April 2, 2014, marks the 10^th anniversary of National Employee Benefits Day. Although it may not be as widely recognized as other holidays, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans created this holiday to celebrate one of the most dynamic portions of the employee-employer relationship.

More businesses are shifting technology from standard desktops to tablets and smartphones. This means sensitive data stored on mobile devices. Unfortunately, the uptick in digital storage comes at a time when malware and phishing schemes are rampant.

After being away from my blogging desk for the last several months doing what accountants do this time of year, I’m ready to get back on my keyboard to continue my mission of singing the praises of Employee Stock Ownership Plans in general, ours in particular.

Gibson’s employee stock ownership plan (the GESOP) definitely makes an impact on all of our employee-owners and our corporate culture. Culture is a tough thing to define – it’s kind of like when you find your soul mate, and you’re asked why you feel so strongly about that person. It’s often squishy and somewhat hard to label – but you know it when you feel it. Culture is the same way for me. I just know a positive culture when I see it – it just feels right.

Did you know that one of the most important factors that contributes to workplace safety is also one of the most overlooked? Housekeeping (yes, housekeeping!) is key to achieving and maintaining a spotless record of workplace safety.

The 2013 workers’ compensation insurance market shows a few emerging & concerning patterns. With costs increasing left, right and center it is looking like the workers’ compensation landscape will be a challenging one to navigate. All together, the outlook is rather bleak in some respects.

Rates

Rates are continuing to firm up. Generally they aren’t as flexible as they previously were and what’s more; it’s looking like they will remain fixed for a long time. Also the market is getting smaller and more competitive. These factors are making workers’ compensation insurance becomes a difficult market to be trading in.

Most people carry a risk in their pocket. That's right! Your cell phone may be a problem waiting to happen.

The property and casualty marketplace evolved favorably in 2013. According to the Insurance Services Office (ISO), despite persistently low interest rates undermining insurer investment returns over the past few years, the industry experienced an increase in underwriting profits in 2013, as follows:

It’s been a cold and snowy winter and the spring thaw will soon be upon us. We’ve had record snow accumulation, which could lead to flood issues in the near future. The National Weather Service is also predicting above average rainfall during the months of March through May.

A common question this time of year is whether you need a flood insurance policy? You don’t have to be in a designated flood zone area in order to purchase a flood policy. Water backup is not flood coverage, and flood is not a peril covered under most homeowners’ insurance policies.

When Health Care Reform takes effect, companies with more than 50 employees will either offer health care benefits or face penalties. And the choice isn’t as straightforward as it may sound. In many instances companies will save money by paying the fines rather than funding a health care plan. Others will lose money if they drop coverage.

Most employers would like to offer the benefit, but it needs to be truly affordable.