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<title>Covid-19 | Insurance Advocate</title>
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<title>Igniting the Tech Change in a Post-Pandemic Workplace</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/06/14/igniting-the-tech-change-in-a-post-pandemic-workplace/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Insurance Advocate]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:17:11 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2021]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[June 14]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[In Focus]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12925</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>How Companies Are Shifting Focus to Health and Safety as Turnover Accelerates By R.J. Frasca Current employees are leaving behind the uncertainty and burnout of the pandemic and setting their sights on new jobs now that COVID-19 cases in America are on a steady decline. Healthcare workers who put their lives in jeopardy caring for […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/06/14/igniting-the-tech-change-in-a-post-pandemic-workplace/">Igniting the Tech Change in a Post-Pandemic Workplace</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">How Companies Are Shifting Focus to Health and Safety as Turnover Accelerates</span></h3>
<p><strong>By <span class="s1">R.J. Frasca</span> </strong></p>
<p class="p1">Current employees are leaving behind the uncertainty and burnout of the pandemic and setting their sights on new jobs now that COVID-19 cases in America are on a steady decline. Healthcare workers who put their lives in jeopardy caring for COVID-19 patients are searching for roles that prioritize their physical and emotional health. Essential workers, such as grocery store associates, want better protective measures and higher wages to offset their exposure risks. Newly remote employees who had to perform their daily duties in a virtual environment while expanding caretaking roles are demanding a better work-life balance. Organizations risk record voluntary attrition if they don’t shift their focus to protecting employees’ health and safety.</p>
<p class="p1">Prudential’s Pulse of the American Worker Survey found “a significant number of respondents said they switched jobs during the pandemic (20%) or plan to look for a new job when the threat of the pandemic decreases (26%).” Reasons for this include people feeling disconnected from their employer, being burnt out, and experiencing the effects of dwindling company culture. Individuals are looking for an employer that prioritizes health and safety in the workplace, which have become critical components of a post-pandemic world.</p>
<p class="p1">So how can companies ensure they meet this newly defined employee experience? The answer may lie in capitalizing on emerging technology to enhance workflows and pinpoint gaps in health safety to improve overall employee safety. These efforts will be able to create a more positive employee experience and a passageway to retaining quality employees, recruiting new talent, decreasing budgetary spending, and surviving the “turnover tsunami.”</p>
<p class="p1">Evidence has shown that outbreaks become costly for the health and safety of an organization, such as the $10.4 billion in direct costs for hospital and outpatient visits during peak flu season. Risk management departments need to have robust health management solutions to mitigate the spread of influenza or other contagious viruses that can be devastating to the employee experience and the bottom line.</p>
<p class="p1">Below are three workplace technologies organizations can adopt to provide better risk management solutions to ensure new and current employees feel more at ease as they return to work:</p>
<p class="p1">• <b>End-to-end health and safety solutions</b>: Utilizing a holistic health and wellness technology platform promotes a positive employee experience while staying compliant with current health and safety guidelines. A robust health and safety solution should serve as a central data repository and provide organizations with the following capabilities:</p>
<p class="p1">• <b>Distance monitoring and contact tracing </b>ensure physical distance regulations are being adhered to and streamline contact tracing to save time and money if an employee tests positive for viruses.</p>
<p class="p1">• <b>Health analytics provide actionable insights</b> to steer a business in the right direction while giving tips on business operations improvements to ensure employees’ health and safety.</p>
<p class="p1">• <b>Employee app to conduct daily health screenings</b>. Questionnaires are provided to staff members to gauge potential virus exposure and symptoms, conduct self-reported temperature checks, and provide real-time notifications before entering the workplace.</p>
<p class="p1">• <b>Pre-employment screenings</b>: A hiring surge can be overwhelming, so businesses need to invest in solutions that provide a safe and efficient onboarding process. Screenings include the usual pre-employment background checks, criminal background screenings, credentials, and references, but now companies are adding COVID-19 testing requirements to ensure the safety of new and existing employees. Bringing new people into the company as pandemic restrictions begin to ease can be an uncomfortable thought for some, so partnering with an accredited screening firm will help ensure the strictest and most efficient performance of protocols.</p>
<p class="p1">•<b>Learning and development systems: </b>One of the benefits job seekers are looking for in their employer is the opportunity for growth. Offering classes for employees will advance their skill sets, build positive company culture, create a more robust workforce, and ensure health and safety training protocols are communicated. To mitigate potential health risks during training and development sessions, employees should have the chance to participate in the programs virtually. Those who may not have technological capabilities at home can work on-site in a socially distanced learning annex.</p>
<p class="p1">Utilizing technology platforms and taking the necessary steps to incorporate health and wellness plans into daily operations demonstrates the value an organization places on employee care. The tools used to restructure priorities that adapt to the new future of America’s workforce will help businesses reduce risk, enhance workflows, retain current staff members, and recruit new talent to move forward and continue to offer unparalleled excellence for stakeholders and the community<span class="s2"> .</span></p>
<p class="p3"><em><span class="s2">RJ Frasca is Vice President of Marketing and Product of EBI Inc., a leading background screening provider. Frasca brings over 20 years of marketing and product experience with companies such as Yahoo, Microsoft, Time Warner, and Verizon.</span></em></p>
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<title>The Changing Insurance Landscape and Advisory Role of the Broker</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/04/12/the-changing-insurance-landscape-and-advisory-role-of-the-broker/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest Author]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2021 16:46:56 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2021]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[April 12]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Cover Story]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12761</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>RESPONDING TO CUSTOMER NEEDS IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 AND GROWING CYBER DISRUPTIONS<br />
By Tom Laughran and Liz Wilder<br />
