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November 5, 2014
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From UNICO HR Solutions – FMLA and Continued Benefits

Question: What benefits must be continued while an employee is on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave? What should we do with an employee who is not making his share of the copayments while out on leave? Answer: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations require that employers continue to provide group health benefits under the same terms and conditions as if the employee was actively at work. There is no requirement under the FMLA to continue other types of benefits offered by the employer. Whether or not an employee’s other benefits continue depend on an employer’s established policy. Any benefits that would be maintained if the employee was on another form of leave should be maintained while the employee is on FMLA leave. Part of the requirement to continue health insurance benefits “under the same terms” means that both the employer and employee must continue to pay their portions of the group health insurance premium, unless the employer […]
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October 24, 2014
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From UNICO HR Solutions – Benefits and Hiring a Former Temporary Worker

Question: What is the waiting period requirement for benefits after hiring a long-term temporary agency worker as a regular employee? Answer: A temporary agency employee is not an employee of the contracting company; he or she is employed by the agency and would be subject to the agency’s compensation and benefits policies as an employee of that agency. The period of time that the agency worker worked for your company as a temporary employee before he or she was hired on a regular full-time basis would not meet the definition of an “active employee” in satisfying the waiting period requirements under your group health plan. Upon hire with your company, this employee would need to meet the eligibility requirements of the plan including the waiting period required of all regular employees. If you are considering waiving the waiting period requirements to include the time he or she worked as a temporary agency employee, please review your plan requirements and consult […]
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October 23, 2014
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Cyber Security Awareness

October is officially Cyber Security Awareness month, but a reminder for consumers to review their bank statements and credit card bills to confirm that all the transactions listed are legitimate is good to remember every month. Individuals should also be vigilant when using their smartphones, tablets and other devices that store personal information digitally. Launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security in October 2004, Cyber Security Awareness month has grown to include the participation of industry experts, their customers and employees; and the general public. Experts in CNA’s Cyber Preparedness Center have shared 15 tips for companies and individuals to minimize their exposure to cyber-attacks. General Security Make sure passwords are at least eight characters long and contain both uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as special characters. Consider using a phrase to help create your password. For example, “Jack and Jill went up the hill,” becomes “J_Jwuth.” Never use the “Remember Password” software […]
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September 30, 2014
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UNITEL Recognizes Rand Moritzky

The society of Certified Insurance Counselors recognizes Rand Moritzky, National Program Director, for more than 25 years of steadfast commitment to leadership and excellence through continuing insurance education, which commitment has been manifested in outstanding individual achievement, and in the highest level of professional competence encompassing the major fields of insurance, insurance management and agency operations. Rand was recognized for a very special double milestone. He is now considered a Tenured CIC, a level of recognition achieved by less than 9% of CICs nationally. UNITEL would like to congratulate Rand on this achievement. We are thankful to have such dedicated professionals as Rand, a part of this team.
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September 17, 2014
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Common HR Mistakes Made By Smaller Companies

What Types of Mistakes Do Small Businesses Make Regarding Human Resources? Dealing with human resource issues can be challenging at times for any company but especially smaller companies. Quite often, smaller companies just don’t have the expertise or resources when it comes to making sure mistakes aren’t being made when it comes to handling employees. Management and business owners are focused on growth, customer relations, and being as profitability as possible. HR mistakes can cost companies a lot of money and many don’t realize they aren’t compliant or unaware what HR laws apply to them. It’s important that you make sure you avoid these common mistakes which can cost you a lot of time and money if they aren’t addressed properly. 1. Not Having An Employee Handbook – Employee handbooks are important for small companies too. A small business owner may not see a need for one to exist there are many reasons why one should. The employee handbook communicates […]
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September 4, 2014
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Common HR Mistakes Made By Smaller Companies

What Types of Mistakes Do Small Businesses Make Regarding Human Resources? Dealing with human resource issues can be challenging at times for any company but especially smaller companies. Quite often, smaller companies just don’t have the expertise or resources when it comes to making sure mistakes aren’t being made when it comes to handling employees. Management and business owners are focused on growth, customer relations, and being as profitability as possible. HR mistakes can cost companies a lot of money and many don’t realize they aren’t compliant or unaware what HR laws apply to them. It’s important that you make sure you avoid these common mistakes which can cost you a lot of time and money if they aren’t addressed properly. 1. Not Having An Employee Handbook – Employee handbooks are important for small companies too. A small business owner may not see a need for one to exist there are many reasons why one should. The employee handbook communicates […]
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July 25, 2014
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Health Care Reform Update

