What Are Stay Interviews And Why Are They Important?

stay interview

Employee turnover can be a significant challenge for employers, as it can lead to increased costs, loss of productivity and a negative impact on company culture. Stay interviews offer a proactive approach to understanding and addressing the needs of employees, ultimately enhancing retention rates. Unlike exit interviews, which are conducted when an employee is leaving, stay interviews are conducted while the employee is still employed at the organization with the goal of identifying factors that contribute to their job satisfaction and commitment.

This article outlines best practices for employers to conduct effective stay interviews.

The Importance of Stay Interviews

Stay interviews are usually once-a-year meetings conducted with each employee and their supervisor or an HR professional. Unlike performance reviews, these meetings focus on an existing employee’s attitude toward an organization. Specifically, stay interviews attempt to discover what makes an employee want to work—or stop working—for the organization and any aspects of the company that need to be addressed to make working there more attractive. Not only can stay interviews enlighten employers about issues before they manifest into employee departures, but they also help employees feel heard, showing them that their employer cares enough about retaining them to improve workplace operations.

Especially in a tight labor market, giving employees this level of attention is critical. Even if an employee is resolved to leave, understanding their motivations can help the employer retain other employees who may feel similarly. Stay interviews enable employers to learn this information sooner and address those issues head-on.

Stay Interview Best Practices for Employers

Impactful stay interviews can help maximize employee satisfaction, engagement and retention. Consider the following best practices for stay interviews:

  • Establish clear objectives. Before conducting stay interviews, employers should establish clear objectives and goals. It’s important to determine what information should be gathered from employees and how it will be used to improve engagement and retention strategies. This may include identifying areas of dissatisfaction, uncovering potential issues and recognizing areas of strength within the organization.
  • Integrate stay interviews into onboarding. Stay interviews aren’t just for the company’s tenured employees; they can be incorporated into the 30-, 60- and 90-day milestones of employee onboarding. By gauging employee satisfaction early on, employers can proactively address any issues and make necessary adjustments. Early identification of potential problems can prevent them from escalating into larger issues down the line.
  • Create a safe and confidential environment. A safe and confidential environment is crucial to encourage open and honest communication during stay interviews. Employees should be assured that their feedback will be kept confidential and that there will be no negative repercussions for sharing their thoughts and concerns. This trust-building exercise can foster genuine dialogue and provide valuable insights.
  • Train interviewers. Ensure that managers and HR professionals conducting stay interviews are adequately trained in effective communication and active listening skills. Training should emphasize the importance of empathy, respect and nonjudgmental attitudes when engaging with employees. Interviewers should be prepared to ask probing questions to uncover underlying issues and concerns.
  • Ask open-ended questions. Open-ended questions can prompt employees to freely share their thoughts, feelings and experiences. It’s important to avoid leading questions and instead focus on topics such as job satisfaction, career development, leadership and management, work-life balance and organizational culture. Examples of open-ended questions include:
    • What motivates you to work here?
    • What aspects of your job do you find most fulfilling?
    • Are there any challenges or obstacles you’re currently facing in your role?
    • What do you like least about your job?
    • How can we better support your professional growth and development?
    • If you could change any aspect of the organization or your job, what would it be?
    • What would cause you to consider leaving the organization?
  • Actively listen and validate. During stay interviews, it’s essential for interviewers to actively listen to employees’ responses without interrupting or dismissing their concerns. Validating employees’ feelings and experiences demonstrates empathy and understanding. Interviewers should paraphrase workers’ responses to ensure clarity and show that their feedback is valued. Probing to learn more can also demonstrate authenticity.
  • Identify actionable insights. After conducting stay interviews, feedback must be analyzed to identify common themes, trends and actionable insights. Employers should look for opportunities to address areas of concern and implement changes that align with employees’ needs and preferences. They should also consider involving employees in the decision-making process when looking to make changes to foster a sense of ownership and empowerment.
  • Follow up and track progress. Following up with employees after stay interviews is crucial to communicate any actions taken based on their feedback and provide progress updates. To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of stay interview initiatives, retention metrics and employee satisfaction levels must be continuously tracked. Strategies should be adjusted as needed to ensure ongoing improvement.

