finds 1 in 4 Workers Unaware of the Mental Health Benefits - A survey conducted in January 2025 by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 1 in 4 workers is unaware whether their...

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Selecting the FMLA Leave year - Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), covered employers must allow eligible employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave per each 12-month period for...

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Mental Health Care Benefits Strategies - In today’s work environment, employees are increasingly grappling with common mental health challenges such as burnout, stress and anxiety, as well as other diagnosable mental...

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Psychiatry Basics and Health Plan Coverage - A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health, including substance use disorders. They are trained to diagnose, treat and help prevent a wide range of...

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USCIS Updates Form I-9 and E-Verify - On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)...

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Engaging Generation Z in the Workplace - Generation Z (Gen Z) accounts for a growing percentage of the global workforce. In the second quarter of 2024, this group comprised 18% of the U.S. labor force, and this rate...

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Stress Vs. Anxiety - Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. While both are emotional responses, stress is typically caused by an external trigger. Stress is the body’s reaction to a...

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Mitigating VPN Vulnerabilities - A virtual private network (VPN) is a type of technology that uses an encrypted connection to route internet traffic through a remote server, granting a user access to certain digital...

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Boosting your Mental Health Daily - Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May to help break the stigma and support people living with mental health conditions. Mental illness refers to a range of diagnosed...

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It’s OK Not to Be OK - Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every May, serves as a crucial reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. This national health observance is meant to raise...

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Voluntary Benefits ERISA Compliance Exemption - Voluntary benefits are optional benefits that employers may offer to enhance their traditional benefits packages. Offering voluntary benefits allows an employer to include...

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New Executive Order Seeks to Lower Drug Prices and Improve PBM Transparency - On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) that directs his administration to take a wide range of actions to...

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The Most Common Summary Plan Description Misconceptions - One of the most important documents participants must automatically receive when becoming covered under a health benefit plan that is subject to the federal...

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How Tariffs May Impact Home and Auto Insurance - On April 3, 2025, President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports into the United States. These costs would include an increased tariff on foreign automobiles and...

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National Safety Stand-down to Prevent Falls in Construction Starts May 5 - OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with hosting a safety stand-down to prevent falls in construction. This stand-down is scheduled for...

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The Impact of Tariffs on the Commercial Insurance Market - Tariffs refer to taxes on goods traded internationally. When imported goods reach a country’s border, its government collects tariffs, also called customs...

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Contractual Risk Transfer for Landlords - Risk management is an essential aspect of property leasing, and one method that landlords can utilize to reduce potential losses is contractual risk transfer. This legally...

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Compliance Considerations for Unlimited PTO Policies - With employee leave laws continuing to expand in patchwork fashion across the country, employers may consider implementing an unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy...

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Supreme Court Ruling May Lead to More Fiduciary Lawsuits under ERISA - On April 17, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a group of employees may challenge their employer’s fee arrangement with a retirement plan...

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Allergy Proof your Spring - You may notice that you sneeze and cough more during certain times of the year. In this case, you may have seasonal allergies, which are allergy symptoms that occur during specific times of...

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Employers Should Start Preparing for 2025 RxDC Reporting - Group health plans and health insurance issuers must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the Centers for...

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Coping With Stress - April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the commonality of stress and empowering individuals to manage it effectively. Stress is the body’s natural response to an external...

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10 Strategies to Address Distracted Driving - Distracted driving is a safety risk that can lead to vehicle accidents, injuries and even fatalities. Employers have a responsibility to encourage safe driving habits among...

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Preventing Slips and Trips During Springtime - While spring is often associated with fresh blooms and warmer temperatures, it may also bring rain showers. This type of weather can create wet and slippery conditions,...

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Protecting Employees' Medical Information in the Workplace - Employers obtain employees’ medical information for various reasons, such as verifying a reasonable accommodation request, certifying leave or confirming...

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Preventing Distracted Driving with Technology - Distracted driving can be a significant risk for companies that operate vehicles, whether for deliveries, sales visits or transportation services. Even a momentary lapse...

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Creating and Effective Distracted Driving Policy - Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents, posing significant risks to both individuals and businesses. An average of nine people are killed...

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Employee Assistance Programs - Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are work-based intervention programs that connect employees with resources to identify and address personal problems. EAPs typically include a variety...

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Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Health Care Industry - Health care providers have been increasingly utilizing technology and turning to digitization. Innovations such as telehealth, artificial intelligence (...

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Spring Storm Safety Tips for Businesses - Spring can bring about some of the year’s most dangerous weather and wreak havoc on many aspects of a company’s operations. This article discusses the weather threats to watch...

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New Wave of Lawsuits Target Health Plan Tobacco Surcharges - Numerous class-action lawsuits have recently been filed against employers alleging that health plan premium surcharges related to tobacco use violate federal...

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Business Risks Related to Severe Convective Storms - Severe convective storms can be extremely destructive natural disasters that result in injuries, infrastructure damage and billions of dollars in losses for...

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Accidental Death and Dismemberment - When accidents happen, their life-altering or fatal consequences can be devastating not only for the individuals involved but also for their families and employers. In such an event,...