Businesses across the world have faced great headwinds over the past year. From the myriad ramifications the global pandemic has –and continues –to present, to the rising threat of cyberattacks, business leaders and owners are tasked with defending against a broader range of threats than ever before.</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/04/12/the-changing-insurance-landscape-and-advisory-role-of-the-broker/">The Changing Insurance Landscape and Advisory Role of the Broker</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">RESPONDING TO CUSTOMER NEEDS IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 AND GROWING </span><span class="s1">CYBER DISRUPTIONS</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>By Tom Laughran </b></span><span class="s1"><b>and Liz Wilder</b></span></p>
<p class="p1">Businesses across the world have faced great headwinds over the past year. From the myriad ramifications the global pandemic has –and continues –to present, to the rising threat of cyberattacks, business leaders and owners are tasked with defending against a broader range of threats than ever before.</p>
<p class="p1">Risk mitigation and protection need to be top of the agenda –not just for the leadership team, but for employees throughout an organization. The very survival of the business is at stake and everyone has a vested interest in protecting it. The leaderboard of threats and challenges may change, but the sheer number continues to evolve. And whilst the world is heartened by the positive news in the fight against COVID-19, it is imperative that businesses continue to guard against the ongoing threat and interruption as we learn to live with the virus.</p>
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<p class="p1">An important piece of the puzzle for many business decision makers to mitigate their risk is insurance. Protection now needs to sit firmly at the center of strategic discussion, as businesses navigate an environment that continues to evolve.</p>
<p class="p1">The role of insurance providers –and indeed brokers –is paramount in helping businesses to identify and understand potential solutions. And those brokers with specialist knowledge and expertise, the ability to act as a true advisor to clients and balance proactive management and communications with nimble reactive response, will be those who are sought out and valued most.</p>
<p class="p1">To better understand the insurance landscape through the eyes of key business decision makers, TRUE Global Intelligence (TGI), the in-house research practice of FleishmanHillard, and the agency’s global Financial and Professional Services practice fielded an online survey of 200 primary decision makers at businesses in the U.S. and UK in Q4 2020.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">The survey results provided a clear view into the biggest concerns of the moment and the opportunities for insurance companies and brokers to support clients going forward and educate them about how to manage evolving business risks.</span></p>
<p class="p1">This report covers three core topics:</p>
<p class="p2">1. Concern for emerging business risks</p>
<p class="p2">2.Cyber threat preparedness</p>
<p class="p2">3.The broker-customer relationship</p>
<p class="p4"><b>Concern for emerging business risks</b></p>
<p class="p1">Many enterprises continue to suffer during the pandemic with a majority of organizations facing financial challenges and over half of the organizations saying they would NOT meet their business goals in 2020.</p>
<p class="p1">Business interruption has been a top-of-mind issue for businesses across the world, many whom have seen very little relief and have found that their insurance policy would not cover them in their time of need.</p>
<p class="p1">From business closures due to “stay at home orders” to brick-and-mortar retailers moving to e-commerce, operations and supply chains have been put under strain. It even led to the UK’s High Court determining that the majority of businesses that held business interruption insurance and were forced to close due to the pandemic are entitled to be compensated by their insurer.</p>
<p class="p1">There are glimmers of relief, with vaccines continuing to be approved and rollouts expanding in many countries. Though COVID-19 continues to affect business operations, businesses are actively reassessing their strategies and revisiting measures they’ve put in place to adapt to the changing environment.</p>
<p class="p1">In addition to the financial and regulation-related struggles, roughly half of respondents report struggles within the industry and their company, while pressures for digitalization of services and changing needs of customers may contribute to challenges within the industry.</p>
<p class="p1">Consistent with financial struggles, companies are more concerned in 2021 with economic downturn and the increased regulation that COVID-19 has brought and will continue to bring. Moving further into the year, the U.S. market is a bit more worried with COVID-19 regulation while the UK market is more concerned around the changing business landscape.</p>
<p class="p1">These necessary shifts are causing concern, with many business decision makers citing the health of employees, the accelerated digitalization sparked by social distancing and data security as their top business concerns and drivers of shifting strategic priorities.</p>
<p class="p4"><b>Cyber threat preparedness</b></p>
<p class="p1">It’s a case of WHEN not IF a business becomes a victim to cyber threats and attacks. Now firmly part of the public consciousness and having been accelerated by the pandemic, hacking attacks reportedly occur every 39 seconds according to a studyconducted by the University of Maryland. Put simply, the role of cyber insurance is now critical.</p>
<p class="p1">Brokers can no longer afford to regard this issue as the new ‘kid’ in town –it is a vital part of insurance requirements and needs careful consideration in policy selection. And astute brokers can use cyber advice as a critical ‘value add’ element to the insurance journey. Especially as nearly half of decision makers are seeing an increase in cyberattacks. With more employees working remotely, the majority of businesses are concerned about the potential threat of an attack, with many increasing coverages to protect data and loss of income.</p>
<p class="p1">It’s apparent that respondents are more confident that education and training is happening but are more concerned about attacks and protecting against any liability because employees are working from home.</p>
<p class="p4"><b>Opportunity to close cybersecurity coverage gaps</b></p>
<p class="p1">A key takeaway is that employee training and education can only go so far, and companies must compensate through insurance coverage to protect themselves. And that is a critical piece of intel for brokers to communicate with their clients. With such high levels of concern, there is a real opportunity to assist organizations by helping to evaluate risk and provide insights and knowledge in this area to address coverage gaps.</p>
<p class="p4"><b>The broker-customer relationship</b></p>
<p class="p1">Successful brokers understand that client relationships are key to business success. The merging of big data, enabling technology, global interconnectedness, higher prices and necessity have prompted innovation, new market entrants and increased competition.</p>
<p class="p1">In our current global climate, relationships are truly everything. And despite the higher costs cited by some business decision makers, over half of U.S. and UK businesses have experienced no change in coverage since COVID-19.</p>
<p class="p1">We’ve seen that broker-customer relationships are strong. In fact, most U.S. business decision makers report that they consider their broker a trusted partner, and nearly half say their broker is a valuable addition to their organization. Though, despite high satisfaction ratings, business decision makers report that brokers have not been especially prepared to counsel clients for the effects of COVID-19. The survey results showed that brokers in general are available for counsel to clients when they need them, unfortunately brokers across markets have not been especially knowledgeable to counsel clients for the effects of COVID-19. Overall, the UK respondents were more pessimistic and feel their broker has brought them less value.</p>