Summary

Employee retention is top of mind for many employers. Keeping talent happy and engaged often starts with understanding what employees want, what they like and what they’d like to change in the workplace.

Stay interviews represent a proactive approach to employee retention, as they allow employers to gain valuable insights into the factors influencing job satisfaction and commitment. By implementing best practices, organizations can strengthen employee engagement, improve retention rates and foster a positive workplace culture. Investing in stay interview initiatives demonstrates a commitment to valuing and supporting employees and their opinions, ultimately contributing to long-term organizational success.

Contact us today for more workplace guidance.

Why It Is Important That You Understand Auto Liability Coverage

auto liability

auto liabilityAuto insurance is one of the most frequently purchased types of coverage in the United States. However, while these policies may be common, they can still be complex and nuanced. Policyholders must be diligent and meticulous to ensure they fully understand their auto coverage and have ample financial protection.

One of the most common and crucial components of an auto insurance policy is adequate auto liability coverage. Any time a driver gets behind the wheel, they risk being involved in accidents that could harm others and incur devastating financial consequences. This article provides an overview of auto liability coverage and its importance.

What Is Auto Liability Coverage?

The liability portion of auto insurance is strongly advisable and is usually required by law. Although minimum requirements may vary among states, all drivers are generally mandated to carry certain liability coverage to ensure they can pay for losses for which they are at fault.

Liability coverage can insulate drivers from significant losses affecting third parties, including the following:

  • Bodily injury—If a policyholder is responsible for an accident that injures another party, such as a pedestrian or occupants of another vehicle, this coverage can help pay resulting expenses, such as:
    • Medical bills
    • Lost wages
    • Legal expenses
  • Property damage—If a policyholder is at fault for damaging someone else’s property, such as by colliding with another vehicle or crashing into a building, this coverage can provide financial assistance to compensate affected parties and pay for costs arising from resulting lawsuits.

Most auto insurance includes three separate liability limits within a policy. These clauses establish the maximum amount of financial aid capable of being covered and generally are listed as the following:

  • Bodily injury liability limit per person
  • Bodily injury liability limit per accident
  • Property damage liability limit

Another type of coverage that could help you financially protect yourself in an accident is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage, which is sometimes sold separately as uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage, can often be added to your personal auto insurance policy to help you avoid high out-of-pocket costs if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any liability coverage (uninsured motorist coverage) or doesn’t have enough liability coverage (underinsured motorist coverage).

Ensuring Adequate Coverage

Motorists should consult with a qualified insurance professional to understand applicable auto insurance requirements. Failing to comply with relevant laws could lead to significant fines and legal penalties. Their lender may also require those who purchased their vehicles with the help of an auto loan to adhere to additional requirements.

Even if not mandated to do so, carrying sufficient auto liability coverage is strongly advisable. Without suitable insurance, an accident could lead to devastating out-of-pocket costs that jeopardize a driver’s financial situation.

It’s also essential to understand the limitations of auto liability coverage, which should not be relied upon to cover a policyholder’s own losses. Such financial assistance generally must be acquired through including additional coverages in an auto insurance policy, such as the following:

  • Collision coverage—This may help pay for damage sustained by a policyholder’s vehicle resulting from striking another car or stationary object (e.g., building, fence, tree)
  • Comprehensive coverage—This may provide coverage for incidents not included in collision coverage, such as fires, crime and severe weather.
  • Medical payments coverage—This may provide financial assistance for a policyholder and their passengers if they are injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Making Sure You’re Covered

Auto liability coverage is an essential form of financial protection for any person who owns or operates a motor vehicle. For more information or guidance regarding optimal auto insurance solutions, contact Rinehart, Walters & Danner today.

