Selecting the right health benefits is complicated for even the most educated consumer. It can be overwhelming to sift through benefits options during open enrollment and when receiving health services. If you’re not aware of how your health benefits impact your employees’ morale and productivity, you may be making a big mistake. In fact, eight out of 10 employees said they faced challenges when receiving care, according to Quantum Health ’s study. These challenges were worsened by the complexity of their healthcare benefits. If you haven’t considered how confusion toward health benefits can take a toll on employees in the workplace, keep reading. You’ll be surprised to learn what you can take away as an employer. Unexpected findings on complex health benefits The Quantum Health study tracked how employee morale and productivity were impacted by complex health benefits. The results were unexpected. The study concluded that a vast majority of consumers reported facing hurdles in the p

Wellness doesn’t need to be a huge commitment to be effective. Doing little things here and there can amount to great benefits if you keep them up. This is especially true when it comes to your health and wellness. Download our latest toolkit for five simple ways to add wellness to your routine. For additional resources regarding wellness or more information about employee benefits, our services and products, please contact HANYS Benefit Services by email or by calling (518) 431-7735. This HR Toolkit is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2022 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

They say nothing in life worth having comes easy—you have to earn it. This is especially true when it comes to wellness. Your body takes a lot of work to keep in shape, and maintaining bad habits can lead to dangerous consequences later in life. That’s why now is the best time to commit to wellness. Why is Wellness Important? Wellness means focusing on not only your physical health but also your mental and social well-being. By taking steps to improve your wellness, you can begin seeing benefits in every area of your life. For instance, quitting smoking will unarguably improve your health, but it can also soothe relations with loved ones who are concerned about the habit and save you hundreds of dollars over the year. Your wellness helps control your trajectory in life. Don’t let bad habits keep you from achieving your goals. Develop a healthy body and mind now to help get you where you want to go. What Wellness Looks Like There are plenty of ways to get healthier, like diet and exerci

An employee’s mental health includes how they think, feel and act, and includes their emotional and social well-being. While mental health includes mental illness, the two aren’t interchangeable. An employee can go through a period of poor mental health but not necessarily have a clear, diagnosable mental illness. Additionally, an employee’s mental health can change over time, depending on factors such as their workload, stress and work-life balance.  While 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually, a recent study by Deloitte revealed that less than half receive treatment. A study from the Mental Health in the Workplace Summit also found that mental illness is the leading cause of disability for U.S. adults aged 15 to 44 and that more workdays are lost to mental health-related absenteeism than any other injury or illness.  Given its prevalence, you can expect that employees at your organization are experiencing mental health challenges or mental illness. That’s why it’s so

Many individuals need help making sense of their options when receiving health services. In fact, a recent study from Quantum Health found that 8 out of 10 people said they faced challenges when receiving care. The study also noted that these challenges were worsened by benefits complexity. In other words, confusion toward health benefits can take a toll on employees in the workplace. According to Quantum Health’s findings, the vast majority of consumers have reported facing hurdles while receiving care during the past two years. These challenges include issues understanding coverage levels, locating providers and navigating the insurance claims process. Issues like these were compounded for individuals with chronic conditions—90% of whom said they faced additional challenges, such as making sense of diagnoses or test results. Here are other main findings from the study: Of the majority who experienced health care challenges, 57% of these consumers said they suffered negative impacts f

The Live Well, Work Well newsletter is an employee newsletter that is produced monthly and covers topics like health, wellness, fitness, nutrition and personal finance. This month's newsletter discusses celebrating holidays safely during the pandemic, how to reduce holiday stress and holiday decorating safety tips. Holiday traditions are important for many families, and we're about to enter the second holiday season during the pandemic. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines for safely celebrating this year's holiday season. The CDC's top advice is for eligible Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine before gathering and traveling for the holidays. Additionally, the CDC shared the following recommendations for the upcoming holiday season: Select a safe location. Consider wearing masks. Get tested as needed. Travel with caution. Download the Live Well Work Well December Newsletter to read more about celebrating holidays safely d