<p class="p1">There is opportunity for brokers to provide value-added insights, counsel and services to customers</p>
<p class="p1">Business leaders also want brokers/insurers to provide insights, guidance, data and trends, trainings and more proactive communications. Overall, U.S. business leaders are more enthusiastic about broker/insurer interactions than UK business leaders, with U.S. leaders consistently identifying more value-added counsel and services as desirable.</p>
<p class="p4"><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p class="p1">Overwhelmingly, the results of our survey showed that cyberattacks and the economic downturn ranked as the top two key business concerns for decision makers. The U.S. property and casualty insurance market needs to provide more high-level services like risk mitigation insight and data and trends, while UK providers need to spend more time and focus on covering the basics.</p>
<p class="p1">As brokers look at 2021 and beyond, there are key learnings that can be taken to help position themselves as the trusted advisors in their local market. The survey uncovered that there is a need for the insurance sector to provide greater clarity about insurance coverage for business interruption and cyber incidents. And for brokers, to provide this clarity, they need to study policy details with much more scrutiny and be able to offer guidance to clients.</p>
<p class="p1">Brokers who will be most successful in their support of clients will holistically understand different coverages and the impacts for their clients and will put emphasis on consistent 1:1 engagement, providing educational content that will make their clients feel secure in their decision-making. Brokers need to embrace the support services on offer to not only utilize their knowledge to help clients make more informed choices but also embrace cross-selling opportunities in the interest of their clients.</p>
<p class="p6"><em><span class="s2">Findings from a study commissioned by FleishmanHillard TRUE Global Intelligence</span></em></p>
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<title>Mask-Wearing Represents Fear & Blind Obedience, Not Science</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/04/12/mask-wearing-represents-fear-blind-obedience-not-science/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest Author]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2021 03:45:48 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2021]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[April 12]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Guest Opinion]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12758</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>By Dennis Prager When I see people walking outside, often alone with no one anywhere near them, wearing a mask, my primary reactions are disappointment and sadness. I am disappointed because I expected better from my fellow Americans. I never thought most Americans would be governed by irrational fears and unquestioning obedience to authority. I […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/04/12/mask-wearing-represents-fear-blind-obedience-not-science/">Mask-Wearing Represents Fear & Blind Obedience, Not Science</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><strong>By <span class="s1">Dennis Prager </span></strong></p>
<p class="p1">When I see people walking outside, often alone with no one anywhere near them, wearing a mask, my primary reactions are disappointment and sadness.</p>
<p class="p1">I am disappointed because I expected better from my fellow Americans. I never thought most Americans would be governed by irrational fears and unquestioning obedience to authority. I have come to realize that I had a somewhat romanticized view of my countrymen.</p>
<p class="p1">Had you told me a year ago that nearly every American in nearly every metropolitan area would cover their faces for over a year because one man, one political party and the media told them to, I would have responded that you underestimate the strength of the American character.</p>
<p class="p1">But here we are, over a year later, and where I live (the Los Angeles area), I am usually the only person on the street not wearing a mask. (For the record, I wear a mask in stores and when entering the building in which I work, out of courtesy to those who think a person not wearing a mask poses a lethal threat.)</p>
<p class="p1">On the rare occasions I pass people not wearing a mask, I thank and praise them. They are invariably enthused by my reaction.</p>
<p class="p1">You do not need medical or scientific expertise to understand the foolishness of outdoor mask-wearing. Common sense, that great unused guide to life, suffices.</p>
<p class="p1">If you wear a mask, you do so in the belief that you are protecting yourself (and others) from COVID-19. So, then, why do you care if I don’t wear a mask? Doesn’t your mask protect you? If it does, my not wearing a mask may irritate you because you resent my assertion of freedom, my obvious lack of respect for government and medical authorities and my alleged selfishness, but there would be no rational medical – that is, “science-based” – reason for your objecting to my not wearing a mask.</p>
<p class="p1">And if masks protect us and others, why have people been refused the right to visit a loved one as he or she lay dying alone? Why couldn’t a person – wearing the same mask a doctor, nurse or any health care worker wears when entering your parent’s room – enter that room?</p>
<p class="p1">There are two possible answers: One is it’s a tacit admission that masks are essentially useless. You were prevented from visiting your dying father because the hospital believes your loved one or others in the hospital might contract the virus from you, even though you were wearing a mask. Which means those running the hospital don’t believe masks actually work.</p>
<p class="p1">The other is that the medical establishment and lay authorities have abandoned elementary human decency in the name of AOC, or “Abundance of Caution.” Forcing hundreds of thousands of people to die alone will go down as one of the cruelest policies ever adopted by American medical and political authorities.</p>
<p class="p1">The problem is most Americans who went to college learned to unquestioningly obey “experts.” This is why common sense, logic and reason mean little to the well-educated – and, increasingly, to everyone else, because everyone is taught by the well-educated. All we need to know is what the “experts” say. That plus a fanatical adherence to the rule of AOC have crushed logic and reason.</p>
<p class="p1">The irony, however, is that “the science” doesn’t justify the fanatical commitment to mask-wearing. There are plenty of experts with evidence-based views to the contrary. Here are but a few examples:</p>
<p class="p1">Dr. Anthony Fauci himself told the truth about the uselessness of mask-wearing on “60 Minutes” on March 8, 2020: “Right now, in the United States, people should not be walking around with masks. … There’s no reason to be walking around with a mask. When you’re in the middle of an outbreak, wearing a mask might make people feel a little bit better, and it might even block a droplet, but it’s not providing the perfect protection that people think that it is. And, often, there are unintended consequences: People keep fiddling with the mask, and they keep touching their face.”</p>
<p class="p3"><b>Dr. Ramin Oskoui: ‘Masks do not work’</b></p>
<p class="p1">Dr. Ramin Oskoui, a cardiologist in Washington at a Senate hearing in December 2020, testified under oath: “Masks do not work.” (The New York Times, Dec. 8, 2020.)</p>
<p class="p1">The Wall Street Journal reported on Nov. 11, 2020: “The projected number of lives saved, and the implied case for a mask mandate, are based on a faulty statistic.”</p>