Debunking 5 Common Cybersecurity Myths

cybersecurity myths

cybersecurity mythsAlso known as IT security, cybersecurity refers to the act of safeguarding internet-connected systems, critical data and other digital assets from potential cyberthreats—threats that may attempt to exploit sensitive information, steal funds or disrupt normal business operations. In other words, cybersecurity consists of the strategies implemented to help protect people, processes and technology from cyberattacks and related losses.

Cybersecurity has become all the more important as organizations of all sizes and sectors expand their reliance on technology and other digital services in their operations. After all, cyberattacks can carry serious consequences, including damaged data and systems, prolonged business disruptions, diminished customer loyalty, lost revenue and potential regulatory concerns amid strengthening cybersecurity laws.

Even so, there are a variety of myths circulating regarding cybersecurity, many of which undermine the severity of possible threats and diminish the value of effective mitigation strategies. If organizations mistakenly assume these myths to be true, they could leave themselves increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and subsequent losses. The following article debunks five of the most common cybersecurity myths, giving organizations the information needed to better understand their exposures and implement appropriate risk management measures.

Myth #1: Cybersecurity measures are only necessary for large corporations.

Some organizations think small businesses are unlikely targets for cyberattacks, as they often have less data and funds for cybercriminals to exploit. As such, it has become a frequent misconception that adopting proper cybersecurity measures only makes sense for large corporations, particularly those that possess substantial capital and store sensitive information.

Large organizations are definitely susceptible to cyberattacks, but this doesn’t mean small businesses are immune to such incidents. On the contrary, some cybercriminals consider small organizations more attractive targets than their larger counterparts because these businesses are more likely to have weaker cybersecurity measures in place, thus simplifying the overall attack process. According to a recent study conducted by international IT services and consulting company Accenture, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, and 66% of such organizations have experienced an attack within the past year. With this in mind, it’s clear that cybersecurity measures are necessary for organizations of any size, but especially small businesses.

Myth #2: Basic cybersecurity procedures are enough to protect against possible threats.

For certain organizations, cybersecurity consists of a few basic protocols, such as deploying firewalls, installing antivirus software and encouraging employees to maintain strong passwords. While these procedures can certainly prove useful, adopting such a single-layered approach to cybersecurity probably won’t be effective in minimizing all possible threats.

For instance, basic cybersecurity protocols aren’t as successful in protecting against brute-force incidents and social engineering scams, which are some of the most common attack techniques. To put this in context, a report from multinational cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab found that brute-force attacks contribute to nearly one-third (31.6%) of all cyber incidents; meanwhile, the aforementioned Accenture study revealed that 85% of organizations have encountered social engineering scams. This means that organizations would remain vulnerable to a sizeable proportion of cyberattacks with only basic protocols in place.

As the cyber risk landscape shifts and changes, organizations’ mitigation strategies should follow suit. By implementing a multilayered approach to cybersecurity and leveraging a wide range of protective measures (e.g., multifactor authentication, endpoint detection and response solutions, email authentication technology, patch management plans and data backup systems), organizations will be better equipped to handle their advancing digital exposures.

Myth #3: Cybersecurity measures aren’t worth the associated costs for small businesses.

Small organizations may initially be less inclined to invest in cybersecurity due to the related expenses, especially considering their limited budgets. Most of the time, this stems from these organizations thinking that cybersecurity measures aren’t worth the various benefits they provide; yet, the reality is quite the opposite.

As previously mentioned, small businesses are frequent targets for cyberattacks. What’s worse, these businesses are more likely to face financial ruin in the aftermath of such attacks. In fact, global cyber economy researcher Cybersecurity Ventures reported that 60% of small businesses close their doors within just six months of experiencing a cyber incident. Considering this data, small organizations simply can’t afford to ignore cybersecurity. Investing in sufficient mitigation strategies could make all the difference in helping these businesses avoid major losses and prevent financial devastation at the hands of cyber incidents.