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Key Takeaways From the Congressional Report on the HSAs - The Congressional Research Service (CRS) released its most recent report, updated in 2025, describing health savings accounts (HSAs). The CRS serves as a...

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How to Navigate a Growing Array of Benefits Options - In today’s labor market, offering a robust benefits package is essential for talent attraction and retention and employee well-being. The rise of voluntary benefits...

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Dietary Tips to Improve Your Immune System - In the midst of respiratory illness season, you may be taking precautions to protect yourself and your family from these infections, including the flu, COVID-19, norovirus...

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Tips for Reducing Processed Foods In Your Diet - Processed foods have become a staple in American diets due to their convenience, taste and affordability, as well as their long shelf life. Yet, an increasing number of...

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Report Reveals a Rise in Cargo Threat - A new report released by multinational data analytics company Verisk revealed that a record-setting 3,625 cargo theft incidents occurred across North America in 2024, reaching...

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2025 Federal Poverty Levels Impact Employer Liability Under Pay-or-Play Rules - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updates federal poverty levels (FPLs) each year to determine eligibility for certain...

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Stress in the Workplace - Prioritizing mental health and implementing strategies to reduce stress is essential for a safe and productive workplace. According to the World Health Organization, 83% of workers in the...

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Mental Health Parity Continues to Be a Top Enforcement Priority - The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) recently released its annual enforcement report on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act...

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Health Care Industry Trends to Watch in 2025 - Over the last few years, the health care industry has been navigating a volatile landscape shaped by changing market demands, labor shortages, inflation and supply chain...

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Tips for Preventing Common ACA Reporting Mistakes - Employers often find the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) reporting process to be complex and challenging to navigate. Even though the requirements have been in place for...

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The Power of Protein - Protein is having a moment, and it’s for good reason. While some focus on it for muscle-building, others view it from a weight-loss perspective. Regardless of personal goals, protein is a...

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The Connection Between Diet and Mental Health - Good nutrition is essential not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. The foods you eat profoundly influence your mood, cognitive function and ability...

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Cyberespionage Explained - Cyberespionage is a type of cyberattack that involves an unauthorized user (or multiple users) accessing a victim’s sensitive information in order to secure economic benefits, competitive...

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Small Business Tips for Overcoming HR Distrust - HR performs several functions that are necessary for small businesses as well as employees, including employee recruitment, onboarding, training, payroll and benefits,...

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- Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Manufacturing Industry - The manufacturing sector has experienced rapid technological advancements over the past few years. Innovations like artificial intelligence (AI),...

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Common Health Plan Compliance Mistakes to Avoid - Employers that sponsor group health plans are subject to many different compliance requirements under federal law. Keeping track of these various requirements can be...

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Employers Must File ACA Returns Electronically by March 31, 2025 - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created reporting requirements under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. Under these rules, certain...

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Workplace Fatalities Down 3.7%, According to BLS - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its 2023 national census of fatal occupational injuries. The census, which represents the most recent...

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2025 Best Diet: The Mediterranean - For the eighth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named the Mediterranean diet the world’s best overall diet. This diet can help support brain function, promote heart...

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The Practice of Holding Space - “Holding space” has become a viral phrase lately, but it’s not a new concept. Holding space is about being present for someone in a way that allows them to feel seen, heard and valued....

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HHS Proposes Changes to HIPAA Security Rule to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic PHI - On Dec. 27, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule that would modify the HIPAA...

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Emerging Wellness Trends in 2025 - The days of compartmentalizing physical, mental, financial and emotional well-being are over. In 2025, organizations are adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire employee....

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2025 OSHA Penalty Amounts - The Department of Labor (DOL) has released its 2025 inflation-adjusted civil monetary penalties that may be assessed on employers for violations of a wide range of federal laws, including the...

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OSHA Penalty Schedule - An employer receives a written citation when it violates OSHA standards or regulations. The citation will describe the particular nature of the violation and will include a reference to the...

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8 Tips for Modernizing Hiring in 2025 - As talent acquisition continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for organizations aiming to attract and retain top-tier talent. This past year was once again...

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GLP-1s and Biosimilars Reshape Prescription Drug Market - Inflation, additional treatment options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and increased utilization of high-cost medications led to rising...

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7 LIFESTYLE TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING FLU SEASON - On average, 8% of the country’s population gets infected and develops influenza (flu) symptoms each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...

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Newly Passed Legislation Modifies ACA Reporting Requirements - On Dec. 23, 2024, President Joe Biden signed two bills into law that will streamline the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) reporting requirements under Internal...

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5 Employee Benefits Trends Shaping 2025 - Employee benefits are transforming, and employers can get ahead of these changes as they strive to attract and retain top talent. The modern workforce is multigenerational, with...

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The Benefits and Risks of Accepting Cryptocurrency for Businesses - Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that operates independently of traditional banking networks. It is based on blockchain technology, which is a...

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Key Takeaways From the HHS Prescription Drug Cost Report - The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) established consumer protections related to surprise billing and health care transparency. As required by the...

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2025 Trendiest Voluntary Benefits - As health care costs continue to rise, so does the demand for voluntary benefits. Since many employers find it increasingly difficult to provide employees with a complete benefits...

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