<p class="p1">Dr. Paul E. Alexander, a Canadian epidemiologist, wrote: “Surgical and cloth masks, used as they currently are, have absolutely no impact on controlling the transmission of Covid-19 virus, and current evidence implies that face masks can be actually harmful.” (American Institute for Economic Research, Feb. 11, 2021.)</p>
<p class="p1">Roger W. Koops, who has a doctorate in chemistry from the University of California, Riverside, wrote: “A ‘mask,’ and that term usually refers to either a SURGICAL mask or N95 mask, has no benefit in the general population and is only useful in controlled clinical settings. Further, it has been considered a greater transmission risk than a benefit in the general population. … In the open environment, no one should be wearing face coverings.” (American Institute for Economic Research, Oct. 16, 2020.)</p>
<p class="p1">Finally, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 21, 2020, concluded: “We know that wearing a mask outside health care facilities offers little, if any, protection from infection. Public health authorities define a significant exposure to Covid-19 as face-to-face contact within 6 feet with a patient with symptomatic Covid-19 that is sustained for at least a few minutes (and some say more than 10 minutes or even 30 minutes). The chance of catching Covid-19 from a passing interaction in a public space is therefore minimal. In many cases, the desire for widespread masking is a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic.”</p>
<p class="p1">Contrary to mainstream media misinformation, the doctors who wrote that report did not later retract anything they wrote.</p>
<p class="p1">People say they “follow the science.” They rarely do. They follow the scientists the media tell them to follow.</p>
<p class="p5"><em><span class="s6">Dennis Prager is the founder of Prager University</span></em></p>
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<title>COVID-19 Vaccine & Employee Safety</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/03/22/covid-19-vaccine-employee-safety/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest Author]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2021 04:40:33 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2021]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[March 22]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Guest Article]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12714</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>By Sunz Holdings Across the country states are slowly but steadily looking to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all age groups. While many celebrate this development in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the vaccine poses interesting questions for employers and staffing companies. Can we mandate the vaccine for all employees? According to the EEOC which […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/03/22/covid-19-vaccine-employee-safety/">COVID-19 Vaccine & Employee Safety</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By <span class="s1">Sunz Holdings </span></p>
<p class="p1">Across the country states are slowly but steadily looking to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all age groups. While many celebrate this development in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the vaccine poses interesting questions for employers and staffing companies.</p>
<p class="p3"><b>Can we mandate the vaccine for all employees? </b></p>
<p class="p1">According to the EEOC which released revised guidelines in December, an employer can mandate the COVID-19 vaccine. This ability is given through the ADA which allows employers to set qualification standards for employment or ongoing employment. One such standard outlined by the EEOC is “a requirement that an individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of individuals in the workplace.” In other words, if you feel that an employee not receiving the vaccine would pose a risk to other employees then you can mandate the vaccine.</p>
<p class="p1"> It is important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. For employees with disabilities or health conditions which prohibit them from getting a vaccine, employers are expected to make alternative accommodations. Only when accommodations pose an “undue burden” or completely prevent an employee from fulfilling their job function is termination an option. The situation is similar in the case of employees who feel they cannot be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief. It is important to remember that “religious belief” is a broad term and may be difficult to prove.</p>
<p class="p1"> If you plan on mandating the vaccine, it is vital that you produce a written policy. This policy needs to outline the following:</p>
<p class="p4">The deadline by which an employee must be vaccinated.</p>
<p class="p4">Documentation required to prove vaccination.</p>
<p class="p4">Deadline by which employees must notify you of their choice not to be vaccinated.</p>
<p class="p4">Details on what accommodations can be made for those who cannot get the vaccine.</p>
<p class="p4">Information on what the penalty will be for employees who are able to get the vaccine and choose not to.</p>
<p class="p4">The contact information of a manager or leader whom employees can speak to regarding questions or concerns.</p>
<p class="p1">
<p class="p3"><b>What is our liability if we do not require the vaccine? </b></p>
<p class="p1">Employers who choose not to mandate the vaccine can leave themselves open to potential worker’s compensation liability. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic many employers found themselves facing worker’s compensation cases brought against them by employees who caught the virus at work. In these cases, employees argued that their employer did not implement proper safety protocols or failed to provide the proper equipment to keep them safe.</p>
<p class="p1"> For most of these cases, COVID-19 related illness was deemed an occupational injury and therefore covered under the individual state’s statutes. While a COVID illness can be deemed an occupational injury, there still remains the possibility that lawyers can argue that these statutes do not provide enough coverage.</p>
<p class="p1"> Keep in mind that worker’s compensation statutes will not cover other stakeholders. This could include customers, contractors, volunteers, or vendors who catch the virus from a unvaccinated employee.</p>
<p class="p1"> Many state governments are looking to institute limited liability measures for small businesses. A recent law passed in the Florida House of Representatives added that any suit brought against a company for COVID-19 related injuries would require an affidavit from a physician. If passed, an individual bring suit against a business would need a doctor to determine that their COVID-19 injuries or illness were directly connected to the business’s negligence. While this does provide further protection of risk for businesses, it is important to remember that laws like this remain vague in determining the definition of negligence.</p>
<p class="p1">
<p class="p3"><b>What happens if someone gets sick from a mandatory vaccine? </b></p>
<p class="p1">This is the dichotomy of the vaccine issue. In the event an employee was to have a negative reaction to the vaccine they could argue that they were injured or put at risk by their employer. The result could be a workers’ compensation suit against the employer and a personal injury suit against the vaccine manufacturer.</p>
<p class="p1">
<p class="p3"><b>What can we do if someone refuses to get the vaccine? </b></p>
<p class="p1">An employee who does not get vaccinated when it is mandatory and the reason is not a disability, medical condition, or religious reason, may be at risk of disciplinary action. This disciplinary action can include termination.</p>