Myth #4: Cybersecurity is the IT department’s job.

Even when organizations make the wise decision to invest in cybersecurity, they may still make the mistake of placing all related responsibilities on the IT department. Although these professionals definitely play a role in upholding adequate cybersecurity measures, they can’t act alone. The most effective cybersecurity models involve companywide participation, which requires support from corporate executives and routine training for all employees.

Without companywide participation, organizations are more likely to have poor cyber hygiene and awareness. Not to mention, businesses that don’t take cybersecurity seriously will likely pass the same attitude to their employees by neglecting to provide essential education on digital risks. This is particularly concerning, as recent research conducted by World Economic Forum, an international lobbying organization, found that 95% of cyberattacks stem from human error.

As a result, it’s imperative that organizations foster a strong working culture that encourages everyone to take responsibility for cybersecurity. This entails having company executives lead by example, training employees to detect and defend against prevalent cyberthreats, and recognizing those who demonstrate a continued commitment to security.

Myth #5: Cyberthreats are always external.

When most employers and employees picture a cybercriminal, they likely visualize an external threat actor. Nevertheless, cyberattacks can also arise from insider threats. An insider threat refers to an individual who has been entrusted with access to or knowledge of an organization’s confidential resources and information (e.g., an employee, vendor or third-party collaborator). Due to their unique privileges, insider threats have the potential to compromise organizations’ most valuable assets and leave them more susceptible to a range of cyber incidents (also called insider events).

More than 7,300 insider events took place throughout the past year, according to research from the Ponemon Institute. Further, a recent survey conducted by IT platform Cybersecurity Insiders found that the average insider event costs over $755,000. Therefore, it’s vital for organizations to consider both external and internal threats when developing their cybersecurity measures.

Conclusion

By adopting an informed approach to cybersecurity and understanding the reality behind common myths, organizations can effectively position themselves in this evolving digital risk environment and limit the likelihood of large-scale losses. Contact us today for more risk management guidance and insurance solutions.

How To Maintain Your Heart Health During American Heart Month

heart health

heart healthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. While there are some risk factors that contribute to heart disease that you can’t control, there are also many things you can do to preserve your heart health.

Risk Factors

Here’s a list of largely preventable factors that increase your risk of heart disease:

  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having high cholesterol
  • Smoking or drinking alcohol
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having a waist measurement greater than 40 inches (for men) or 35 inches (for women)
  • Having an inactive lifestyle
  • Having Type 2 diabetes
  • Keeping a poor diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol
  • Experiencing excess stress

Mitigating Your Risks

 Use these tips to take control of your risks:

  • Do not smoke or use drugs.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise.
  • Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
  • Limit your sodium intake to between 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams per day.
  • Keep your stress levels under control.
  • Schedule regular medical checkups with your primary care physician.
  • Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.

The Difference a Healthy Lifestyle Can Make

Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, effective stress management and avoidance of tobacco slashes your risk of heart disease and premature death dramatically. By following this guidance, you can do your part to maintain your heart health for years to come.

4 Ways Artificial Intelligence Will Impact the Workplace in 2024

artificial intelligence

artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence (AI) garnered attention from every industry in 2023, revolutionizing the way organizations operate and make decisions. Many employers adopted this technology to streamline operations, enhance workflows and improve customer experience. Looking ahead, organizations are expected to adopt AI at an even more rapid pace. According to Grand View Research, AI has an expected annual growth rate of 37.3% between 2023 and 2030, indicating the growing impact of AI technology in the coming years.

In 2024, employers are expected to increasingly rely on AI to make critical business decisions and improve productivity. Savvy employers will stay current on evolving legal, ethical and transparency issues surrounding the heightened adoption of AI in the workplace. This article discusses four key impacts AI will have on workplaces in 2024.

