Are you setting good policies and procedures in place now, before you are faced with a risky termination decision?
Do you have a reasonable accommodation policy and procedure in place?
Do you know employer requirements for proper compliance with FMLA and ADA?
Are your supervisors properly documenting performance management conversations and disciplinary actions?
Join OneGroup’s next 101 Series Webinar! Human Resources Consulting Manager Colleen Willams will cover some of the best proactive steps a company can take to reduce your risk of costly employment related claims.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a way for you to create social responsiveness through internal policies and community programs.
It relies on values and principles to dictate how your company relates to the community at large.
CSR is also a focal point of corporate strategy — helping companies become good corporate citizens and making a positive impact on society. According to the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship(BCCCC), 95% of companies have a community involvement strategy. They track participation in employee volunteer programs, offer workplace-giving programs and align the social issues they support with business priorities.
Similarly, a MetLife Employee Benefits Trends study found that more than 80% of employees believe workplace culture is important. Employees want to work for a company that is aligned with their values. They want to engage with their employer and their community in meaningful ways.
HR is uniquely positioned to have the most impact on creating a culture that supports and promotes CSR. Through your relationships with senior management, you can help establish the necessary systems and processes.
Include CSR in your vision, mission and value statements
When employees see their employer doing the right thing, they are likely to follow suit. Be sure to include elements of CSR in your vision, mission and value statements.
A mission statement shares the purpose of your company and the impact you want to have on customers and employees. If part of your CSR strategy is limiting your carbon footprint, include that in your statement.
A vision statement expresses your intent through uplifting statements that support your goals. If part of your CSR is to value diversity, share that in your statement.
A value statement identifies how you do business and shares your perspectives on what behaviors are important to you. If part of your CSR is to behave ethically, state that as one of your core values.
Establish an employee code of conduct and programs that support CSR goals
Educating employees about your commitment to being a good corporate citizen begins before they even walk through your door. CSR initiatives should be included in recruitment materials and on your public website.
Once an employee is on board, they should understand CSR is a strategic element of their success:
Include ethical behavior in your employee code of conduct. Ask employees to sign off on the document.
Highlight CSR initiatives during orientation. Invite tenured employees to share their experiences.
Provide training on business practices that affect the environment like recycling and working remotely.
Address policies that tackle social issues like diversity and harassment.
You may also want to hold team-building exercises that reinforce CSR values. Create activities and programs around issues that your employees are passionate about. Be sure to provide a clear link to your goals for community involvement.
Develop policies that encourage CSR
Not everything about CSR has to revolve around volunteer hours and dollars. Many of your policies can address CSR, including:
Social issues
Diversity
Sexual harassment
Work-life balance
Wellness
Environmental issues
Transportation
Telecommuting
Recycling
Energy efficiency
You can also adopt policies that support employee endeavors to improve themselves. Encourage self-care, support stress management programs, promote healthy lifestyles and endorse behaviors that uphold your corporate values.
Communicate with employees and promote CSR success
Employees should understand what you are trying to achieve with CSR. Share your objectives and goals with them. Publish information regularly on internal message boards, blogs, wikis, team meetings, webinars, newsletters, emails and voicemails — any way you can get the message out.
Your CEO and other senior managers should echo the corporate message. Encourage them to share the causes they support and why. Is the CEO also the coach of her son’s lacrosse team? Does the chief financial officer serve at a soup kitchen every month?
In addition, actively measure the success of your program. Report the number of hours volunteered and the dollars donated, as well as data such as employee retention rates and satisfaction levels. All of these numbers can help prove the value of your program.
If you need help designing a CSR program or want more information about how it could help your company, talk to your broker or benefits adviser. They can help you create a culture of CSR in your organization that builds up your employees and your community.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
Maybe you’ve been unlucky enough to be involved in a small fender-bender – only to be involved in a multiple-car smashup a short time after.
Anything is possible, which is why we have auto insurance in the first place. The problem is, filing multiple claims with your insurance company has consequences — usually in the form of higher insurance rates.
