Do wellness programs really produce meaningful results? Many businesses and employees have their doubts. However, organizations that take a more practical view are committed to the cause. Simply put, healthy employees are more productive, absent less often, and serve clients more effectively. In June, the Wellness Council of America held its annual board retreat at the Mayo … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief: Are wellness programs worth it?
By: Richard Ollis Have you ever been held hostage or been a victim of extortion? The chances that you’ll be targeted by something like this are growing dramatically. According to a report by Intel Security, in the fourth quarter of 2015 the incidence rate of ransomware being installed on computers increased 26 percent. Ransomware is a type of malicious software … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief: Understanding the evolving risks associated with technology
By: Richard Ollis The recent San Bernardino, California shooting incident is a startling reminder of the escalating violence at businesses. Fourteen deaths and a $58 million lawsuit are just the beginning of the reaction to this event. Workplace violence is now something all businesses should assess and have a plan to address. According to the Bureau of Labor … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief: Recognizing behavior that may lead to workplace violence
By: Richard Ollis As we wind up 2015, U.S. workplace rules are beginning to smolder with more change. This past summer began with Supreme Court rulings in June that upheld subsidies for purchasing health insurance, and legalized same-sex marriage which entitles spouses to equal rights under federal and state laws. The pace of change then increased with a … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief: Understanding 2015 employment rule changes
By Richard Ollis Health insurance and health care as we know are both changing. A June Supreme Court decision regarding the Affordable Care Act and subsidies for health insurance, along with the 2012 decision regarding constitutionality, basically ensures that the ACA will survive in some form. Anthem health insurance company has announced that it intends to buy rival … [Read more...] about Bears Business Brief-What does Supreme Court decision mean for businesses and consumers?