1. Enhanced Decision-making Capabilities

In 2023, many employers adopted artificial intelligence to streamline HR and managerial functions such as hiring, onboarding, training and open enrollment. As this technology advances, employers will likely increasingly rely on AI to support HR professionals and managers in areas where they are inexperienced or burnt out. For example, in 2024, AI may be used to create thoughtful performance reviews and career coaching and identify internal growth opportunities for employees, empowering organizations to grow and upskill their workforce. 

In addition, as employers place more trust in AI’s decision-making capabilities, organizations may rely on this technology for cybersecurity. In this capacity, AI’s ability to rapidly sift through large amounts of information, gain insights and create business strategies may proactively identify and mitigate potential cyberthreats to protect company data.

2. Increased Productivity

Chatbots and virtual assistants showed significant potential in 2023, with the ability to enhance the employee experience, respond to customer inquiries, and perform mundane and repetitive tasks. These capabilities can free employees to focus on solving more complex issues more efficiently. A 2023 report by management consulting company Mckinsey & Company found that current generative AI and other technologies can potentially automate work activities that take up 60% to 70% of employees’ time today. As AI capabilities advance, these technologies may also create workplace-specific algorithms to identify project misalignments and tasks requiring immediate attention. Thus, this year, these algorithms will be increasingly used to bolster employee productivity and ensure customers receive timely and personalized feedback on complex queries.

3. Greater Focus on Legality, Ethics and Transparency

AI legislation is beginning to evolve, with various states and cities—such as Illinois, Maryland and New York City—creating laws regarding its use. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has also prioritized the enforcement of applicable federal laws concerning AI in employment. These regulations are expected to expand further as lawmakers face growing pressure to regulate its use. As such, remaining abreast of legal developments regarding AI will be crucial for organizations this year. Failing to comply with applicable regulations could result in costly lawsuits, fines and penalties, as well as reputational damage.

Employers may also focus more on ensuring that AI systems are fair and transparent. This will include understanding the sources used to train AI, potential biases in these datasets and the ethical implications of AI-powered decisions. Employee training will also be critical to ensuring safe and ethical use. A recent survey by social networking platform FishBowl found that just 32% of individuals who use AI tools at work do so with their boss’s knowledge. Moreover, according to the Josh Bersin Company, only 4% of organizations have a defined strategy for AI in HR. In 2024, employers are expected to prioritize creating formal AI policies to meet evolving legal, ethical and transparency standards.

4. Heightened Focus on Skills-based Hiring

Increased adoption of AI is expected to change the qualities employers look for in employees in 2024 and beyond. There will likely be a greater focus on hiring employees with behavioral skills, such as data analysis, AI literacy and the ability to work alongside AI systems. “Human” soft skills, such as problem-solving and communication, that AI can’t replicate, will also be in high demand. Additionally, as generative AI takes over certain workplace tasks, it will also create the need for new job roles and requirements. For example, AI ethicists, data curators and algorithm trainers may become emerging professions. AI proficiency may become a popular requisite on job postings as employers create more AI-centric business strategies. As such, the 2024 workforce will likely be defined by the ability to learn and work productively with AI technology.

Conclusion

The prevalence of artificial intelligence in the workplace is a trend that isn’t going away. As this technology advances, employers will increasingly integrate AI into everyday operations and decision-making processes. However, the relative newness of this technology has the potential to create legal and ethical issues for organizations that adopt AI without proper protocols in place. Employers can stay ahead by monitoring AI trends impacting the workplace in 2024 and beyond.

 

What You Need To Know About Fireplace And Wood Burning Stove Safety

Fireplace And Wood Burning Stove Safety

It’s safe to say that winter is here to stay along with the freezing cold. Did you know the largest source of fire in American homes comes from fuel burning appliances? That is why fireplace and wood burning stove safety is so important. 

Wood Burning Safety

Use these tips to practice fireplace and wood burning stove safety. 