Let’s first define “multiple claims.” As long as the claims have been filed within a three-year period, they are considered “multiple.” The nature of the claims determines whether you’ll face a rate increase only or non-renewal. There are typically two types of claims: at-fault claims and comprehensive claims.
At-fault claims are considered the most damaging. As the name implies, at-fault claims are those that are caused by you, after an investigation. Keep in mind that at-fault claims don’t always involve multiple cars; you can be at fault in a single-car accident as well. In any case, two at-fault claims within three years are grounds for non-renewal with many insurance companies. Since your driving record follows you, your next insurance company will consider you high risk as well, and your insurance rates will reflect it.
Comprehensive claims are a little different. They are the result of events other than collisions and outside of your control, such as vandalism, theft, windshield damage or damage caused by natural events. For many insurance companies, multiple comprehensive claims won’t typically affect your insurance rate unless you file more than three within three years. Other insurance companies charge per comprehensive claim.
Multiple claims also may affect your deductible if they’re filed very close together. For example, you may already have a cracked windshield when a tree limb falls on your car. Both are comprehensive claims but are separate incidents, meaning that you’ll have to pay two deductibles if your policy has a deductible on comprehensive coverage. If, however, your car suffered a cracked windshield and a fallen tree limb as the result of a single storm, your carrier may charge a single deductible.
Driving mistakes and unforeseen accidents do happen. Be prepared for the insurance aftermath by reviewing your policy with your insurance professional. Understand what you’re responsible for in case of multiple accidents or events, as well as how your insurance company will handle them and to what extent they will affect your rates going forward.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
As an accountant, CPA or tax preparer, what happens if you miss a filing deadline, or your advice leads to significant financial loss for your client? What if you do everything correctly but your client blames you for a financial loss?
Tax law is more complex than ever before, and clients have become more sensitive to stakeholder demands for precise and comprehensive accounting and tax filings. The government is on the prowl for failures, and industry regulators are ready to add to the misery if their members are determined to have systemic problems. Reporting errors, conflicts of interest, fudged books and failed oversight are all on the minds of audit committees and government officials. Even personal clients have increasingly complicated financial issues. More than ever, you must protect your accounting and tax preparation business from claims you failed in your duties.
It isn’t enough to follow risk management best practices. You must also consider ways to transfer some of your financial loss exposure to an insurer. Let’s look at the most important coverages for your company, including some that might seem ancillary but are increasingly crucial.
Cybersecurity/cyber liability. Since you store and transmit considerable amounts of personal and financial information online, cyber insurance is critical. It can help pay expenses resulting from a data loss or cybercrime, including the cost to investigate the breach, recover files or pay damages. You can even use it to cover public relations expenses to repair your reputation.
Employee crime. Because of your day-to-day involvement in finances, your business can be an attractive target for dishonest characters. This type of policy will protect you financially if you have employees and they are involved in (or accused of) theft, embezzlement, forgery, computer fraud or illegal fund transfers.
Umbrella insurance. As suggested by its name, an umbrella policy extends coverage by picking up where your primary insurance leaves off. Once you hit the limit of your primary policy, your umbrella insurance provides additional compensation. It’s a low-cost way to reduce your losses if you are found liable for a very expensive claim.
Business income. If you suffer a covered loss that prevents you from conducting business, business income insurance safeguards you from losing income while your business recovers. A covered loss might include a fire in your office, which would fall under your commercial property policy.
Essential Coverages
No accounting firm, CPA or tax preparer should operate without professional liability, general liability or commercial property insurance. And if you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is worth consideration, even if it isn’t a requirement for your business.
Professional liability
The list of professional errors is vast but includes conflict of interest, missed deadlines, calculation errors and accusations of fraud. Even if you follow every legal requirement and offer sound financial advice, clients may sue you. They may claim you failed to carry out your professional responsibilities, provided the wrong advice or were not clear enough with your recommendations.
The cost of defending yourself against lawsuits and any resulting penalties can be significant. Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions, provides financial protection for your business if you are accused of negligence or error.
