Considering a Hybrid Work Model Work flexibility is consistently cited as a post-pandemic trend, and many employers are already introducing hybrid work models in their reopening plans. A hybrid workplace is a flexible model designed to support a workforce of both on-site and remote employees. In some arrangements, employees are on-site on set days. In other cases, employees may be able to request a specific schedule. Employers may also consider whether certain departments or roles need to work on-site or can be just as effective working remotely full-time. Challenges of Hybrid Models Like any new initiative or strategy, a hybrid workplace also has its challenges. Employees will be collaborating from varying locations and may even be using new technologies, impacting an organization’s culture and operations. However, employers can reduce the prevalence or impact of such challenges by being intentional about decisions. Tips to Consider A thoughtful hybrid workplace approach combines the best aspects of an organization’s onsite and remote workplaces. To best accommodate a distributed workplace, consider the following tips:  Set clear expectations for which employees are eligible for hybrid work, and be transparent about any decisions.  Formalize hybrid work request processes.  Plan meetings that best accommodate all employees.  Consider how project management and communication channels can foster companywide collaboration.  Ask for and listen to feedback from employees. Every organization will be different, and the practical application of a hybrid model will need to be what’s best for both employers and the overall employee experience. Reach out today to learn more about developing and managing a hybrid workplace. Read More (pdf)

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported and paid annually using IRS Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return).

Issuers and plan sponsors are generally required to pay the PCORI fees annually by July 31 of each year. However, the PCORI fee payment for plan years ending in 2020 is due Aug. 2, 2021, since July 31, 2021, is a Saturday.

Overview of the PCORI Fees

The PCORI fees were scheduled to expire for plan years ending on or after Oct. 1, 2019. However, a federal spending bill enacted at the end of 2019 extended the PCORI fees for an additional 10 years. As a result, these fees will continue to apply for the 2020-2029 fiscal years. Read More (pdf)

The key to preventing work-related neck and back injuries is to evaluate your workstation and make sure it is ergonomically correct and promotes good posture. The discomfort and pain from slouching at a desk all day is very common, with many office workers suffering pain at least once a week. If you are working at an ergonomically incorrect workstation or practice poor posture, you can suffer from neck, shoulder, wrist and elbow discomfort.

Good Posture Tips

Avoid unnecessary discomfort at work by focusing on your posture and making your workstation ergonomically appropriate.

Typically, aches and pains from office work stem from physical stress due to prolonged and awkward positions, repetitive motions and overuse. When applied to your workstation, these helpful tips will help promote good posture and correct ergonomics:

• • Chair position—Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor, with your knees about level with your hips, making sure your seat is not pressing against the back of your knees.
• • Back support—Keep your backbone straight, shoulders back, abdomen and buttocks pulled in, and chin tucked. If your chair does not allow this, try placing a cushion between the curve of your lower back and the back of the chair.

• • Computer monitor—Position your monitor 18 to 30 inches from your eyes. The top of your screen should be at eye level or below so you look slightly down at your work. If glare is a problem, turn off some or all overhead lights and close blinds if possible.
• • Headsets—Use a headset if you frequently talk on the phone and type or write at the same time.
• • Wrist rest—Keep your wrists in a straight, natural position when using your keyboard. Do not use your wrist rest while typing. Use it to take occasional breaks from typing.
• • Mouse—Place your mouse to the side of your keyboard so you do not have to reach too far to use it.

Prevention

Sitting at a desk all day, even with the best posture and ergonomics, can still be stressful on your body. On average, your body can only tolerate one position for about 20 minutes before needing readjustment. Taking a one-minute break every 20 minutes is helpful.

Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the insurance professionals at Deutsch & Associates, LLC  Read More (pdf)