  • Read the instructions for your wood burning stove and follow them carefully. 
  • Inspect the firebrick liner, if you have one. Should the liner show signs of wear, replace it immediately. Do not use that unit until the liner is replaced. 
  • Do not use flammable or combustible liquid (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, etc.) to start a fire. 
  • Burn wood recommended by the manufacturer only. 
  • Do not burn plastic, wood or garbage that has been painted or treated with chemicals. 
  • Be sure to have properly maintained smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and an approved multi-purpose fire extinguisher in your home. 
  • Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. Doing so will cause the fire to heat up which will force toxic carbon monoxide into your house. 
  • Take extra care when disposing of hot ashes. Remember that these embers may still be hot for several days. 

Solid fuel units tend to require a lot more maintenance than other heating systems. Therefore, regular inspections and care are needed to protect your home and family against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Chimney Maintenance

Both metal and masonry chimneys require maintenance so that smoke and flue gases are ventilated properly. At the very least, you should have your chimney inspected annually before each heating season. In addition: 

  • Have  your chimney cleaned on a regular basis to reduce creosote buildup. 
  • Make sure your masonry chimney has a flue liner in place to reduce the possibility that the masonry could absorb creosote. 
  • Replace cracked or damaged liners, as they will allow creosote to accumulate and heat to escape. 
  • When hiring someone to reline your chimney, only allow the contractor to use a product that has been tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 

There are two types of chimneys that require specific maintenance to maximize the dangers in your home. 

  • Fireplace inserts (hearth stoves):
    • Vent should be connected to the flue of the chimney. 
  • Factory-built metal chimneys:
    • Do not use natural gas, fuel oil vents, well casing, stovepipe or other material in the chimney, as they cannot withstand the heat in the wood burner. 

A few other tips

Do not vent more than one heater or appliance into a single flue. Doing so can cause major complications. If one fuel-burning appliance is connected to a flue and then you attach another appliance, such as a water heater, you are running the risk of the following serious problems:

  • Heavy creosote accumulation
  • Deterioration of the flue
  • Creosote blocking the lower heater vent
  • Carbon monoxide drifting into your home

 

When it comes to your home and family fireplace and wood burning stove safety is crucial. Make sure to practice the above safety tips to stay safe and warm. Now is a good time to review your homeowners insurance coverage to make sure your policy is up to day and adequate.

Click here for information on homeowners insurance.

Click here to learn more about chimney fires. 

Please share this post with others if you found this information helpful.  

Winter Driving Safety Tips Everyone Should To Know

winter driving

winter drivingLosing control of a car is undoubtedly one of the most frightening experiences behind the wheel. Unfortunately, it is a potential side effect when the temperatures turn frigid and the roads get slick with ice or snow. Being familiar with winter driving safety is critical to keep you and other drivers safe. 

One of the most dangerous winter driving hazards is skidding, which, at high speeds, could result in a nasty crash. To prevent an unnecessary skid, slip or accident, consider the following accident prevention techniques.

  • Slow down ahead of turns and curves, as this will allow you to prepare for potential icy spots.
  • When at a curve, apply power slightly to the gas and steer steadily. Do not change directions abruptly and refrain from braking suddenly.
  • Be prepared for lane changes. Check your rearview mirror and blind spot, and then signal your direction to alert other motorists.
  • When changing lanes, move over in a long, gradual line with minimal steering changes.
  • Look out for ice patches, piles of wet leaves and shady areas. These areas are skidding hazards.
  • Anticipate stops by slowing down gradually, well ahead of intersections. These areas are generally slicker than other parts of the road because of the excess starting and stopping traffic.
  • Drive at reduced speeds. Slow your speed and increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. This will allow for a larger buffer in case you start to lose control.
  • Avoid overpowering in deep snow.
  • Use a light foot on the accelerator (rather than slamming on the gas to move forward).

If You Start to Skid

If your car starts to skid, do not panic. Steer in the direction that the vehicle is sliding until you feel the wheels regain traction. Then, slowly straighten your wheels and keep rolling.