Several lawsuits have been filed by individuals and employers to challenge the ability of the federal government to provide tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to individuals in states that did not establish their own Exchanges (that is, in states with federally-facilitated exchanges, or FFEs). These lawsuits were filed in response to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule that authorizes subsidies in all states, including those with FFEs. On July 22, 2014, the D.C. Circuit Court struck down the availability of health insurance subsidies in states with federal Exchanges, while the 4th Circuit Court upheld their availability in all states, including those with federal Exchanges.that authorizes subsidies in all states, including those with FFEs. Click here to view the full article *This information has been provided by Midlands Financial Benefits, Inc.
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July 14, 2014
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How To Avoid Hiring a Work Comp Claim

One of the best ways to reduce the costs of workers’ comp claims is to avoid hiring an employee who is not fit to perform the essential functions of the job. While that may seem easier said than done, particularly in light of the many laws governing the hiring process, one tool has proven to be effective, but is underutilized. And that is the post-offer, pre-hire physical exam. Typically, this consists of a medical history questionnaire and a pre-employment physical exam. The purpose is to measure the individual’s ability to safely perform the job for which they are hired. It’s important to remember that this can only be done after a conditional offer of employment has been made and it carries with it American with Disabilities (ADA) accommodation issues if you have more than 15 employees (five in California). Also, consistency and confidentiality is critical. The exam must be required of all persons offered positions in the same job category […]
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July 8, 2014
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FMLA and Serious Health Condition for A Spouse

From the HR Experts and UNICO HR Solutions: Question- How do we certify a serious health condition for a spouse who is pregnant and not our employee when the husband seeks leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Answer- An employer may require that the need for leave for a serious health condition of the employee or the employee’s immediate family member be supported by a certification issued by a health care provider. Both the mother and father are entitled to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for the birth of their child and to be with the healthy newborn child (i.e., bonding time) during the 12-month period beginning on the date of birth. A husband and wife who are eligible for FMLA leave and are employed by the same covered employer may be limited to a combined total of 12 weeks of leave during any 12-month period if the leave is taken for birth of the […]
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June 17, 2014
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Who, What, and Why of Cyber Liability

WHO Needs Cyber Liability Coverage? Any communications company engaged in providing computer services, Internet services or those companies using the Internet in its everyday course of business. WHAT Activities Create Cyber Risk? Use of Email • Support of Webmail • Internet Service Providers • Dependence on Network Services • Electronic Storage of Customer Information • Storage of Third-Party Trade Secrets and Data • On-Line Advertising and Marketing • Web Site Design, Development & Ecommerce • Web Site Activities (Content, Links) • E-Commerce • E-Brochures/E-Catalogs • E-Bill Payment • Internet/Digital Media • Electronic Bulletin Boards or Social Interaction WHY Does My Customer Need Cyber Coverage? A General Liability policy will cover a physical injury to TANGIBLE property. Information is not TANGIBLE property. A General Liability policy also EXCLUDES electronic data. Claim Examples: 1. Trademark Liability ISPs are liable for their own activities that constitute trademark infringement. As a result, if an ISP were to advertise their services under a trademark that […]
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May 27, 2014
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Why Good Workers Do Not Work Safely

With occupational injury rates at an all-time low, it’s clear that employers have done a good job making workplaces safer. Yet, accidents and deaths do occur. While some are a result of recalcitrant employees or unscrupulous employers, injuries do happen to good workers in good workplaces. What leads such workers to make unsafe decisions and how can employers reduce the likelihood of this happening? Shortcuts It’s human nature to take shortcuts, believing we have the knowledge and know how to get the job done as quickly as possible. In today’s fast paced world that is often riddled with concerns about job security, employees tend to push even harder. The Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Study backs this up with findings that show overexertion maintains its number one ranking as the leading cause of serious non-fatal workplace injuries, costing companies over $13.61 billion in direct costs and representing over 25% of the costs of all workplace injuries. Climbing on shelves rather than […]
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May 27, 2014
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HR Tip: Mindfulness Replacing Multitasking