The crises and challenges of the pandemic have put mental health in the spotlight for employers, and 2022 should remain a critical time for workplace mental health. Employees aren’t getting a mental break as the pandemic evolves. Employers continue to work on ways to address short- and long-term mental health issues as their employees live through the pandemic. Fortunately, the mental burden of the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled more transparency and empathy around the topic, especially in the workplace. So, what is mental health? An employee’s mental health includes how they think, feel and act, and it includes their emotional and social well-being. While mental health includes mental illness, the two aren’t interchangeable. An employee can go through a period of poor mental health but not necessarily have an evident, diagnosable mental illness. Additionally, an employee’s mental health can change over time, depending on their workload, stress and work-life balance. Employers should be

No matter the company’s size, its day-to-day needs can feel overwhelming for HR leaders, especially when faced with issues like team vacations and evolving role duties—or new responsibilities due to COVID-19. On top of that, many HR departments are small—they may even operate as a department of one—and have been stretched to the brink during the pandemic. Fortunately, HR technology can help address today’s challenges by easing burdens on HR professionals, enhancing the overall employee experience, improving workflows and assisting organizations in responding to change. HR technology can seem intimidating at first; however, much of what employers use today is user-friendly. When planning how to create efficiencies in 2022 and beyond, employers can consider how current HR technology trends might create an opportunity for their workplace. 2022 Tech Trends Looking ahead to 2022, here are some ways that employers are integrating tech into HR processes or building upon their existing practic

The Live Well, Work Well newsletter is an employee newsletter that is produced monthly and covers topics like health, wellness, fitness, nutrition and personal finance. This month's newsletter discusses cold and flu season. With the fall and winter months comes flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity peaks between December and February, so now’s the time to ensure you’re prepared. Social distancing and mask mandates significantly prevented a “twindemic” last year as the flu season coincided with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Those safety measures helped prevent a majority of flu cases. However, as more states and businesses lift mask mandates and other preventive measures, the flu virus may circulate much more freely than it did last yea r.  Download the  Live Well Work Well November Newsletter  for safety measures to manage the cold and flu season, as well as tips on the importance of a good night's sleep and meal prepping. 

Health experts and many business leaders agree that vaccination is the most effective way to protect against COVID-19- related operational disruptions. Yet, a large number of workers still aren’t vaccinated. This is forcing employers to toe the line between respecting employee viewpoints and protecting their businesses. While vaccine encouragement is still commonplace, organizations are now doing more to up their vaccination rates. Specifically, they are employing a variety of incentives , penalties and mandates to get this done.  Employer Takeaway Employers will need to decide which approach to vaccination is right for them. Health experts and business leaders alike agree that employee vaccination is critical for long-term operational success; the trick is knowing how much and through which methods to pressure employees.  Reach out for employee resources to help educate and encourage workers about the importance of COVID-19 vaccines. Read the Attraction and Retention newsletter for mo

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer became the most common cancer this year, accounting for 12% of all new cancer cases worldwide. In addition, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among American women. However, some men are also at risk for breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As such, this is the perfect time to refamiliarize yourself with the following warning signs of breast cancer: The main factors that influence your risk of breast cancer include being a woman and getting older. Additional risk factors that are out of your control include genetic mutations, exposure to radiation therapy, your reproductive history and your family history. Any change in the size or the shape of the breast New lumps in the breast or underarm Pain, thickening or swelling in any area of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Nipple discharge other than breast milk Download the Live Well Work Well October Newsletter . For more

Many households were stressed about their finances before the pandemic, but the past year has remained just as challenging. As a result, many Americans are still financially stressed out, which can negatively impact their mental health. If you are experiencing financial stress, know that you’re not alone. Financial anxiety and stress can be debilitating. Consider these coping tips from the U.S. Department of Labor: Increase your financial literacy. Create a budget—and stick to it. Switch from credit to cash. Address the topic head-on. Download the Live Well Work Well October Newsletter . For more information on healthcare and employee benefits changes, contact HANYS Benefit Services by email or by calling (800) 388-1963. Further, if you’re feeling significant stress, talk to a mental health professional for additional guidance and support. This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights rese

As millions of Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and businesses resume normal operations, people are likely making plans to travel this summer. If you’re trading your staycation for a getaway, here are some tips to keep you as safe as possible this summer:  Get vaccinated. Stay domestic.  Take a road trip. Explore the outdoors.  Check travel restrictions.  Keep up with COVID-19 safety precautions. CDC Travel Considerations If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and travel within the United States, the CDC says you do not need to get tested or self-quarantine after travel. If you are traveling with young children who aren’t eligible yet for vaccination, check out these CDC recommendations. The Long-term Effects of COVID-19 It’s been more than a year since the pandemic began, and we continue to learn more about the short- and long-term health effects of COVID-19. Although most people get better within weeks, some people experience long COVID-19—a wide range of symptom