<p class="p1"> To protect from liability, it is important that disciplinary action is universal. Actions taken against those who refuse a vaccine must be the same regardless of the employee’s position or work status. In the event that an employer wished to mandate the vaccine for only a specific class of employees, for example only those who interact with customers face to face, a review of the workforce would need to be conducted first. If the review found that a majority of the employees in the mandated class belonged to a protected group, it could be argued that the policy causes an “adverse impact” on a specific group and is therefore discriminatory.</p>
<p class="p1">Keeping employees safe from COVID-19 remains and will continue to be a core focus for businesses and organizations. The COVID-19 vaccine does bring with it the hope for a return to normal operations. However, implementing the vaccine within your business will take careful planning and thorough documentation. SUNZ is here to help you navigate this complex issue. Our Risk Management Center is an excellent resource as you being to look ahead at vaccination.</p>
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<title>COVID-19: The 2021 Landscape for Surgeons</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/03/08/covid-19-the-2021-landscape-for-surgeons/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest Author]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:04:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2021]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[March 8]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[trends]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12675</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>By Max Schloemann According to reports, this year is looking to be one of changes and big possibilities for surgeons. While 2020 brought declines in surgical revenue and drops in patient intake, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a paradigm shift. Adaptations and innovations designed to cope with the pandemic could be a boon for the surgical […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/03/08/covid-19-the-2021-landscape-for-surgeons/">COVID-19: The 2021 Landscape for Surgeons</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><strong>By <span class="s2">Max Schloemann</span></strong></p>
<p class="p1">According to reports, this year is looking to be one of changes and big possibilities for surgeons. While 2020 brought declines in surgical revenue and drops in patient intake, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a paradigm shift. Adaptations and innovations designed to cope with the pandemic could be a boon for the surgical field in 2021, and changes in malpractice coverage could impact how surgeons conduct business this year.</p>
<p class="p3"><b>Here are some things to look for as we move through the year:</b></p>
<p class="p1"> The comeback of elective surgery. The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to most elective surgeries across the country. In March of 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidelines that recommended postponing or cancelling elective and non-essential surgical procedures. When stay-at-home mandates went into effect shortly thereafter, it further complicated physicians’ abilities to provide elective care. The result was an overall 35% drop in surgical volumes from March 2020-July 2020.</p>
<p class="p1">However, with the decrease in new COVID-19 cases, the rollout of the vaccine, relaxation of stay-at-home orders, and adaptations in healthcare to make surgical environments safer, elective surgeries are on an astronomical upswing. Part of this rise is from the backlog of surgeries not performed during the pandemic (it’s suspected that there is a backlog of over 1 million orthopedic surgeries in the United States). With this news, surgical revenues are expected to jump and get back to pre-pandemic numbers, but surgeons should beware of burnout when trying to keep pace with surgical demands. Burnout is a leading cause of medical mistakes that can result in a malpractice claim.</p>
<p class="p1">Medical malpractice insurance rates aren’t going down – but they aren’t going up either. Many insurance providers for other verticals (auto, homeowners) offered discounts to their customers to help cope with the 2020 pandemic. This was not the case for medical malpractice insurance. Rates for neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and bariatric surgeons maintained at their pre-pandemic prices. However, the onslaught of elective surgeries did not cause a rise in rates for surgical coverage, and rates are expected to be flat over the first two quarters of 2021.</p>
<p class="p1">Surgical specialty coverage. Certain types of surgery are more high-risk than others, making them less lucrative for medical malpractice insurance companies to cover. Bariatric surgery is one type that is sometimes excluded from a surgical medical malpractice policy. With the rise in elective surgery, it is now more crucial than ever for bariatric surgeons and all surgical specialists to check their medical malpractice coverage and make sure they are protected.</p>
<p class="p1">The future of robotic surgery in the wake of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rise in the use of telemedicine and telehealth, and it demonstrated a need for remote treatment options across all specialties. Robotic surgical tools like the da Vinci and Ion are providing new avenues for surgical teams to remotely perform surgery. Though advancements in remote surgical technology and processes are needed before telesurgery becomes mainstream, the advent of telemedicine in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is a harbinger for what’s to come with surgery. Expect telemedicine to play a larger role in the surgeon-patient relationship in 2021.</p>
<p class="p5"><em><span class="s5">Max Schloemann is a 12-year medical malpractice insurance industry veteran and the founder of MEDPLI, a national medical malpractice insurance brokerage. The company’s clients include hundreds of doctors and surgeons, as well as Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and healthcare entrepreneurs. Mr. Schloemann is a Magna cum Laude graduate of the College of Business at Southern Illinois University and was named Outstanding Management Senior by the faculty of the college.</span></em></p>
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<title>The Post Covid Consumer: Buyers Unmask New Plans To Shave Costs And Shred Cares</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/01/11/the-post-covid-consumer-buyers-unmask-new-plans-to-shave-costs-and-shred-cares/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Insurance Advocate]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:37:16 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2021]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[January 11]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cover]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Cover Story]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12577</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>37,000 high income insurance clients of 150 high income agents Want “Fresh” when the Refresh Comes: Results of a survey by the Private Risk Management Association</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2021/01/11/the-post-covid-consumer-buyers-unmask-new-plans-to-shave-costs-and-shred-cares/">The Post Covid Consumer: Buyers Unmask New Plans To Shave Costs And Shred Cares</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">37,000 high income insurance clients of 150 high income agents Want “Fresh” when the Refresh Comes: Results of a survey by the Private Risk Management Association</span></h2>
<p class="p1">A December 2020 Private Risk Management Association survey documented the leading concerns of insurance consumers going into 2021. Understandably, the coronavirus, travel and family safety, weather, and the ability to retain insurance coverage top the list. More than one-hundred-fifty agents and brokers representing 37,000 clients found many feeling vulnerable about the future.</p>
<p class="p1">Some stats:</p>
<p class="p1">· 76-percent of risk managers responding to the survey said that family safety and financial concerns stemming from the pandemic are impacting their clients</p>