If you are sued, this coverage will help with your defense expenses and legal fees, as well as resulting judgments if you are found at fault. Many policies cover the cost of document production and other preparations or investigations for your defense. Of course, if it is determined that your actions were malicious, dishonest, criminal, or illegal, your insurance will not apply.
When it comes time to retire, tail coverage will protect you by extending your last policy to cover any claims filed in between the date your policy expired and the date the claim was filed. This protects you in the case that any errors are discovered past your policy expiration. Tail coverage is also used for events like leaving private practice, disability, or death.
General liability
General liability insurance, also known as commercial general liability, protects you if a third party blames your business for bodily injury, personal injury (such as slander) or damage/loss of personal possessions. The third party can be a client, visitor, or supplier.
Even if you operate from your home, you need this insurance if people come to your home for business, even just to drop off paperwork. Remember, a casual comment about a client or their account can result in a claim if it’s perceived as inappropriate or damaging.
Commercial property
This type of policy protects any physical assets you own that are used for business. These may include office furniture, computers and other technology, and the building itself. If you rent space, the landlord will carry insurance for the building, but you still need insurance to protect your other business assets. If you work from home, your homeowners policy will not cover your business assets, so you’ll need a commercial policy for full protection.
Ask your insurance professional if any additional insurance is needed to cover damage that may result from excluded events common in your part of the country or area. Examples include earthquakes, wildfires, windstorms, flooding, and water or sewer backups.
Workers’ compensation
Some insurance professionals will group general liability, commercial property and business income into one policy called a business owners policy, or BOP. And in some cases, your agent or broker might suggest program policy designed specifically for accounting firms, CPAs or tax preparers. These are often good ways to compile a solid suite of coverages at an affordable price.
If you have employees (not independent contractors, who are responsible for their own insurance), you may need workers’ compensation insurance. Your agent or broker can discuss specific guidelines based on your state laws. Workers’ compensation covers medical care and lost wages resulting from workplace injuries. And lest you think financial professionals could never have such a claim, remember that back issues and carpal tunnel are quite common.
For more information
For more information, please contact Rina Corigliano-Hart, Director of Client Engagement and Outreach, at RHart@OneGroup.com.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
Does your company have independent contractors? If so, pay attention. On Jan. 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new independent contractor rule (2024 IC Rule). This rule will impact how you classify workers, as either employees or independent contractors, going forward. The 2024 IC Rule is set to take effect on March 11, 2024.
How will the new independent contractor rule affect you?
The new rule will affect a wide range of businesses large and small. It applies to workers in all industries.
According to the rule, employers must consider the following six factors before classifying a worker as an independent contractor:
The worker’s opportunity for profit or loss
The resources the worker has invested in the work
The degree of permanence involved in the working relationship
The degree of control the employer has over the worker’s activities
The extent to which the work performed is essential to the employer’s business
The worker’s skill and initiative
No single factor has predetermined weight in the eyes of the DOL, and no single factor can determine whether a worker is properly classified as an employee or an independent contractor. In addition, other factors may be relevant based on the unique circumstances of the worker and the working relationship.
Generally, the key question to consider is whether a worker is economically dependent on the employer, as they would be under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If someone is in business for themselves, it tends to support a finding of independent contractor status.
Can a worker waive their right to be classified as an employee?
Whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor is based on a legal analysis. A worker cannot waive their status, even by the terms of a written agreement with their employer.
How is the 2024 IC Rule different from the previous rule?
The 2024 IC Rule rescinds a prior rule from Jan. 7, 2021. The 2021 IC Rule was a short break from longstanding opinions about classification distinctions. In summary, the 2024 IC Rule changes the interpretation of worker classification in the following ways:
It returns to a “totality-of-the-circumstances” analysis of worker classification. This is a moreholistic way of analyzing the economic realities of a worker’s situation.
It considers the resources a worker has invested in their services as a separate factor.
It considers scheduling, remote supervision and a worker’s ability to set their own prices.
In overturning the 2021 IC Rule, the 2024 IC Rule has reinstated decades-long precedent interpreting theFLSA.