If you need to brake before your tires regain traction, apply the brake carefully so that you do not lock your wheels.  

If you have an accident

In the unfortunate event you end up in an auto accident, we are here to help. Click here to learn what to do after an auto accident or contact us by clicking here

5 Winter Wellness Tips to Help You Stay Healthy

winter wellness

winter wellnessThe winter months are notorious for bringing sickness. Influenza (flu) season begins in October and peaks between December and February. Colds are also more common during the season. Further adding to the mix of potential wintertime illnesses, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) are swiftly circulating in the United States.

Viruses transmit more effectively in cold and dry weather, increasing your chances of coming into contact with sickness. And as cold weather drives people indoors, you’re more likely to be in close contact with someone who isn’t feeling well.

This article highlights winter wellness tips for keeping you and your family healthy during the winter months.

Winter Wellness Tips for Staying Healthy

Winter can be hard on your health, but you’re less likely to fall ill when your body is taken care of. Consider the following tips for staying healthy:

  • Be up to date on vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot, with rare exceptions. This year, it’s imperative to be up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines, too, as more people gather indoors and COVID-19 safety precautions further wane.
  • Practice proper hygiene. Hand and respiratory hygiene are essential for preventing the spread of germs during winter. Wash your hands often or carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth—and always cough or sneeze into a tissue.
  • Stay hydrated. It may be easier to drink water in the summer heat, but staying hydrated in winter is just as critical. Wintertime benefits of staying hydrated include more energy and better skin protection.
  • Get enough sleep. Quality sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being, and too little sleep can wreak havoc on your immune system. Adults should aim to get at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
  • Keep moving. It’s recommended that adults engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes each week and muscle-strengthening activities two times per week. It may seem like a lot at first, but if you break it down, that’s 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. Staying on top of your fitness during winter can be challenging, but it can help your overall health this time of year.
  • Eat a healthy diet. It’s crucial to continue eating a heart-healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Eating foods high in prebiotics (e.g., asparagus, bananas, legumes and oatmeal) can also be beneficial as they feed the good bacteria in your gut.
  • Reduce your alcohol consumption. Colder weather is often correlated with increased alcohol consumption, but it’s vital to curb your intake. Not only can alcohol provoke feelings of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges, but excessive substance use can also weaken your immune system.
  • Focus on getting vitamins. Taking a daily multivitamin is the most efficient way to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs. Vitamins help your body with various critical functions. For example, vitamin D helps strengthen your bones. Since wintertime often means less sunlight, most people have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D outside this time of year. Taking a supplement may fill that gap.
  • Manage stress through self- Stress can negatively impact your physical and mental health, so make an effort to engage in activities you enjoy. Take time to unwind and prioritize your hobbies or other activities that help you relax and recharge.

If You’re Feeling Sick

No matter how careful you are, sickness happens. If you’re not feeling well, stay home and call your doctor to explain your symptoms. Since there’s some overlap between common symptoms of respiratory illnesses (e.g., flu, cold and COVID-19), it may be difficult to determine what you have. As a first step, you could take an at-home COVID-19 test.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your physical or mental health during winter.

Should I Bundle All My Insurance Policies Or Not?

bundle

bundleIf you’ve ever shopped around for insurance, you’ve likely been asked if you want to bundle your policies. In other words, combine your home or renters, auto and life insurance policies with the same carrier. Although you have the option to shop around individually for each policy, it almost always makes sense to have the same carrier cover as many of your policies as possible.

Click here to learn more about personal insurance options

Benefits of Bundling

  • The discount—Most policyholders bundle their policies because of the promise of a discount. The amount varies by provider but can generally range between 5-25 percent.
  • The option of a single deductible—With bundled policies, your deductible may be cheaper in the event of a claim that affects multiple policies. For example, if your home and auto policies are with two separate carriers, and a hailstorm damages your home and your car, you’re responsible for paying both your home and auto deductibles before receiving payment. But if you bundle your policies, your provider may offer you the option to pay only the higher of the two deductibles.
  • Less chance of being dropped—If you’ve made claims or gotten tickets, having your policies bundled with one provider can decrease the chance of them dropping you.

