ACCIDENT INSURANCE IN 2021 Benefit can deliver value in a bundle or on its own By Len Strazewski The COVID-19 pandemic world is fraught with peril. Despite the growing availability of vaccines, case counts and hospitalizations continue to increase. And despite federal aid to small employers, unemployment rates are starting the year well above pre-pandemic levels. Employers are more sensitive than ever to the evolving needs of their employees and
Benefits & Financial Services
Benefits Products & Services By Thomas A. McCoy, CLU EMPLOYERS, WORKERS EMBRACE VOLUNTARY PRODUCTS Guardian stresses need for decision-making guidance One year into the pandemic, and after the first COVID-19-controlled open enrollment season, Michael Estep, vice president of Group Products at Guardian Life, sees an increased seriousness from plan participants as they make their benefits choices. He also thinks employers and brokers are becoming more receptive to being educated on
CRITICAL ILLNESS: MORE VALUABLE THAN EVER Because when “life takes an unexpected turn, your focus should be on recovery, not paying the bills” By Len Strazewski COVID-19 vaccines have finally arrived, but don’t expect the pandemic to be over soon. The coronavirus will still be creating critical illnesses for many months, and suddenly everyone understands that critical illness insurance is more valuable than ever. In the past year, as thousands
2020’S LEGACY OF WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY From hybrid work schedules to childcare concerns By Thomas A. McCoy, CLU In 2020, many employers moved quickly to establish remote work arrangements for employees; some adopted rotating work shifts at the traditional workplace; and some adjusted their leave policies. Almost overnight, the employer-employee relationship became more flexible. Employers now have had time to evaluate and tinker with these and other pandemic-induced moves. As the
PROTECTING WHO YOU ARE Products address identity—one of the most precious possessions a person has By Len Strazewski It’s not terrifying until it happens to you. The Internal Revenue Service tells you that your return was filed months ago, and your refund was paid to someone pretending to be you. Or you receive a credit card bill from an account you never opened, right up to the limit of the