The 2024 IC Rule will bring judicial decisions back into line with case law released before the 2021 IC Rule. As employers and their counsel look to verify that their worker classifications comply with the law, the 2024 IC Rule will provide greater clarity.
When does the 2024 IC Rule take effect?
The 2024 IC Rule is set to take effect on March 11, 2024. The effective date comes after a comment period in which the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division considered feedback from various stakeholders. These include businesses, attorneys and special interest organizations.
Why did the DOL pass a new rule?
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su has identified worker misclassification as a serious problem within the labor force. She has stated that misclassifying employees as independent contractors “deprives workers of basic rights and protections.”
The purpose of the new rule is twofold:
To provide guidance on proper classification for employers
To combat worker misclassification, which negatively impacts workers’ rights to minimum wage, overtime pay, health insurance and other employment benefits
What are the limitations of the new rule?
While the 2024 IC Rule applies to all employers regardless of size, it only applies to worker classification under the FLSA. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) maintain different standards and have separate case law regarding the difference between employees and independent contractors. The FLSA is interpreted by the DOL, while the IRC and NLRA are interpreted by separate federal agencies.
You should also keep in mind that your state may offer worker protections beyond the provisions of the FLSA. If a state you operate in has a law that provides greater protection than the FLSA, those standards will prevail in matters of overtime pay, minimum wage or similar worker protections.
Still have questions about the 2024 IC Rule? Contact your OneGroup or your legal counsel.
Businesses of all sizes, in all industries and in all geographic locations in the U.S. must comply with the 2024 IC Rule. If you employ independent contractors or will in the future, keep an eye on the classification process used to designate your workers’ status.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
“As a woman who represents a diverse background and situation, I think it is vitally important that stories like mine are told. Because there are not a lot of us.” – Dr. Shanelle Dawson, ACCESS Global Group
ACCESS Global Group is a MWBE certified consulting and coaching firm that specializes in assisting organizations in recognizing the value that stems from embracing diversity.
They offer a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. From conducting comprehensive interviews and assessments to developing customized presentations, workshops, and training opportunities, they work closely with businesses to identify areas where diversity and inclusion can be strengthened. Whether through educational programs, policy development, or cultural awareness initiatives, they aim to create an environment where every voice is heard and valued. – accessglobalgroup.com
ACCESS Global Group began as an educational consulting firm, focusing on equity for every student and ensuring students have what they needed to be successful in the classroom. From there, the group expanded its focus more broadly on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) while still in the education sector. ACCESS Global Group then began to expand into all spaces, where any type of organization can use their expertise in project based, people based, and product design.
The group is present in many industries such as manufacturing, life sciences, healthcare, media, telecommunications, government, public service, education, and many more.
Image Source: www.accessglobalgroup.com
The goal of ACCESS Global Group being present in a variety of industries, is to bring a sometimes-new perspective to those spaces. This new perspective can help companies see blind spots they might not even know exist.
However, not all their services are geared towards D.E.I. For example, ACCESS Global is also a great resource for businesses to ensure company-wide trainings are rolled out correctly and are effective for every employee.
“I had spent the past 20 years telling our company why we didn’t need to do this and now, after these three activities that you and I have done… it’s not what I thought it would be and I regret not doing it sooner.” – Attendee, ACCESS Global Group training
Founder, President, and CEO of ACCESS Global Group, Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson began as an educator from Southern California. Combining her expertise in project planning, policies and procedures, onboarding, offboarding, soft skills training, community engagement, community involvement, and her passion for D.E.I. she founded ACCESS Global Group.
“I really do love the work… If one person says to me, ‘hey can I meet with you after the presentation?’ Then I know I said something that resonated with that one person, that’s important to me.” – Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson, ACCESS Global Group
Dr. Dawson is personally invested in students representing diverse backgrounds and experiences and supporting them in attending universities with programs they are interested in without being limited by cost.
Dr. Dawson is currently in the process of developing a program called W.E.B. This program focuses on women’s wellness, equity, and business development.
