Answer: In general, handbooks should be reviewed every year to ensure the language still matches your actual practices. During a review, you should make sure the correct people, contact information, forms, etc. are referenced. You should also make sure it matches your current work structure (i.e., remote, in-person, or hybrid) and expectations (i.e., work hours, availability, security, dress code, restrictive covenants, etc.). 

 

However, reviews may need to be done more often if any federal or state employment laws change or are passed. This could include time off laws, paid leave, updated protected groups, and marijuana legalization. Current guidelines from the NLRB about handbook language need to be considered as well.

 

You also need to update it when you hire employees working in a different state as each state's laws impact several policies throughout the handbook, not just the obvious ones such as paid time off.

 

Consider having an HR consultant or employment attorney complete a thorough review every year or two, revising as needed, to ensure the legal language is current and correct, minimizing your obligations and exposure.

On this edition of Agency Nation Radio, Avery Moore, owner of ECI Insurance, and Scott Freiday, division director at InsurBanc, dig into the intricacies of financing an independent agency. 

 

The two share strategies and anecdotes for aspiring owners on the importance of relationships, mentorship, valuations and interest rates. They also share key factors used to evaluate an agency for financing. "Most important is to start that conversation early and raise your hand. Let the owner know that you'd like to be the candidate for the next generation of ownership," says Freiday. Whether you are an aspiring owner or considering retirement, this podcast contains strategies to help you understand your next step.

Along with the much-publicized control of Congress, several initiatives were on the ballot across the country this election. While we do not know some requirements yet, here are some things considered to have big impacts on employers and employees.

 

Minimum wage: Nebraska voters passed a measure to increase the state’s minimum wage incrementally until it reaches $15 per hour by 2026 and then annually thereafter based on the increase in cost of living. Nevada’s minimum wage measure that passed will increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour and remove the differences based on the employer offering healthcare benefits or not.

 

Legalized marijuana: Maryland and Missouri passed measures to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults over 21. This would not impact an employer’s right to prohibit the use, possession or being under the influence; however, it could change how employers can use positive marijuana drug test results in making employment decisions. Similar measures did not pass in Arkansas, North Dakota and South Dakota.

As I write this article, a flurry of mixed emotions is rushing through my mind:

 

-  Appreciation – for all of those from whom I have learned so much and who have supported me

-  Anxiety – for the unknown of what retirement life will be like

-  Sadness – for leaving my co-workers who have been the source of many fond memories

-  Pride – knowing that I have always given 100%

-  Confidence – knowing I am leaving the insurance division in good hands with my replacement, Lisa         Harmon, and her team 

-  Joy – knowing I will be able to spend more time with my family and friends

-  Excitement – for the potential new opportunities that lie ahead

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) reminds Virginia consumers that they can sign up for health insurance coverage or make changes to an existing plan now through HealthCare.gov. This open enrollment period ends January 15, 2023.

 

For coverage to begin on January 1, 2023, consumers must enroll at HealthCare.gov/get-coverage by midnight on December 15, 2022. Enrollments occurring on December 16 and through January 15 will be for coverage starting February 1, 2023. Open enrollment is the only time during the year consumers can enroll in coverage without a qualifying life event that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Although the Atlantic hurricane season ended November 30, the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance reminds Virginians that floods can happen anywhere and anytime — not just during hurricane season. Heavy rains, saturated soil, melting snow and ice, broken dams and a lack of vegetation due to wildfires or other causes are just a few factors that can contribute to flooding.

 

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, causing damages in the billions of dollars each year. Just one inch of water can cause as much as $25,000 of damage to your home, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.