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. This edition discusses varying return-to-work strategies, provides tips for strategic recruiting and offers ways to improve employee mental health.  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 Environmental Working Group's 2021 Dirty Dozen List Is Here Nearly 70% of non-organic produce sold in the United States contains pesticide residue, according to the EWG. Every year, the EWG ranks pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, publishing the results in the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Download the  Live Well Work Well July Newsletter  for a list of the most pesticide-tainted produce, which is known as the “ Dirty Dozen .” In addition to the Dirty Dozen, the EWG publishes the “ Clean Fifteen ,” highlighting the “cleanest” produce. 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

New York State’s Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act) was passed to prevent occupational exposure to airborne infectious diseases. The NY HERO Act, covering all private employers in the state, was signed into law on May 5, 2021 and amended on June 11, 2021.  Employer Requirements: Establish an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan that equals or exceeds the minimum standards in the model standard Post the plan in a visible and prominent location in the workplace and make it available to employees Permit employees to establish and administer a joint labor-management workplace safety committee For more information on the New York State’s Health and Essential Rights Act, read this  Compliance Bulletin  and contact HANYS Benefit Services by  email  or by calling (800) 388-1963. This Compliance Bulletin is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for...

Retirement plan administration has advanced in recent decades with the rise of the Internet and other digital technologies. However, that has made retirement plans a target for cyber criminals. Armed with stolen personal data, hackers now see trillions of American retirement dollars as a new favorite target. The retirement industry has had to strengthen its defense against cyberattacks and, as a natural extension of this effort, the due diligence practices of plan sponsor fiduciaries have entered the spotlight. The U.S. Department of Labor released new cybersecurity guidance for plan sponsors in April and is already making it a priority topic of audits as DOL underscores the “obligation to ensure proper mitigation of cybersecurity risks.” The DOL guidance includes: Tips for hiring a service provider with sound cybersecurity practices: These tips include asking about the service provider’s security standards, evaluating any historical breaches or litigation and seeking favorable contra...

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

Hybrid workforce strategies will factor into HR planning this year and beyond. The pandemic has resulted in thousands of employees working from their kitchen tables or living rooms rather than the office or other workplace. If that’s the case, organizations are likely in or will be in the process of deciding how much remote work will continue to play into the workplace. Furthermore, a hybrid model is becoming a growing standard for many organizations in some capacity—and might even be a common long-term option. Hybrid workplaces can look very different based on the organization’s priority of the following factors: Talent access Individual productivity Team productivity Cost of real estate Download the HR Edge Q2 2021 Newsletter to learn the challenges and advantages of hybrid workplaces and additional features on the Strategic Employee Communication and Preparing for Future Health Crises . For more human resources trends, industry insights and proactive strategies to maintain a compe...

The equity rally that began in November of last year with the much-anticipated Pfizer vaccine announcement continued in earnest in the first quarter of 2021. Most of the market trends first observed in late 2020 persisted through Q1, thereby ending market domination by select high-growth technology companies. As Congress passed the American Rescue Act, the Wall Street Journal survey of 60 economists raised its prediction for the growth rate of the U.S. economy in 2021 to 5.95%. The survey increased its prediction for 2021 growth three times during Q1, an indication of the rapidly improving economic conditions. Read the  Q1 Market Recap to learn more about the Q1 market performance. Also included is the feature article, Active versus passive investing styles . If you have any questions, or would like to begin talking to a retirement plan advisor, please get in touch by  email  or by calling (800) 388-1963.