“I believe when women are able to take charge of their circumstances, we can actually transform our communities.” – Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson, ACCESS Global Group
Additionally, she is an avid yogi, occasional runner, and a mental health advocate.
ACCESS Global Group is looking forward to growth and expanding the brand in the coming years, one of Dr. Dawson’s biggest goals for the next five years is to, “purchase a five-story building in downtown Syracuse to convert to my office, living space, and other shops.”
“When I think of Upstate, NY, I think of opportunity. I’m not sure I would have opportunity in Southern California. I believe that this area is very welcoming to people willing to bet on themselves and make the world a better place and serve here.” – Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson, ACCESS Global Group
ACCESS Global Group has been a client of OneGroup since 2023.
“OneGroup definitely makes life easy. The ability to have someone(s) assigned to make sure my business and personal needs are met, guide me, and answer questions… it’s amazing.” – Dr. Shanelle R. Dawson, ACCESS Global Group
OneGroup is proud to support small and emerging businesses through our OneSelect program. Click here to learn more about the program and to connect with one of our experts.
To learn more about ACCESS Global Group and the work they do, click here.
Do you ever wonder whether you should worry about flooding?
Well, consider that more than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You certainly don’t have to live in a coastal area to be affected by flooding. Anyone who owns a home near a body of water, including lakes and streams, is vulnerable.
In addition, if your community is experiencing overbuilding, dealing with an antiquated sewer system or has severe weather, you’re also at an increased risk of flooding. Floods are the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster, causing millions of dollars in damage annually.
How can you lessen your risk? Flood insurance is a particularly valuable option, especially because homeowners and renters policies typically do not cover flood damage.
A smart choice
It doesn’t take a national disaster declaration for flood insurance to be used. When you consider that just 1 inch of water in your home could cost more than $27,000 in damages, according to FEMA, the benefit of having flood insurance is well worth the cost of the policy.
What exactly is flood insurance? It’s a special policy that is federally backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a program created when the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 was passed.
NFIP provides affordable insurance to property owners, renters and businesses, and is designed to reduce the socio-economic impact of disasters. What’s more, many private insurance companies have entered the market in recent years, so there are other options for obtaining flood coverage besides the NFIP. And some insurance companies even offer greater coverage than NFIP for about the same cost.
What the NFIP covers
NFIP policies cover damage from overflow of inland or tidal water, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source and mudflow. Simply put, direct physical damage to your home or your belongings as a result of a flood is covered. For example, damages caused by a sewer backup are covered if the backup is a direct result of flooding. If, however, it’s caused by another problem, the damages are not covered.
How to buy flood insurance
To purchase flood insurance through the NFIP, contact your insurance professional, as you cannot buy flood insurance directly from the NFIP. Keep in mind that NFIP flood insurance rates don’t differ from company to company or agent to agent.
Here are 10 important questions to ask about flood insurance.
Does my community participate in the National Flood Insurance Program? Flood insurance from the NFIP is only available in participating communities, but most communities do participate. Your insurance professional can tell you if your state and community participate.
Do I qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy? Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) is a Standard Flood Insurance Policy(SFIP) that offers low-cost coverage to owners and tenants of eligible buildings located in certain moderate-risk zones in the National Flood Insurance Program.
What flood zone do I live in? What is my property’s flood risk?
Is flood insurance mandatory for my property? Will the lender require it?
Will the federal government back my flood insurance policy?
How much coverage should I get for my home/building and for my belongings?
How can I reduce the cost of my flood insurance?
Are there additional expenses or agency fees?
Will my policy provide Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value? Actual Cash Value is equal to the replacement cost minus any depreciation (ACV = replacement cost – depreciation).
Who should I call if I have a flood claim?
Your insurance professional is a valuable resource
When shopping around for flood insurance, your insurance professional can point you in the right direction. Flood insurance is an absolute must if you live near a body of water. Even if you don’t, it’s still an important safeguard, as heavy rains, overbuilding and outdated sewer systems can make flooding a problem just about anywhere. Flood insurance is a smart option to protect against financial damage to your home and valuables.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
Many people rent homes at some point in their lives, from college students in their first off-campus apartments to retired couples who are downsizing. If you’re a new renter, you might not be clear on what renters insurance is and whether you need it.