One of the buzzwords of the hour is “mindfulness” – being focused and fully present in the here and now. Employers such as Google and General Mills offer classes on it, as do several prominent business schools. Proponents argue that substituting mindfulness for multitasking reduces stress and increases productivity. The barrage of information and demands from digital and non-digital resources is endless. It’s easy to see the relationship to safety and accidents; a worker who trips and falls while talking on a cell phone can be a costly injury. Neurologist Dr. Romie Mushtaq says the physiological benefits of clearing away distractions and living in the moment have been documented in many scientific and medical studies. Mindfulness enhances the brain’s efficiency, creativity and sharpness, whereas multitasking depresses the brain’s memory and analytical functions and reduces blood flow to the part of the right temporal lobe, which contributes to creative thinking. She offers these tips for practicing mindfulness in a multitasking world: […]
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May 16, 2014
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Major Issues Currently Facing the Workers’ Compensation Industry

Each year, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. publishes a report that examines some of the major issues affecting the industry. It is a compilation of articles by industry specialists that offer valuable insights into Workers’ Compensation issues facing employers and other stakeholders. Contact us and we’d be happy to send you the full report. Here is a brief overview of what you will find: I. Industry Outlook An article by Stephen J. Klingel, CPCU, WCP, president and chief executive officer of NCCI is cautious about expressing a positive industry outlook for the months ahead. “While most indicators show continued improvement, it’s important to note that the combined ratio remains too high, and achieving an adequate return remains a challenge. These factors, along with the overhanging shadow of the potential loss of the terrorism backstop, add a note of caution to what might otherwise be a relatively optimistic outlook.” Peter M. Burton, CPCU, AU NCCI Senior Division Executive, State […]
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May 9, 2014
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UNICO attends the Big “I” Congressional Conference

Last month, over 1,000 Big “I” independent agents, brokers and industry leaders from all 50 states and several foreign countries converged in Washington, D.C. for the annual Big “I” Legislative Conference in order to meet with members of the House and Senate and their staff on critical issues that directly impact the independent agency system. Steve Robeson, Producer of UNICO Group, was a part of this conference. Topics covered during the meeting include; terrorism insurance, agent licensing reform, insurance regulation and tax reform. Terrorism Insurance: The current Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) expires at the end of the year. The Big “I” expressed to congress the importance of moving forward with an extension of this act prior to the expiration date at the end of this year. Agent Licensing Reform: Big “I” agents urged their federal representatives to support adding the “National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act” (NARAB II) bill to the terrorism insurance extension that will […]
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April 9, 2014
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HR Nightmares- How Can UNICO HR Solutions Help?

The human resources function in companies continues to evolve and change especially with all the complexities being thrown at companies regarding the ACA, OSHA, compliance, and other legal issues. Many companies that we work with don’t have the staff or the money to have a full-time human resources person so they turn those responsibilities over to an employee that is wearing several hats within that company. There are many instances when a complex HR issue arises and these people don’t know where to turn to get the expert guidance they need. Many companies turn to web based HR portals for information but this can only help to a certain degree. It takes time and effort to try and research the issue at hand and many times it is difficult to find the right answer to the issue they are trying to address. Some companies will have to make calls to their attorneys to have questions answered and this can be […]
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March 27, 2014
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The Key to Long Term Wellness Culture

By: Lisa Henning, Executive Wellness Consultant, UNICO Midlands New Year’s Resolution…a term we are all familiar with over the years.  This is the time when we renew our commitments and “make good” on our promises.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could always do the right thing all year instead of having to renew our promises!  Essentially, that is what culture change is about.  Businesses have changed their company culture to one where wellness is front of mind.  ALL of the companies that have been successful with culture change have strong leadership! This is a slippery slope.  While most business leaders are aware of the financial benefits of a wellness program and want to reap the benefits, few are truly willing to commit financially to a comprehensive program.  As with most things, wellness is relational…you get what you pay for.  If you purchase baggies with fold over tops, you get stale bread. If you invest in the zip close baggies, […]
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March 27, 2014
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The Key to Long Term Wellness Culture

By: Lisa Henning, Executive Wellness Consultant, UNICO Midlands New Year’s Resolution…a term we are all familiar with over the years.  This is the time when we renew our commitments and “make good” on our promises.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could always do the right thing all year instead of having to renew our promises!  Essentially, that is what culture change is about.  Businesses have changed their company culture to one where wellness is front of mind.  ALL of the companies that have been successful with culture change have strong leadership! This is a slippery slope.  While most business leaders are aware of the financial benefits of a wellness program and want to reap the benefits, few are truly willing to commit financially to a comprehensive program.  As with most things, wellness is relational…you get what you pay for.  If you purchase baggies with fold over tops, you get stale bread. If you invest in the zip close baggies, […]
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