Communities around the globe first faced the threat of COVID-19 in late 2019. At the time, no one knew how bad it was going to be, but as cities overseas (e.g., China and Italy) began to experience the effects of the pandemic—and lockdowns were instituted to blunt the...
New mask mandate in effect for N.Y.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced last week that masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places across New York state—unless businesses/venues implement a vaccine requirement—starting Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. What this means for your business What are the...
Office parties: Think beyond the venue and food
Holiday parties are a great way to boost morale and show appreciation to employees. Nevertheless, there are a few general considerations that employers should be aware of, notwithstanding the current pandemic environment, when considering how to throw their office...
Conn.: State Legislature extends Lamont’s emergency powers, sports betting begins and health insurance rates are increased
Special session to extend Gov. Lamont’s emergency powers. The Connecticut General Assembly met over the course of two days in late September for a special session to approve an extension of Gov. Ned Lamont’s emergency powers. The extension—which was approved by...
Employees expect expanded benefits to help them feel secure at the workplace
Following the public health crisis from COVID-19, more than three in five employees expect protection like social distancing and sanitizing measures to feel secure at the workplace. Additionally, employees expect more from their benefits packages. After polling 2,000...
A look at the latest legislative session in the Granite State
The 2021 legislative session wrapped up in New Hampshire at the end of June. It was an interesting year amidst the pandemic, which required largely all remote hearings in the Legislature. The House and Senate passed H.B.1 and H.B.2 on June 24. These are the two budget...
The NY HERO Act: Employer requirements
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed chapter amendments for the New York Health and Essential Rights Act—also known as the NY HERO Act—last month, which ease the regulatory burden for many businesses. What is the NY HERO Act? The NY HERO Act is intended to prevent current and...
Chapter amendments added to NY HERO Act
When Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act—also known as the NY HERO Act—in May, he promised that there would be chapter amendments to ease the regulatory burden for many businesses. Earlier this week, Cuomo signed those chapter...
The value of an agent in a post pandemic world
With summer sun and vaccine shots, we are heading for the great reawakening. Our customers have learned to work remotely, save money, avoid travel and find entertainment in those things closest to their homes and families. We were forced to avoid buying and...
N.J.: Murphy reopens state; offers guidance to offices, and lifts mandate for mask wearing
Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 243 to expand efforts to reopen the state by further reducing mask requirements. Effective Friday, June 4, workplaces not open to the public will no longer need to require employees wear face masks or adhere to social...