Find out what a renters policy covers and how it can protect you in unexpected (and important) ways.
The basics of renters insurance
Renters insurance has three main components:
Personal property coverage. Renters insurance covers the contents of your residence including clothes, furniture, dishes, (most) bicycles, TVs, computers and other electronics.
Liability coverage. The liability component might be the biggest reason to get renters insurance because it can protect you from huge financial losses. Renters insurance can cover you if you’re sued by someone injured in your home or if your dog bites someone outside your home.
Additional living expenses coverage. If you cannot stay in your apartment after a fire, a burst pipe or another disaster, this coverage will pay for temporary lodging.
Here are 11 other key facts you should know about renters insurance:
Renters insurance costs less than $25 per month — The average renters insurance premium is $179, according to NerdWallet. Your specific premium will depend on a number of factors, including where you live and the type of coverage you choose.
Named perils — Standard renters policies cover named perils, or events that may damage your possessions. These include fires, lightning, windstorms, hail, smoke, vandalism, theft, freezing, and damage from aircraft, vehicles and riots.
Deductibles — Deductibles for renters policies tend to start at around $500 and can go up to $1,000 or $2,000, according to the finance site The Simple Dollar. Higher deductibles tend to mean lower premiums but also higher floors before coverage kicks in.
Belongings away from home — Your belongings are covered away from home for the perils listed on your policy. If a thief swipes your luggage from a hotel room, you are covered. This off-premises coverage is usually limited to a portion of your total coverage for personal belongings, such as 10%, according to NerdWallet.
Car interior — If you keep personal belongings like books in your car, your renters insurance policy may cover them.
Landlord requirement — A landlord’s insurance covers their property (the building and grounds), but not your belongings in it. A growing number of landlords require tenants to purchase their own renters insurance policies to reduce potential liability at the landlord’s end.
Actual cash value versus replacement cost value — Something to take into consideration is actual cash value (ACV) or “replacement cost value” (RCV) coverage for your belongings. ACV is what the item is worth right now. ACV is generally less than the amount it would cost to replace the item. For this reason, RCV coverage tends to be more expensive. But RCV also provides you with more protection than ACV coverage.
Roommates must be named — A renters insurance policy will not extend coverage to any of your roommates unless their names are specifically written in the policy. Though it’s not recommended, sharing a renters insurance policy with your roommate is possible. However, most insurance professionals suggest getting your own customized policy to fit your particular needs.
Floods aren’t automatically covered — Standard renters insurance policies exclude damage to your possessions from flooding (this is true of homeowners policies, too). You can get a separate flood coverage policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from some private insurers.
Earthquakes aren’t automatically covered — As with flooding, standard renters policies do not cover earthquake damage. You can get earthquake coverage from a private insurance company; renters in California can get coverage from the nonprofit California Earthquake Authority (CEA).
Floater — A floater is a separate policy that provides additional coverage for more costly valuables if they are lost or stolen. If you have expensive jewelry, collectibles, sports equipment or musical instruments, consider adding a floater to your policy to protect against their loss.
Know the facts
Don’t make the common but costly mistake of thinking your landlord’s insurance protects you and your belongings. It doesn’t. The time to secure your renters insurance is now, before a major calamity occurs.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
If there is occasional friction among your team members, rest assured you’re not alone. In fact, because we spend so much of our time at work — most often with others — there’s bound to be some level of conflict. Conflict isn’t necessarily a bad thing — it can help us understand different points of view and perspectives. Learning how to work through conflict is a life skill, and its value is something you can provide to your employees.
Why team conflict occurs
Your team members likely have different backgrounds, experiences and skillsets — and that’s part of what makes a diverse team highly effective. But, those differences can also lead to differences of opinion. As a leader, your role is to help your team discuss differences, overcome any conflict and reach a decision collaboratively.
