VB Buzz, Vol 1, Issue 1

Employers are being squeezed from many different directions, from competition in the marketplace to keeping their bottom line down to competition for employees in the marketplace.  While we at Kapnick cannot do anything about the competition, we can help employers with their bottom line and their attraction and retention of employees.  Voluntary benefits are a great way for an employer to increase their benefit package while keeping their costs down.

The term “voluntary benefits” encompasses a variety of plans.   Most of these products and services are benefits that the employer can make available to the employees with no direct cost to their bottom line, because they are fully funded by the employees through payroll deduction, or in some method that feels like a payroll deduction.  Many times these plans and memberships are not available for individuals to participate in, or at the very least are offered at a discount due to the employer’s sponsorship.

As an employer, the more you do for your employees, the more your employees will do for you, and having a robust benefits plan frequently ranks as the first or second most sought-after priorities for someone looking to make a job change.  By the employer providing voluntary benefits, the employee is empowered with a greater amount of choice, and they can customize exactly what they want, thus the employee ends up with a greater level of satisfaction in the overall benefits package.

Here is a quick overview of many types of voluntary benefits employers are adding:

• Supplemental “indemnity” plans, like accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity, pay cash benefits directly to an employee.
• Voluntary short and long term disability, that can be the only disability plans the employer offers, or that employees can use to supplement the employer-paid disability options.
• Life insurance – term, universal life, or whole life options
• Identity theft monitoring and restoration services
• Access to legal assistance, most services at no charge to members
• Home and auto insurance, sometimes at discounted rates through payroll deduction
• Financial wellness plans, from financial education to access to low-cost loan options in the event of an unexpected expense

TWENTY MILLION Americans suffer from Asthma. FIFTY PERCENT of those Americans have what is known as allergic asthma. It is estimated that as many as
1 out of 4 people with asthma will go untreated as they are unaware of their condition.

In 2016, OSHA will increase its workplace safety violation penalties for the first time in 25 years. The initial hike will raise fines by approximately 80 percent.

To educate contractors on how to avoid a citation, our Partners at Assurex Global developed an infographic, Avoid Temporary Worker OSHA Citations. By reading the infographic, you’ll learn about the

• Four employee classifications
• Four tests to determine employee type
• Seven methods for avoiding an OSHA audit

Read the full infographic to learn more.

Employees are flexing their green thumbs, and it's a growing trend that is gaining attention. While promoting local farmers' markets are a great option for boosting employee nutrition, as it supports well-being — a holistic view of employee health that includes social, emotional, financial and environmental aspects.

In recent years, gardening has emerged as a scientifically proven stress reliever (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/minding-the-body/201304/nine-ways-relieve-stress-gardening). Add in the nutritional benefits and it cultivates support for the social and environmental elements of well-being.

It is no secret that most workplaces are technology-driven and overly attentive to the next email, text or social media post, yet studies point to how we have a limited capacity for this "always on" mentality. Once that capacity is capped, "technology fatigue" sets in, making us more prone to stress (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-volpi-md-pc-facs/technology-depression_b_1723625.html). Thankfully, this type of fatigue is reversible. Engaging in an effortless form of attention that we use to enjoy nature—such as gardening—is a way to replenish and combat stress and fatigue.

Here are some steps to consider to get started:
•Send out a questionnaire to employees to see if there is an interest in creating a company garden.
•Create a garden committee to oversee installation and maintenance of garden.
•Find a location on the property that is sunny most of the day with access to water.
•Receive approval to use that space for a garden.
•Design your garden site (garden beds, pathways, watering system, signage, etc.)
•Develop your garden budget and fundraising plan (make a list of supplies and materials)
•Build and maintain your garden site.
•Grow your team (employee volunteers.)

If you own a car, a home, have people over to your house or participate in some type of carpool—You are a candidate.

Our go-to resource for digital forensics and cyber security, LIFARS, has provided the first Quarterly Update for 2016. In this edition, get answers to commonly asked questions about online security, including:

• Tools to ensure your personal information is not leaked
• Top software and browser extensions for protecting your privacy
• Tips for making internet searches safer
• Methods for making your social media accounts more private

Volume 1, Issue 1, Winter 2016

Developed in collaboration with our Partners at Assurex Global, we at Kapnick, are excited to announce the release of our first quarterly newsletter. The newsletter is intended to highlight issues that our high net worth clients routinely encounter. This edition focuses on the unique challenges posed by of the Internet of Things within a “smart home,” and more.

Zenefits, is a fast-growing San Francisco start-up that has attempted to shake up the health insurance brokerage industry–but just what are you getting for your money? With all the regulations, compliance issues and fines out there is this really the best choice for your company–is it worth the risk?

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A COMPARISON CHART OF THE SERVICES THAT KAPNICK OFFERS VS ZENEFITS

Recently a series of reports by BuzzFeed News reported that the company was cutting corners as they grew. According to BuzzFeed, Zenefits employed unlicensed brokers to sell insurance to businesses, resulting in scrutiny from regulators and the undoing of many of its sales.

At Kapnick we provide long-term benefit solutions that create lasting value. We take a holistic approach to our consulting, which includes topics such as health care reform and specific areas such as plan design, implementation, administration and communication of benefits. Together, with input from our specialized team members and compliance attorneys–it all adds up to a well-crafted program to help you recruit and retain top talent.

We recently featured this ad in Crain's Detroit Business.

The ad talks about how KAPNICK strive® was developed to change the wellness marketplace in the belief that improving employee health and accountability are the ideal paths to reduce your group’s health and workers’ compensation costs.