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Loneliness is the new smoking.

The holiday season causes many of us to consider those around us who may be experiencing loneliness. The fact, however, is though the sense of loneliness may be heightened during the holidays, it is a year-round epidemic.  We would be wise to expand our concern for the isolated and lonely beyond the holidays. This is …

Why is self-care so difficult?

One of the major components of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for helping someone experiencing a non-crisis mental health challenge is to encourage the individual to engage in self-care. As an instructor for MHFA, each time I conduct the training I am struck by how difficult it can be to help someone engage …

The Benefit Company Enters Strategic Partnership with IMA Financial Group

(DENVER – Oct. 9, 2023) IMA Financial Group, a North American insurance brokerage firm specializing in risk management, insurance, wholesale brokerage and wealth management, has entered a strategic partnership with The Benefit Company (TBC) and The Bottoms Group (TBG). With a history of successful collaboration on pivotal business ventures, the two firms joined the IMA …

Compliance Update Regarding Gag Clauses

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) continues to roll out plan sponsor responsibilities. A current compliance item on the horizon is the “Gag Clause Prohibition Requirement.” Although this requirement TECHNICALLY went into effect on December 20, 2020, the first attestation is due this December (December 31, 2023). Definition Plan sponsors must review any group health plan …

The last decade was strong for Private Equity, with deal multiples shooting up 50 to 60 percent between the 2010s and the 2020s.  But things have changed, and competition for the best deals is fierce.  Inflation is at a record high, interest rates have made a comeback, and a recession may be coming soon. Per …

I took a walk with AI

A.I. seems to be everywhere you turn right now. It’s the latest shiny object for screen-entranced people to spend time attempting to understand and harvest its power. I’m no different. I wonder what A.I. would say if given the chance to guide us on employee benefits? With curiosity growing daily, I have been studying (on …

Lunch and Learn Wellness Speakers on a Budget

I am often asked to recommend Lunch & Learn speakers for employers. Often, these requests for speakers are centered on a wellness topic. “We would like to have a speaker talk about nutrition,” they could say. Or they may ask, “Can you recommend someone to speak on the importance of sleep?” The challenge comes when …

Communication: The Common Thread

This week I had a wonderful conversation with a Human Resources Business Partner for a large global organization.   It was a delightful discussion because we both run on optimism for idea generation and strategies.  I adored the jovial conversation and mutual respect.  To me, the joy in conversation brings learning to a new height. As …