Some surprising trends will impact the workplace in 2019. Are you ready? Business writer Jena McGregor suggests some issues that HR managers and other leaders should keep on their radar screen moving into the new year. While some are obvious, she says, such as diversity, flexibility, and gender equity, other less talked-about concerns will require attention as well. … [Read more...] about Turning the Crystal Ball on the 2019 Workplace
(1/02) More Evidence That Abuse of Xanax, Valium Is on the Rise – Health Day
According to a new survey, about one in five people who take Valium, Xanax, and other benzodiazepines misuse the medications; and the use of these drugs in general is higher than previously thought. Overall, about 25.3 million adults said they used benzodiazepines as prescribed during the previous year, and another 5.3 million said they’d misused the drugs. Benzodiazepine abuse can cause workers to exercise poor judgment, experience mood changes, and increase risk-taking behavior. They may appear drowsy and have slurred speech and impaired coordination. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (1/02) More Evidence That Abuse of Xanax, Valium Is on the Rise – Health Day
HHS Releases Voluntary Cybersecurity Practices for Health Industry
New guidelines developed by leading experts offer practical ways to cost-effectively reduce cybersecurity risks. Cybersecurity is on every healthcare organization’s list of top priorities for 2019; and last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released “Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP): Managing Threats and Protecting Patients.” This four-volume publication provides guidance on voluntary cybersecurity practices for healthcare organizations of all types and sizes, ranging from local clinics to large hospital systems. … [Read more...] about HHS Releases Voluntary Cybersecurity Practices for Health Industry
The Year in Health: CDC Reviews Trends, Looks Ahead
In planning/managing benefits, HR needs to know the health risks facing employees. A new Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) analysis shows that life expectancy for Americans continues a downward trend, and mortality rates increased for seven of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. this past year. … [Read more...] about The Year in Health: CDC Reviews Trends, Looks Ahead
(1/01) The Cyber Confidence Gap –Risk Management Magazine
According to the 2018 Travelers Risk Index, cyber risks are one of the greatest concerns among businesses of all sizes in all industries. Although 91% of respondents expressed confidence that their companies had implemented best practices to avoid a cyber event, over half (55%) said they hadn’t completed a cyber risk assessment for their business, and 63% hadn’t assessed vendors with access to their data. About two-thirds of respondents said they haven’t developed a business continuity plan, and about half said they haven’t purchased cyber insurance. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (1/01) The Cyber Confidence Gap –Risk Management Magazine
(12/31) How Women Are Faring on the Financial Front – HR Executive
A new survey of American workers suggests that many women still feel like they are falling behind financially. Among the issues, the wage gap continues, with women’s income averaging about 37% less than men’s earnings. At the same time, women are spending much more time playing caregiver at home and are more likely to have children living with them. The survey also suggests that women are carrying more debt. Although mortgage debt is comparable for both genders, 25% of woman reported having student loan debt, compared to 18% of men. Overall, women expressed less confidence than their male counterparts about their ability to reach long-term financial goals such as home ownership, keeping up with healthcare expenses, and being able to maintain their lifestyle in retirement. The survey’s message for HR professionals is that workers, especially women, are feeling financial stress and may benefit from support such as financial planning guidance and debt counseling. [Read more...] about (12/31) How Women Are Faring on the Financial Front – HR Executive
Survey: More Employers Offering Health Benefits To Attract Workers
From health savings accounts to wellness programs, companies—and employees—see health benefits as top priority. According to a survey of nearly 1,400 employees and employers by Transamerica Center for Health Studies, companies are offering health benefits at the highest level since 2013. Eight-five percent of employers offer these benefits to full- and part-time employees. Benefit offers increase significantly with company size, and small business are still less likely to provide healthcare benefits. In fact, about half of survey respondents cited their company not being big enough as a reason not to offer health insurance. … [Read more...] about Survey: More Employers Offering Health Benefits To Attract Workers
(12/28) The Great Workforce Shortage – Provider
HR managers tell Provider magazine that they have a consistent need for all kinds and levels of employees, from cooks to activities staff; and that filling these vacancies is challenging in the current job market, where unemployment is low. While hiring is competitive in the post-acute and long-term care space, HR professionals say the current dearth of viable job candidates is like a “virtual Dust Bowl” unlike anything they have experienced previously. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (12/28) The Great Workforce Shortage – Provider
Survey: Analytics and AI Use on the Rise in HR
More HR leaders are using analytics and other tech solutions for record-keeping, performance management, and other tasks. This is the second of a two-part article documenting the results of the 2018 Pulse of HR Survey, which involved 300 HR decision makers in U.S. companies with 50-500 employees across a range of industries. According to survey results, HR is using technology for a variety of purposes, including record-keeping (75%) and time and attendance tracking (58%). A majority (79%) of HR professionals said automated HR solutions helped them play a more strategic role in 2018, and 77% said it helped them increase efficiency. As companies are most likely to use manual processes to integrate new employees into the organization (28%), performance management (27%), and travel/expense reimbursement (27%), there are opportunities for HR to expand their use … [Read more...] about Survey: Analytics and AI Use on the Rise in HR
(12/27) Home Health and Hospice Admissions, Utilization Continue To Rise – Home Health Care News
U.S. home health and hospice admissions continued their steady rise in the second quarter of 2018, while utilization remained steady in both sectors. Home health admissions increased 1.6% from the previous year, hitting a record high. Hospice admissions grew 3.5% in the second quarter of 2018; and utilization increased 1.5%. Read the full article. … [Read more...] about (12/27) Home Health and Hospice Admissions, Utilization Continue To Rise – Home Health Care News