<p class="p1">· Nearly 54-percent cite catastrophic weather (hurricanes, floods & fires) worries keep their clients up and night</p>
<p class="p1">· 50-percent say travel and personal safety weighs on the minds of their clients</p>
<p class="p1"> · 30 percent of risk managers say that the ability to secure and keep insurance coverage is also an issue, ranking just above cybersecurity concerns.</p>
<p class="p1">This data underlies the importance of homeowners taking proactive measures now to prepare against potential losses, making their homes more flood, fire, and storm-proof.</p>
<p class="p1">Lisa Lindsay, executive director of PRMA, says risk managers can work with clients to lower their risk exposure as the survey’s results show that:clients are more actively renovating right now. Many said their clients are engaged in more high-risk activities like horseback riding and motorsports.</p>
<p class="p1"> Some want to make their homes more fire and flood-resistant, positioning themselves as a better insurance risk in a tightening market.</p>
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<title>Avoiding COVID Scams</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/12/13/avoiding-covid-scams/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Insurance Advocate]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2020 07:04:10 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2020]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[December 13]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[MSO Inc.]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12558</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>By Sue Quimby The fears and uncertainties of the pandemic of 2020 have brought with them a whole new arena for scammers. As is often the case, scammers prey upon the most vulnerable: the elderly, or those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, who are also the most vulnerable to the infection. Some of […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/12/13/avoiding-covid-scams/">Avoiding COVID Scams</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>By Sue Quimby</strong></p>
<p class="p1">The fears and uncertainties of the pandemic of 2020 have brought with them a whole new arena for scammers. As is often the case, scammers prey upon the most vulnerable: the elderly, or those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, who are also the most vulnerable to the infection. Some of the most common scams are related to contact tracing – the process used to try to determine the source of infections and outbreaks – and warn people who may have been exposed to the virus. Some scams offer fake cures or try to sell COVID tests for a fee. Helping clients understand how to identify contact tracing and other COVID 19-related scams, and how to avoid them, is another value -added service of the professional insurance agent.</p>
<p class="p1">A common scam is a text or call to the target – the person being scammed – warning of a local outbreak and saying that the recipient should get tested, or perhaps offering a vaccine. The scammer then offers to connect the target to a “health adviser”. Other scams prey on financial fears brought on by the lockdown. Scammers offer fake work from home opportunities, or try to sell health insurance or financial assistance, such as bogus loans or debt consolidation, to the target. Others purport to have information about government stimulus checks. In all cases, the goal is to obtain personal and financial information that the scammer can use for personal gain. The federal government offers a variety of resources for consumers who want to learn how to recognize and respond to possible scams. (www.fcc.gov/covid-scams)</p>
<p class="p1">Contact tracing is an essential tool in the war to control the spread of any disease. Each positive case who quarantines may prevent an exponential spread of the disease. A recent study showed that the “secondary infection rate” in households – the percent of people who catch COVID-19 from someone they live with – is 53%. This is much higher than previously believed. (www.livescience.com). Just because someone does not feel sick does not mean they are not contagious, as approximately 20% of those infected remain asymptomatic.</p>
<p class="p1">When a legitimate contact tracer calls, they should introduce themselves and advise what health department they are working for. If someone is contacted by a tracer and there is ever a question, the subject can ask the tracer what health department they are calling from, and if the number is called back, will they reach the health department? Another option is to ask for the name of the tracer’s supervisor and a phone number they can call to confirm. Legitimate tracers are asking for health information, not money or personal financial information (www.ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams-consumer-advice).</p>
<p class="p1">There are different procedures for contacts (people who have been exposed to positive cases) and cases (people who have tested positive). Wen calling a contact, the tracer informs them that they were exposed to someone who tested positive, and the contact needs to quarantine for the next 14 days, even if they have no symptoms. The tracer will most likely ask the contact for their address, or at the very least the town the contact lives in. Has the contact been experiencing any symptoms and if so have they been tested? The tracer may ask if the contact is aware they were exposed. Tracers do not tell people to get tested, do not send out testing kits and definitely do not ask for payment info. Finally, there are no penalties for noncompliance. The contact is not required to answer the questions nor to get tested.</p>
<p class="p1">Legitimate contact tracers will not tell anyone who they were exposed to because that is a privacy (HIPAA) violation. The tracers can usually tell a person where they were exposed, such as at work or the grocery store, but that is not always possible due to privacy concerns. In cases of family or friends, the contact often knows who they may have been exposed to.</p>
<p class="p1">For an actual case – one where the subject has tested positive – the tracers know the date of birth and address, and will ask the subject for confirmation so there isn’t any sharing of private medical information with someone who it isn’t meant for. Once again, legitimate tracers never ask for any type of payment. The goal is to warn people who may have been infected and stop further spread. Some counties offer quarantine support services, such as grocery and medication delivery or housing for those who cannot isolate where they are.</p>
<p class="p1">The coronavirus pandemic has opened new avenues for those unscrupulous individuals who look to gain from the misfortune and fears of others. Helping clients recognize and avoid the negative impact of such scams is another sign of the true insurance professional.</p>
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<title>Zoom Boom Bombing</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/10/07/zoom-boom-bombing/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Acunto]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:20:09 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Foreword]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12499</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Had enough of them, yet? I mean Zoom meetings, conferences, artificial wine gatherings, coffee clatches, other people’s living rooms, the lingering suspicion that, below the nice shirt and tie, there are pajama pants under the desk, the incessant scheduling and pinging…and the invitations and the details? Well, I have, and necessary evil or not, I […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/10/07/zoom-boom-bombing/">Zoom Boom Bombing</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Had enough of them, yet?</p>
