Employers are preparing for what could be the steepest annual increase in health care costs in more than a decade, and many are considering plan design changes, including cost-shifting, to buffer the impact, according to a new report. The “2026 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey,” conducted by the Business Group on Health, found that business…
A new survey has found that in 46% of ransomware incidents in the U.S., CEOs or other executives were physically threatened if their organizations did not pay the ransom demanded by hackers. The findings in Semperis’ “2025 Ransomware Risk Report” highlight other pressure tactics, such as ransomware criminals threatening to file regulatory complaints to force…
As the year-end open enrollment period approaches, now is the time to fine-tune your benefits, and that starts with surveying your employees about their views of your current offerings. There should be more to this effort than checking boxes. It’s important that you elicit an honest assessment from your employees, and once you have their…
When most commercial insurance brokerages are in early growth stage, they are focused on putting together a solid team of producers to grow their book of business at a fast, yet manageable pace. Many agencies continue on this path of maximizing their writings, but that can lead to customer neglect and missed opportunities to…
One of the largest writers of workers’ compensation insurance in California recently sounded the alarm about the growth of costly cumulative trauma claims in the state. In a recent earnings call with analysts, the insurer, Employers Holdings, highlighted the drag these claims have on its results. This came a month after the Workers’ Compensation Insurance…
The IRS has significantly increased the group health plan affordability threshold, which is used to determine if an employer’s lowest-premium health plan complies with Affordable Care Act rules, for plan years starting in 2026. The threshold for next year has been set at 9.96% of an employee’s household income, up from 9.02% this year. The…
The California FAIR Plan on July 25, 2025, started offering a new “high-value” commercial property coverage option for larger housing developments, farms and businesses with multiple buildings at one location. The new limits are up to $20 million per building, with a total maximum of $100 million per location — up from the previous limit…
While traditional benefits like group health insurance and 401(k) plans remain foundational, employers who limit themselves to the same offerings year after year may find themselves outpaced in the competition for talent. Regularly evaluating your benefits package ensures it stays relevant, competitive and cost-effective — and ultimately supports your efforts to attract, retain and engage…
Article Source: Holden Law Group Let’s be honest. When Paid Time Off (PTO) first waltzed onto the HR scene, it looked like a dream come true. “Why keep sick leave and vacation separate?” it asked coyly. “Just give your employees a big pool of days and let them use them however they want!” It…
Although not required by OSHA, some employers have shown that one of the best ways to positively motivate employees is through a safety incentive program that rewards safe behavior and participation in workplace safety efforts. These programs need not be complicated, and some of the simplest have proven most effective. The best ones encourage safe…