Team conflict can be a detriment if leaders don’t step in and mediate. Conflict in the workplace can happen when there is:
Disagreement over positions, opinions or strategies
Mistrust or poor communication
Personal agendas
Personality differences
Unfair treatment between employees
How to resolve team conflict
Recognizing and resolving team conflict before it escalates into a tense situation is an essential role of a leader. Conflict resolution takes time and skill. Rather than focusing on a quick fix, take the time necessary to turn around a challenging situation or work environment and create a harmonious, productive environment. Use this three-step process to help your team work through differences and reach a mutually agreeable outcome.
Step 1: Acknowledge the conflict
Ignoring the problem certainly won’t make it go away, so begin by acknowledging the conflict. Then, ask each team member to:
Agree to the cooperative resolution process. You won’t get anywhere if everyone doesn’t agree to be civil and agree that resolution is the best path forward.
Keep communication open. After you have spoken to each team member individually (if needed),come back together as a group and ask each person to begin open communication and active listening. Doing so reinforces respect and trust in the team.
Step 2: Understand the situation
Once everyone has agreed to do their part to seek resolution, you’ll need to work to get to the bottom of the conflict. This is not a blaming opportunity or a he-said-she-said situation. Ask each individual team member to:
Take a stand. Each person should feel supported and safe when candidly explaining where they stand in relation to the conflict. This step allows each person involved to share their view of the situation.
Take a step back and consider a different perspective. You may need to speak with each person individually if emotions are high. Encourage them to describe what the other person’s perspective is— this helps build understanding and empathy. This step should work to validate differing opinions, not personally attack another’s viewpoint.
After you have gathered the facts and opinions about the situation, you should bring the team back together as a group. Outline the information as objectively as possible before opening the floor for discussion.
Step 3: Reach resolution
Once you have shared the facts and opinions during individual and small group discussions, it’s time to work toward reaching a resolution. The team must use the facts of the situation to work through the conflict and come to a resolution that is agreeable to all. Identify strategies that blend opinions and input for a better solution to the original problem.
Examine what led to the conflict. Was there a breakdown in communication? Did someone not follow standard procedures? Is there a personality conflict?
Remember, the team is looking to you as a leader to bring stability, collaboration and common ground. You can help guide the team to determine what can be done in the future to help move the team forward more productively and effectively. By productively managing conflict, your team will better understand each other and trust one another’s intentions.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
If you construct commercial or institutional buildings, you know the market for new construction has had its ups and downs.
Contractors benefited from an uptick in commercial and multifamily starts in 2021 and 2022 only to see demand fall in 2023 due to rising interest rates and tight credit.
According to construction market research company Dodge Construction Network, higher interest rates, increased energy costs and continued political uncertainty mean a “return to broad-based growth in construction starts is still some time away.”
Contractors must also contend with building material inflation, a skilled labor shortage and catastrophic weather events. Transferring some of your financial risk can make the difference between surviving an adverse event and jeopardizing your company’s future. Here, we’ll look at some of the most important contractors insurance coverages you should consider.
Liability coverage is essential
One major lawsuit could be catastrophic for your company. Many things can go wrong on a project, from design mistakes and faulty workmanship to injuries and fires. You may also have additional risk exposure from your use of multiple subcontractors.
Commercial general liability (CGL) is a baseline policy all contractors need. CGL covers claims of property damage, bodily injury and personal injury to non employees. It helps with medical expenses, property damage, attorney fees, judgments and settlements.
The owner of a project will usually require the general contractor to have CGL coverage. Most general contractors also require proof of coverage from their subcontractors. And banks usually require contractors to have CGL insurance to get a loan or line of credit.
Bear in mind that CGL insurance by itself doesn’t cover workers if they’re injured on the job. For those types of claims, you’ll need workers’ compensation insurance. CGL doesn’t cover professional or employment practices liability, either. You can purchase these types of coverage separately.
If you’re a general contractor, you’ll want to make sure the subcontractors you hire, particularly critical-path subs, carry sufficient liability coverage. One way to ensure that everyone who works on a large project is adequately covered is to use a wrap-up policy, or controlled insurance program.
