Stress in the workplace is on the decline, according to a recent study from health portal provider MediKeeper, Inc.

The majority of respondents said, on a scale of one to five, that their stress level was at a two in 2016. This is down from 2014, where the majority said they were at a level three. Similarly, the number of people who reported a level one increased by 58 percent over the same two-year period.

Curb your stress with these helpful tips:

• Make to-do lists of tasks that need completing and cross off items as you finish them.

• Talk with a co-worker about things that are bothering you. Getting support from friends is a great way to relax and reduce anxiety.

• If you continually run late, set your clocks and watch ahead to give yourself extra time.

• Read over your job description so you know exactly what is expected of you. Read Full Article

Taking medication may seem like a simple task because the instructions are on the container. While that’s true, there’s more to the safe and effective use of drugs than what is on the label.

Get the Facts

You should know what your medication is supposed to do for you, and what it is not. You also need to know whether there are particular times and procedures for taking it. Your doctor is your best source of information, so be sure to ask the right questions to get all the facts you need, including the following:

• How long will it take the medicine to start working?

• How can I recognize an allergic reaction to the drug?

• What side effects may occur, and should I report them?

• Is a certain time of day best for taking this medication?

• Should I take it before or after eating, or with food?

• Should I avoid taking it with certain foods or drinks?

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

• How long should I continue to take this drug?

• Should I avoid the sun or any specific activities while taking this medication?

• May I continue taking my other medications while I am on this drug? If so, can I take them all together?

• Would the generic version be an acceptable alternative? Read More

Company Culture Might Be More Important Than You Think Company culture is the unifying element that holds everyone in an organization together. Culture encompasses the written and unwritten behavioral norms and expectations of those within the company. Why Is Company Culture Important?

According to Alternative Board’s 2016 Small Business Pulse Survey, 93 percent of entrepreneurs believe that promoting company culture is good for productivity and creativity.

Recent studies have revealed that employees highly value company culture in their decision to stay with—or leave—a company. Moreover, it has been proven that employees who identify with and feel a sense of belonging to a company’s culture are more productive, happier and want to work for the company for longer.

Retaining employees who are happy and productive is not only good for employee morale, but also for your bottom line. High turnover is costly and can also harm your company’s culture and cause remaining workers to become disengaged and unproductive.

A positive and strong company culture not only improves retention rates, it also improves recruiting rates. Prospective employees care about your reputation as a company and are evaluating potential employers on their corporate culture. Read Full Article

President Donald Trump has made dismantling the Affordable Care Act (ACA) one of the cornerstones of his administration. Steps have already been taken to begin the process. The initial steps, including an executive order issued by Trump, have no immediate impact on the ACA. No ACA provisions or requirements have been eliminated or delayed at this time. However, employers should be aware that the following plan requirements would change if the ACA is repealed:

• Prohibition on lifetime and annual limits

• Out-of-pocket maximum limit

• Waiting period limit

• Prohibition on pre-existing condition exclusions

• Dependent coverage to age 26

Read Full Article