Competition for Workers
Heats Up on 2007
Unemployment Low, Minimum Wage Increases: What’s
Next? Insurance, say Experts
Columbia, SC – January 8, 2007 –
Unemployment remains at historic lows, while productivity
and the economy remain robust. As a result, even with anticipated
hikes in minimum wage, finding and retaining qualified workers
in part time and hourly roles is proving to be a top challenge
businesses must overcome in the first quarter of 2007. With
raises in the minimum wage likely to consume much of the
new Congress’ attention, and any action likely months
away, business experts are looking at another source in
this New Year to attract and retain employees – insurance
benefits for hourly and part time employees.
Competition for qualified employees, particularly in the
part time and hourly sectors, has rarely been more fierce,
according to Planned Administrators, Inc. marketing director
Susan Nicolai. As the society continues to move more towards
the service industries, restaurants, grocers, retailers,
and hospitality verticals have been acutely affected by
the recruitment and retention issue, and Nicolai calls the
part time and hourly insurance a “competitive mandatory”
in 2007.
“Attracting and retaining employees is inextricably
linked to pay and benefits offered, particularly among workers
filling hourly and part time roles,” Nicolai explains.
“Most part time and hourly workers don’t have
access to purchase insurance through their employees, although
the vast majority expects their employers to provide this.
There is a major communications disconnect between workers
and employers on this issue.
“Resolve to have a healthier and happier workforce
in 2007. Businesses that offer insurance to their hourly
and part time employers put themselves at a significant
competitive hiring and competitive lost time advantage,”
she continues. “In addition, employers may choose
to contribute to the insurance or not. In other words, offering
this type of insurance need not have any cost to the employer
should they choose.”
Nicolai added that EssentialCare is an excellent addition
for independent insurance agents and brokers seeking to
add programs to their portfolios because of the literally
hundreds of thousands of uninsured hourly and part time
workers. Nicolai encourages part time and hourly workers
to ask their employers about offering insurance, and encourages
human resources executives of organizations that employ
500 or more part time and hourly workers to consider EssentialCare
as an option.
About Planned Administrators, Inc.
Founded in 1981, PAI is a Third Party Administrator
(TPA) of health care plans, focused on health care claims
administration and utilization management. PAI delivers
savings from some of the nation’s biggest and best
preferred provider networks, and superior customer service
for limited benefit plans.
About BCS Insurance Company
BCS is known for excellence in product development and special
risk underwriting. With more than 50 years of experience
in the group insurance market, BCS provides strength and
experience one can trust.
For more information on EssentialCare, visit the dedicated
website www.essentialcare.com.
###
Media Contact:
Emily Rose, Account Executive
Eisen Management Group
859-586-4302
erose@eisenmanagementgroup.com
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