A wrap-up insures your company and your subs. Either you or the project owner can purchase the policy. Wrap-ups usually include CGL and workers’ comp and may sweep in other policies you need for a job. The advantage of a wrap-up is that you or the owner controls the coverage. This can give you peace of mind while reducing the overall insurance costs for the job based on economies of scale.
Commercial auto and property insurance
You’ll need commercial auto insurance for your trucks and vans. Commercial auto covers costs from property damage and liability. You may also need insurance for heavy equipment and machinery. Commercial coverage allows you to name your employees on your policy as additional insureds so they are financially protected when they are operating your vehicles.
Pricing for commercial auto coverage depends a lot on your fleet’s loss history. Safe driving is the key to holding the line on premium increases, so consider instituting a safety program and monitoring driver behavior through telematics.
As you weigh your risk management decisions, be aware that premiums have increased considerably. Your agent or broker can negotiate with insurers to get the higher insurance limits required for large projects, as well as the best terms and prices.
With all the uncertainty in the commercial construction market, be sure you’re well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities when they come along. Make risk management a key aspect of your planning. Securing the appropriate protection takes time, but it will pay off if you have a large claim or loss.
Commercial property insurance covers your business property, including buildings, office equipment, computers, furniture, supplies, tools and materials. Check the types of perils your policy covers and whether your limits are high enough.
Most property insurance policies only cover items located at your business address. You’ll probably need to purchase a separate inland marine policy to cover tools and equipment you transport to and from job sites.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance is essential for any contractor who has employees. It’s required by law in nearly every state. You can usually purchase it in the standard insurance market. Some states have their own purchasing arrangements, and most offer coverage through assigned risk pools if you are declined by regular insurance companies.
Workers’ comp provides benefits if one of your employees is hurt on the job or becomes sick from work-related exposures. Many health and safety programs are designed to help construction companies lower their workers’ comp premiums. Adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and state regulations is a good first step. By making safety awareness part of your work culture, you can reduce accidents and your workers’ comp premiums.
Builders risk insurance
Builders risk insurance, or course-of-construction insurance, covers hazards from ground-up construction as well as renovations and remodeling. Builders risk allows for multiple insureds on one policy. Usually the owner, general contractor, subcontractors, architect and lender are named on the insurance contract, depending on who has a financial interest.
Builders risk covers property losses for building materials, supplies and equipment while on-site or in transit. Like a property insurance policy, builders risk protects against many perils, including theft and vandalism, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, lightning, explosions and sewer backups. The coverage remains in force until the project is completed.
Builders risk policies can cover soft costs, such as additional interest on a loan if the project is delayed.You can also add loss-of-earnings coverage to protect against lost income if a commercial building doesn’t open on time.
Understand that builders risk losses have increased in recent years, especially due to natural catastrophes. This has led to higher premiums and constrained availability of coverage.
Surety bonds for large projects
Many commercial and most institutional projects must be bonded. Almost all public projects require bid and performance bonds, which protect the owner (obligee) if the contractor (principal) defaults. Surety companies, which are regulated by state insurance departments, issue these bonds based on their examination of a contractor’s financials, past job performance, managerial experience and capacity to take on new projects.
Underwriting for bonds is usually extensive. You’ll be asked to provide the following:
CPA-prepared financial statements going back several years
Tax returns
Balance sheets
Work-in-progress schedules
References
Letters of recommendation
Bonding is important because it ensures the contract will be executed as agreed to by all parties. In the event of a default, the surety company will step in and take over the project. An insurance agent who specializes in bonding, known as a surety bond producer, can help you secure a surety bond.
Work with an insurance professional
Insurance for contractors requires knowledge of the construction industry, including the opportunities and constraints in the insurance market. Working with an insurance professional can save you time and help you get the best financial protection.
Learn More
To learn more reach out to Brett Findlay, Senior Vice President Business Risk Specialist at BFindlay@OneGroup.com.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.