<p class="p2"> I mean Zoom meetings, conferences, artificial wine gatherings, coffee clatches, other people’s living rooms, the lingering suspicion that, below the nice shirt and tie, there are pajama pants under the desk, the incessant scheduling and pinging…and the invitations and the details?</p>
<p class="p2">Well, I have, and necessary evil or not, I am cutting them down to the barest of essential zoomings.</p>
<p class="p2"> And , according to <b>NPR</b>, I am not alone.</p>
<p class="p2">The publicly supported station quotes these leaders:</p>
<p class="p2"> <b>JPMorgan Chase</b> CEO Jamie Dimon says there’s no vital “creative combustion” happening in virtual settings.</p>
<p class="p2"> <b>American Airlines</b> CEO Doug Parker finds Zoom meetings “awful”.</p>
<p class="p2"> And <b>Microsoft </b>CEO Satya Nadella calls them transactional, where “30 minutes into your first video meeting in the morning … you’re fatigued.”</p>
<p class="p2"> According to NPR, amid early pandemic lockdowns, many were touting the benefits. James Gorman, CEO of Morgan Stanley, said his bank would need much less real estate in the future because even though he was a fan of having teams together, “we’ve proven we can operate with no footprint.” He was not alone in the sentiment either as NY’s commercial real estate market has gone begging.</p>
<p class="p2"> C-suiters have gone U-Turn on zoom meetings, holding that they lead to a sterile work culture lacking in imagination.</p>
<p class="p2">“What we as human beings need, want, seek … is human contact,” Nadella says. He was speaking at a virtual conference organized by <i>The Wall Street Journal</i>.</p>
<p class="p2"> Jamie Dimon is quopted by NPR as being worried particularly about how working from home affects JPMorgan’s younger employees. He told analysts that productivity had dipped, especially on Mondays and Fridays.</p>
<p class="p2">Dimon stated that bringing people back to the office is paramount to fostering creativity.</p>
<p class="p2"> Architect and design firms which have an interest in people returning to office spaces report that 40% of people who ran businesses have noticed decreases in productivity from remote working staff.</p>
<p class="p2"> We learn too that employees, who sit in front of a computer every day in the same spot of their homes find the experience “draining.”</p>
<p class="p2">They missed being able to connect face to face with colleagues and had trouble setting boundaries for when work started or ended.</p>
<p class="p2">“It was surprising to see so many people felt this remote work fatigue, especially given the headlines of 100% remote forever,” says Sarah McCann , a real estate strategy associate at <b>Vocon</b>.</p>
<p class="p2"> NPR continues: another survey by virtual tech firm <b>Lucid</b> found that workers didn’t feel like they needed to behave during virtual meetings when no one was looking. Most of them admitted to “questionable behavior” during virtual brainstorm meetings, including 1 in 10 who admitted using the bathroom while on a call. Some workers also admitted to exercising, taking a shower, watching TV and cooking or preparing a meal while participating in virtual brainstorm meetings.</p>
<p class="p2">Nathan Rawlins, the chief marketing officer at Lucid, said that’s because virtual meetings are often a series of monologues where people are often checked out and feel “this meeting is the sort of thing where I could lift weights.”</p>
<p class="p2">Rawlins said workers were put off by hearing multiple voices simultaneously, which might not be that distracting in a physical setting. The survey also found that younger workers — as many as 1 in 4 — were even breaking company pandemic protocols and meeting with colleagues in person to discuss work projects.</p>
<p class="p2"> And corporate leaders found that they had to delay major launches, campaigns, or initiatives. Rawlins says these are exactly the kinds of projects that need people to work together in person and collaborate to finish.</p>
<p class="p2">Recognizing the importance of collaboration, some large companies, including those that are offering flexible options to employees, are doubling down on office space. Facebook is leasing all the office space at an ornate New York landmark, the former James A. Farley Post Office building.</p>
<p class="p2"> <b>Lordly and Tailored Amazon</b>: Amazon, which has said employees can work from home until early next year, just bought the beautiful Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue at 38th Street and leased another 2 million square feet in Bellevue, Wash. But these tech giants will continue to offer employees flexible options, recognizing that much work can be done at home, while betting that their employees are also driven by the human impulse to socialize.</p>
<p class="p2"> Still, there is a recognition by workers and employers alike that more is possible with virtual settings than before.</p>
<p class="p2">Workplace consultant Korn Ferry found in a survey that few, as in just 14%, employers say returning to the office every day will be mandatory.</p>
<p class="p2"> So what will it be?</p>
<p class="p2"> A socially friendly office, a trip there, an empty nest for 8-10 hours, a little forced exercise, a Deli sandwich or my “home office” so comfortable and, in its way, quite dull.</p>
<p class="p2">Will the commercial office market return to vitality?</p>
<p class="p2">Will I ever meet the people whose company I bought in London?</p>
<p class="p2">Tune in.</p>
<p class="p2">Or let’s discuss it all over a drink at the Club.</p>
<p class="p2">
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<title>Cuomo Announces $18 Million Initiative for Entrepreneurs in NY State</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/10/07/cuomo-announces-18-million-initiative-for-entrepreneurs-in-ny-state/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Insurance Advocate]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2020 03:15:36 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[October 7]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[In The News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12486</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Training for Workers and Support Entrepreneurs During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Federal Grant Will Be Used to Fund Educational Opportunities that Train New Yorkers for In-Demand Jobs, Support Entrepreneurs, and Help Small Businesses Recover New York Was One of Only Eight States in the Nation to Receive a Grant and Was Awarded the Most […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/10/07/cuomo-announces-18-million-initiative-for-entrepreneurs-in-ny-state/">Cuomo Announces $18 Million Initiative for Entrepreneurs in NY State</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1">Training for Workers and Support Entrepreneurs During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><em><span class="s2">Federal Grant Will Be Used to Fund Educational Opportunities that Train New Yorkers for In-Demand Jobs, Support Entrepreneurs, and Help Small Businesses Recover</span></em></p>
