Cloud downtime is a growing third-party risk for organizations of every size, across all sectors. At RIMS 2024, Rick Wong, Head of Insurance at Parametrix, explored the risks related to cloud reliance. The cloud is one of the biggest digital risks for businesses today. The two main factors of cloud risk include the unavailability of an organization’s systems and the data breach that can ground those systems to a halt. Recent cloud availability data shows that critical cloud outages are lasting longer and occurring more frequently. In 2023, there was a 38% increase in occurrences and 53.7% uptick in hours
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At the WCRI Annual Conference, organizational psychologist Connie Hadley (Boston University’s Questrom School of Business and the Institute for Life at Work) explored how loneliness has risen and why this matters for employee health, productivity, and resilience. Human Connection Human connection is an overwhelming desire for most people. This is often studied in the context of personal life but rarely in the workplace. The few studies of this in the workplace have shown that people with social connections in the workplace help support a safer workplace, have fewer accidents, and are more reliable. They also have higher job satisfaction and
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At the 2024 WCRI Annual Conference, Harvard economist David Cutler discussed the recent transformations of the healthcare system. Currently, there is more uncertainty in the healthcare system than ever before. Healthcare systems are struggling with staffing, pricing, reimbursement rates, and even solvency. Overall healthcare needs fell during COVID as people delayed elective procedures. This was an economic shock to the healthcare system, which resulted in some systems becoming insolvent and increased industry consolidation. However, hospital admissions are still not back to pre-pandemic levels. Telehealth use expectedly increased during COVID. However, its use has decreased and is now less than 15%
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At the 2024 PARMA Annual Conference, a session discussed the challenges of navigating the intersection of workers’ compensation with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and leave of absence laws. The speakers were David Setzkorn from Sedgwick and Dawn Watkins from Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). FMLA FMLA, which has been mandated by law for 31 years, provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave to employees during a 12-month period. During their leave, healthcare benefits are continued and guarantees that after leave, an employee is restored to the same or equivalent job. These benefits can
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How are workforces evolving? As time moves forward, companies and organizations still operate in ways shaped by the pandemic. At the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, industry leaders addressed generational issues and practical concerns growing within the workforce.  Learn about complexities in remote and on-site working environments and the trending innovations for day-to-day operations. From relevant ethics to emerging medical technology, experts address the fundamental revolutions lying ahead of us. Session speakers included: David Stills – Senior VP, Carrier & Risk Practice, Sedgwick Marc Salm – VP Risk Management, Publix Negar Matian – Attorney, Matian Law Group Suzy Braden
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Today’s risk management issues are faster and more complex than ever before. Organizations must be vigilant in monitoring and managing challenges stemming from insurance market fluctuations, emerging cyber risks, increasing nuclear verdicts, and pulsating pressures on the workforce. This environment thrusts the spotlight on risk management while elevating professional prominence and visibility within the C-Suite and board. In this session from the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, industry leaders explain how risk-related demands impact organizational strategies and decisions while outlining actions risk professionals can take to anticipate future unknowns. Learn what C-Suite executives are doing to navigate these influences.
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What is the definition of empathy? How is empathy incorporated into your return to work (RTW) program, and if not, how do you propose it changes? During the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, a panel of experts broke down practical ways to implement empathy in your program. Discover what active/reflective and empathetic listening is all about and learn how to properly track the success of your program. This session was presented by: Debra Livingston – CEO/Founder, ReEmployAbility, Inc.  Allison Kelly – VP of Business Development, Sedgwick  Kim Pfingstag – Manager, Occupational Care and Recovery, International Paper Greg Hamlin –
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A belief unanimously shared in the Workers’ Compensation claims handling industry is that the best possible outcomes are either a complete trial win or a financially favorable settlement. At the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, experts addressed the “best practices” to help prepare for both outcomes. Through both employer and claims management perspectives, specific suggestions identify and create unconventional windows of opportunity to initiate and complete the settlement negotiation process from a position of strength. Learn the key lessons from this session’s speaking panel: Scott Silver – P.L., Attorney, MKRS Law Crystal Chancey – Claims Manager, Publix Super Markets,
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While many workers’ compensation claims involve a specific injury or event, cumulative trauma claims can involve injuries that occur over a longer period. This timeline creates both challenges and opportunities to achieve a better claims outcome. At the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, a panel explored some foundational data and opportunities to more effectively manage cumulative trauma losses. Speakers included: Jennifer Cogbill – Senior Vice President | Gallagher Bassett Services Pam Ferrandino – Vice President, National Market Engagement | Gallagher Bassett Services Sherri Johnson – VP Corporate Claims | Aimbridge Hospitality Carol Ungaretti – Managing Consultant | Aon The
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We all know how much pre-existing conditions can affect the outcomes of your claims. They can prolong disability time frames, exponentially increase claim costs, and more. At the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, a medical panel discussed the barriers that can occur from comorbidities and how to avoid their associated pitfalls. Speakers included: Zack Craft – VP Complex Claim | MTI America Dr. Mark Glencross – Director of Occupational Medicine | Tampa General Hospital Teddy Gonzalez – Vice-President | Field Case Managers Dr. Steve Weber – Physician | Orlando Orthopedic Center Impact on Claims In a recent NCCI study,
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