When It Doesn’t Pay to Bundle

It isn’t always better to bundle your policies with one insurance carrier. Here’s when it may be better to split them up:

  • If you have tickets or past claims that make your auto insurance expensive – In this case, it may be cheaper overall to buy each policy from separate providers.
  • When premiums increase—Bundling discourages people from price shopping, which makes it easier for providers to increase their rates. Most assume that you won’t go through the effort of shopping around when your policies renew.
  • If policies aren’t technically bundled—Some carriers may insure you with an affiliated company. Although you may get a discount with that company, you’ll lose the convenience of paying your premium with one familiar provider.

A Few Tips to Consider

Although discounts are the main reason people bundle their insurance policies, never assume that bundling is the cheapest option. Your needs and circumstances will dictate whether you should combine your policies with one carrier. Consider the following tips:

  • Shop for new coverage when your policies renew. Ask for the price of the individual premiums as well as the price of the bundled premium. Then you can decide whether it is worth it. Just make sure you compare the same coverage when shopping for quotes from each carrier.
  • Ask if the provider uses a third-party insurance company. Remember that you may save money but lose the convenience of dealing with one provider and a combined bill.
  • Ask an independent insurance agent to get prices from multiple companies so you don’t have to do the legwork. An agent that is loyal to a particular carrier may be able to offer discounts that you can’t get alone.

With multiple factors contributing to the price of your insurance premiums, it is important to shop around in order to get the best rate for your insurance needs. Feel free to contact us to determine if bundling is right for you and help you take advantage of all available discounts.

Safety Tips For Your Holiday Decorating Needs

holiday decorating

holiday decoratingIt’s cooling down and holiday spirit is in the air. For many, it’s time to start holiday decorating! While holiday decorating adds beauty to your home, it can also bring added risk. Trees, garlands, and lights can add extra fire hazards if not used properly. The last thing you want for Christmas is a homeowners insurance claim to deal with. But don’t worry, we have a few tips to keep your home and your family safe this holiday.

Christmas Tree Safety

  • Keep a fresh-cut tree outdoors and cover the trunk in snow, or immerse it in a bucket of water until you are ready to decorate it.
  • When you are ready to put up a live tree, cut a 1- or 2-inch diagonal off the bottom of the trunk. The new cut will help the tree to absorb water, which preserves its freshness.
  • Select a spot for the tree that is at least three feet away from a heat source.
  • Put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand with widespread legs, and keep the stand filled with water.
  • Once a tree becomes dried out, do not keep it in your home or garage, as it is highly flammable.

Holiday Lighting Safety

  • Mixing and matching lights can create a fire hazard, so keep outside lights outdoors and inside lights indoors.
  • Always buy lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, such as UL, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.
  • Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings before using them. Throw away any that appear damaged.
  • When hanging your lights, string lights together using built-in connectors. Do not join more than 200 midget lights or 50 larger lamps through one string or cord.
  • Do not connect more than three sets of lights to one extension cord.
  • Remember to unplug all decorations and lights, both inside and outside your home, before leaving or going to bed.
  • If you blow a fuse, unplug the lights from the outlet and immediately replace the blown fuse. If the replacement fuse blows again, a short circuit may be present. Throw the faulty light string or decoration away, or if it is new, return it for a refund.
  • When hanging lights outside use a ladder made of non conductive materials to reduce the risk of electrocution.

Candle Safety

  • Place candles in stable holders and in a spot where they cannot be easily disturbed.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate your Christmas tree.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended, and always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Avoid placing candles near flammable objects.
  • Keep burning candles out of the reach of children.

Taking extra precautions while decorating can be the difference between a relaxing holiday season or a tragic holiday season.

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