<p class="p1"><em><span class="s2">New York Was One of Only Eight States in the Nation to Receive a Grant and Was Awarded the Most Funding of All States</span></em></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York State has been awarded an $18 million federal grant to fund educational opportunities that train New Yorkers for in-demand jobs, support entrepreneurs, and help small businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic. New York was one of just eight states to receive the funding – made available through the CARES Act – and received the most of any state that was awarded a grant.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">“The coronavirus pandemic is far from over, and as we continue to fight against this deadly virus, we must also respond to the economic devastation it has caused. With millions of Americans out of work, we must use every resource available to train New Yorkers to compete – and succeed – in this difficult economic situation,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “Our workforce is the bedrock of our economy, and I know that this funding will help bridge the gap between education and industry, allowing us to build back better by uplifting both individuals looking for jobs and small businesses across the state.” </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">“We are making success accessible ensuring New Yorkers have the training and skills they need to seek new jobs and opportunities as we continue to battle this pandemic,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Our ongoing workforce development initiative is supporting efforts to improve the economic security of women, youth and other groups that face significant barriers by making job placement more inclusive and leaving no New Yorker behind. We are sending a clear message to New Yorkers that they will have the training and skills they need to succeed as we build back better, smarter and stronger for the future.”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">The New York State Department of Labor will partner with the Office of Workforce Development, Empire State Development, New York’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils, the State University of New York, and the City University of New York to allocate the federal grant funding on programs that support New York’s continued economic recovery.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2"> Educational programs will focus on developing the skills needed to succeed in emerging growth industries like tech, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, and supporting entrepreneurs. New York’s multi-pronged approach will include four elements:</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2"> 1) Education for Hard-Hit NYC: In New York City, which was among the worst-hit COVID-19 communities, the CUNY system will assist in training residents with the digital skills needed for in-demand sectors such as data analytics, cybersecurity, advanced logistics/supply chain, digital marketing and communications, and software development.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">2) “Stay Near, Go Far” at SUNY: At 30 community colleges across the State, SUNY will leverage its existing “Stay Near, Go Far” initiative to train New Yorkers in high growth industries, including technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, and provide them with the entrepreneurial skills needed to open their own businesses.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">3) Entrepreneurship Boot Camps: Building on its existing resources, Empire State Development will host a series of intensive workshops and boot camps to train entrepreneurs and small business owners on how to run their own business during – and after – the pandemic.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">4) Industry Focus, Regional Results: The Department of Labor will issue a competitive Request for Proposals and work with New York State’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils to identify industry-driven programs that either train job seekers to meet current local employment needs or are designed to address future economic and workforce development needs. </span></p>
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<title>Independent Agencies Hit Hard by COVID-19</title>
<link>https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/09/21/independent-agencies-hit-hard-by-covid-19/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Insurance Advocate]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:00:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[2020]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[September 20]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Cover Story]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Covid-19]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.insurance-advocate.com/?p=12422</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Agencies report decreased revenue and loss of commercial lines clients A national survey of Big “I” leadership agencies by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the day-to-day operations of independent insurance agencies as the crisis lingers. Top […]</p>
The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/09/21/independent-agencies-hit-hard-by-covid-19/">Independent Agencies Hit Hard by COVID-19</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><b>Agencies report decreased revenue and loss of commercial lines clients</b></p>
<p class="p1">A national survey of Big “I” leadership agencies by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the day-to-day operations of independent insurance agencies as the crisis lingers.</p>
<p class="p1"> Top findings from the survey include:</p>
<ul>
<li class="p1">Almost half of agencies transitioned all or most of their staff to remote work.</li>
<li class="p1">Nearly half of agencies report decreased revenue for 2020.</li>
<li class="p1">46% of agencies have experienced a loss of commercial lines clients.</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"> The survey also found that about 70% of agencies have received a PPP loan (grant) or other grants or financial assistance during the pandemic. In more than 41% of responding agencies, the majority of staff is still working remotely, while 43% of respondents said most their staff is currently working in their offices.</p>
<p class="p1"> Survey respondents identified areas they would find most beneficial during and after the pandemic in order to continue agency operations. Top responses were assistance with building or enhancing an online presence for marketing, guidance and talking points about the crisis and coverages for their clients, assistance with home-based technology for remote workers and assistance with online business tools.</p>
<p class="p1"> “The Big ‘I’ has resources and expertise to help our members in these areas where their businesses need it most,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president for agent development, education and research. “Despite their challenges, independent insurance agents are proving they’re strong and nimble during troubled times, working hard to sustain their own businesses while at the same time assisting many of their clients who are in crisis.”</p>
<p class="p1"> In April, The Big “I” established the Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund through generous donations of more than $2 million from carrier partners. To date, it has processed more than 2,000 applications from independent agency members needing assistance for operations during and following the pandemic. Through the Big “I” coronavirus resource page, members also have access to tools and other materials which provide guidance in navigating the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.</p>
<p class="p1"> “This research shows that, like the many small business clients they serve, independent insurance agents and brokers around the country have been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the difficult economic environment it has created,” says Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “Our members have had to show resilience in adapting and adjusting to a changed business landscape that may be our reality in the foreseeable future. The Big ‘I’ continues to help them in their time of need with financial assistance and an array of other resources to support them through the pandemic.”</p>
<p class="p1"> The survey of Big “I” state and national agent leaders was conducted electronically August 4-12, 2020. It received 356 agent/broker responses from all Big “I” state associations.</p>
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<!--/themify_builder_content-->The post <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com/2020/09/21/independent-agencies-hit-hard-by-covid-19/">Independent Agencies Hit Hard by COVID-19</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.insurance-advocate.com">Insurance Advocate</a>.]]></content:encoded>
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