UNITEL

October 21, 2015
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Cyber Security For Your Business

Question: What are some steps we can take to protect our business, employees, and customers from the threat of hackers and data breaches? Answer: Cyber security is a serious and integral part of any computerized workplace and requires your attention to prevent breaches. To best protect your business, employees, and customers, take the following steps to ensure cyber security at all levels of your business: 1. Start with ensuring that your IT professionals responsible for building and securing your information networks have the capabilities and resources for assessing and managing your IT risk and security needs. This should include, at a minimum, identifying and protecting the proprietary data that could be potentially at risk with a secure, hidden, encrypted Wi-Fi network, password protections and firewalls to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive data. 2. Create concise workplace policies that detail cyber security, how to handle breaches, and penalties for violations. Train all employees on what they can do to prevent these […]
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October 14, 2015
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Seven Ways To Create A Welcoming Workplace For Aging Workers

While many employers have an aging workforce, few are taking steps to prepare for the challenges and risks that come with the changing demographic, according to a Society for Human Resources and Management (SHRM) survey. OSHA’s current ergonomic inspection plan combines: 2015 Healthcare Initiative (expands on the 2011 Nursing Home National Emphasis Program) Inspection of workplaces in industries with significant number of injuries related to ergonomic hazards Responding to employee complaints Industries with specific OSHA guidelines include: Shipyards Poultry processing Retail grocery stores Nursing homes Meatpacking plants What employers should do The physiological and biological changes that occur with aging can lead to reduced balance and reaction time, visual deficits, less strength, endurance and flexibility, loss of hearing, susceptibility to sprain or strain injuries and soft tissue injuries, and so on. Yet, while it’s important to understand the changes that occur with aging, all older workers are not the same and their limitations should not be pre-judged. To reap the […]
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October 7, 2015
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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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August 26, 2015
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Employment Practices Liability Insurance- An often overlooked insurance policy

Virtually every business has insurance to cover a fire, theft, automobiles, and general liability exposures. Did you know if is far more likely that a company will face an employee lawsuit than the terrible effects of a fire? Almost 75% of all litigation against companies today involved employment disputes, and the typical expense of a lawsuit exceeds $250,000 in judgments, attorney’s fees and costs. Over the past ten years, an average of more than 79,000 EPL charges have been filed annually with the EEOC, resulting in more than $2.2 billion in benefits for complainants. Monetary awards increased 73% between 1996 and 2004, when the total amount awarded topped $250 million. Not only are the numbers of employment-related claims increasing, but so is the potential financial risk to your business. Defending a wrongful termination or discrimination claim whether you are innocent or guilty, or even if the claim is groundless or fraudulent can be expensive. The potential exposure for a money […]
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August 12, 2015
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UNITEL Risk Management- Online Security

Here we are starting the month of June! The half-way point of 2016. Was it not just yesterday that we were wishing each other happy holidays and looking forward to the new year? I can barely remember my new year resolutions made just a few months ago, how about you? There are a lot of things that we know are good for us, but we never get around to doing them. We know we should: Exercise more Eat healthier Drink more water Sleep more Read more books Take better care of ourselves Do our periodical health check-ups, etc. The list could really go on for a while. We often use these lists when we define our New Year resolutions or when we decide we want to have a better quality of life. I bet you have one of these lists too. And improving your online security may be on it as well, because it’s one of those things that you’ve always […]
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January 27, 2015
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HR Solutions – Employee Pay and Salary Benchmarking Tools

Question: One of my best employees is asking for a raise because he found salary data on the Internet that he believes shows he is underpaid. How should I handle the conversation? I don’t want to lose him, but I am skeptical that he is underpaid. Answer: Handling this type of discussion on such a sensitive subject can be difficult, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for a conversation with the employee about his professional needs while you get direct feedback about his view of his job and the company. Consider this approach: Involve the employee’s manager in the discussion and have him or her lead the conversation with the employee. Treat his concerns with respect and schedule time with him to discuss his issues. He may have been searching the Internet for jobs as well as salary information. Let him know that he is valuable to the company and you want to hear his concerns and review the […]
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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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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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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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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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February 24, 2014
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From the HR Experts-Final Rules for ACA’s 90-Day Waiting Period Limitation Issued –

The U.S. Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services announced the publication of final regulations implementing a 90-day limit on waiting periods for health coverage as part of the reform provisions of the Affordable Care Act on February 20, 2014. These regulations require that no group health plan or group health insurance issuer impose a waiting period that exceeds 90 days after an employee is otherwise eligible for coverage. The rules: Do not require coverage be offered to any particular employee or class of employees; Are designed to ensure that eligibility conditions based solely on the passage of time are not used to evade the waiting period limit by stating that such conditions cannot exceed 90 days; Include other permissible eligibility requirements, such as meeting certain sales goals, earning a certain level of commission, or successfully completing an orientation period; Allow provisions requiring employees to complete a certain number of hours before becoming eligible for coverage as long […]
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February 11, 2014
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ACA Update

Employers with less than 100 employees will avoid ACA Mandate until 2016 In the ever changing world of health care reform the government has announced yet another change. The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced on 2/10/14 that the Affordable Care Act’s health coverage mandate for employers with fewer than 100 employees will be delayed another year until 2016. Right now only those employees working at least 30 hours per week are counted in this tally.  That also may change as congress continues to evaluate the impact on small business. Employers with over 100 employees working at least 30 hours per week will become subject to the health coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as previously announced beginning in January 2015. If these employers decide not to offer insurance to their employees, they will make an employer shared responsibility payment beginning in 2015 to help offset the costs to taxpayers for employees getting tax […]
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January 31, 2014
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UNITEL Now Offers Innovative HR Solutions

UNITEL Insurance has an outstanding human resources service called UNITEL HR Solutions. When you need answers to touch HR questions, where can you go? Your lawyer? Friends? The web? These options either cost too much or leave you with incomplete answers. You have direct phone access to HR professionals to give you answers you can trust. •Direct access to certified SPHR/PHR consultants with the HR Hotline. Receive immediate guidance and best practices advice to handle the toughest HR issues swiftly, and get right back to business. Calls last 35 minutes on average and most are also followed up with a written summary. •Unlimited access to self-paced training with over 200 on-demand employee training courses available. •A comprehensive online HR Library which has step-by-step guides for federal and state law compliance, COBRA and FMLA and thousands of invaluable templates, forms, guides and online tools. Stop searching and start finding accurate information that applies to the situation at hand! With UNITEL HR […]
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January 8, 2014
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UNITEL Welcomes Mike Hetzel to the Team

UNITEL Insurance is pleased to announce the addition to our team of trusted advisors, Michael B. Hetzel, CHCM, CSM, CUSA as “Director of Risk Management Services.” Mike is a lifetime member and past President of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), a Certifed Utility Safety Administrator (CUSA) and a Certified Safety Manager (CSM). He will join our operations on January 6th, 2014 and begin providing specialized services for all of our communications industry clients and partners. Mike brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the communications industry that will be instrumental in helping our clients and partners reduce the potential for loss in their operations and thereby keep insurance and other costs under control. He has been involved in the independent telecommunications industry exclusively for the past 20 years at Farmers Union Insurance so many of you know him well and the expertise he brings to the table. Mike will be available to our clients and business partners […]
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