As we move into summer, many will want to exercise outdoors to stay active and get some fresh air. That’s great news, as experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Working out in hot and humid weather can put extra stress on your body; however, there are simple precautions you can take to protect yourself. Avoid the hottest part of the day. Wear light-colored clothing.  Apply sunscreen.  Stay hydrated with water. Replenish your electrolytes.  Listen to your body. Download the Live Well Work Well June Newsletter for more details on how to safely exercise outside during the summer. As always, talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise regimen. For more information on healthcare and employee benefits changes, contact HANYS Benefit Services by email or by calling (800) 388-1963. This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved

  Each quarter, the Attraction and Retention newsletter offers statistics about the employment market, suggestions on securing top talent and insight to attract and retain workers. The 2nd Quarter 2021 Attraction and Retention newsletter focuses on balancing employee heath when returning to work, provides recruiting strategies amid COVID-19 and offers tips for reducing burnout. Download your copy today . For more information on healthcare and employee benefits changes, contact HANYS Benefit Services by email or by calling (800) 388-1963. This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

  The foods and beverages you consume have a significant impact on your health. In fact, 60% of adults have one or more diet-related chronic diseases. The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) offers science-based nutrition advice to develop healthy eating habits and reduce chronic disease risk. The latest guidance provides four overarching guidelines that encourage healthy eating patterns and recognize that individuals will need to make shifts in their food and beverage choices to achieve a healthy pattern. Make every bite count and consider the following: Follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage. Customize your foods and beverages to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions and budgets.  Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages, while staying within calorie limits.  Limit foods and beverages high in added sugars, saturated fats and sodium.  Everyone can benefit from a healthy eating pattern, so start simple

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, working parents have been forced to contend with their children’s changing school routines. Unfortunately, these routines vary by school, with little universal guidance. On top of that, many schools continue to go back and forth between virtual and in-person learning. The uncertainty surrounding school routines and their impact on working parents will undoubtedly continue to have ripple effects in the workplace. Accommodation Considerations for Employers Although the specifics will vary, consider the following methods for accommodating working parents: Expanded remote work opportunities Flexible scheduling Generous time off policies Robust EAP offerings Transparent and frequent communication Download the HR Edge Q1 2021 Newsletter for detailed guidance related to working parents and additional features on the Impact of Employer Branding and Understanding Generation Z . For more human resources trends, industry insights and proactive strategies to

  Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In fact, 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. Heart disease refers to several different types of heart conditions. Coronary artery disease—caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the heart’s arteries—is the most common. Other forms of heart disease include heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmia and congenital heart defects. The symptoms of heart disease can vary, and some people may not even know they have a heart condition until they have a heart attack. Red flags include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, difficulty with speech, heart palpitations and sudden loss of responsiveness. Take Control of Your Heart Health There are certain uncontrollable factors that increase your risk of heart disease, including age, sex and family history. However, other factors that increase your risk for heart disease—such as stress, inactivity, obesity, diabetes, smoking and a poor d

Each quarter, the Attraction and Retention newsletter offers statistics about the employment market, suggestions on securing top talent and insight to attract and retain workers. The 1st Quarter 2021 Attraction and Retention newsletter looks at employment trends to watch in the new year, discusses why skills can be more valuable than experience and offers tips for crafting job postings. Download your copy today . For more information on healthcare and employee benefits changes, contact HANYS Benefit Services by  email  or by calling (800) 388-1963. This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Financial wellness is an increasingly popular topic, but there is no consensus about their value. Financial wellness is achieved when people can confidently manage their daily finances (budgeting and debt elimination) while successfully meeting both short- and long-term savings goals (emergency reserves, specific purchase, college savings, and retirement). While clear advantages and perceived value have been identified, several obstacles remain. In Assessing the Merits and Challenges of Financial Wellness , we evaluate whether financial wellness programs are a wise choice and welcome addition to the traditional employee benefits package. Why is Financial Wellness Important to Plan Sponsors? When designed properly, financial wellness programs can help employers enhance their benefits packages and realize significant cost savings by helping employees retire on time, be more productive, and enjoy better health. Recruitment and Retention -  Employers are constantly competing to attract and