Simco Blog

As we step into the 2024-25 school year, businesses face new challenges and opportunities in supporting their employees. The intersection of work and home life is particularly pronounced during the school year, as employees with school-aged children navigate the demands of their professional roles alongside the needs of their families. Here are some practical strategies your organization can adopt to support your workforce during this critical time. 1. Flexible Work Arrangements The modern workplace is increasingly recognizing the need for flexibility. Offering flexible work hours or remote work options can significantly ease the burden on parents who need to manage school drop-offs, pick-ups, and attend school-related events. This flexibility can help reduce stress and increase productivity, as employees feel empowered to manage their time more effectively. 2. Back-to-School Resources Providing resources to help parents prepare for the school year can be a thoughtful gesture that shows you care about their personal lives. Consider offering workshops on time management, providing lists of educational resources, or even organizing a back-to-school supply drive. These efforts can make a significant difference in helping employees feel supported both at work and at home. 3. Mental Health Support The start of a new school year can be stressful for both parents and children. Offering access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or stress management workshops, can help employees cope with the anxiety and pressure that often accompany the school year. A focus on mental well-being not only supports individual employees but also fosters a more resilient and productive workforce. 4. Paid Time Off for School Activities Encouraging employees to take time off for important school activities, such as parent-teacher conferences or school performances, demonstrates a commitment to work-life balance. Some companies are now offering paid time off specifically for school-related activities, which can alleviate the guilt or stress employees might feel about missing work for family obligations. 5. Childcare Assistance Childcare remains a significant concern for working parents. Offering childcare assistance, whether through subsidies, on-site childcare facilities, or partnerships with local childcare providers, can greatly reduce the stress of finding reliable care. Even providing information about after-school programs or local childcare options can be a valuable resource for your employees. 6. Open Communication Channels Encourage managers to maintain open communication with their teams about the challenges they may face during the school year. Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their needs allows for better understanding and collaboration. Managers can then work with employees to find solutions that benefit both the individual and the organization. 7. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) Promoting the use of Employee Assistance Programs can provide additional support for employees balancing work and family life. EAPs often offer resources such as counseling, financial advice, and parenting support, which can be particularly beneficial during the school year. Remind your workforce of these available resources, and consider expanding them to meet the specific needs of parents. 8. Inclusive Planning and Policies Review your company’s policies and planning procedures to ensure they are inclusive of parents' needs during the school year. For example, avoid scheduling important meetings early in the morning or late in the afternoon when parents may be handling school-related duties. Involving employees in the creation of these policies can lead to more effective and widely accepted solutions. 9. Recognition and Appreciation Acknowledge the efforts of working parents by recognizing the additional challenges they face during the school year. Simple gestures like sending a note of appreciation or offering small rewards can go a long way in making employees feel valued. Recognition can boost morale and reinforce the company’s commitment to supporting its employees in all aspects of their lives. Supporting employees during the 2024-25 school year is not just about offering benefits; it's about creating a culture of understanding and flexibility that acknowledges the realities of modern family life. By implementing these strategies, your organization can help employees navigate the school year with greater ease and confidence, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.

In today's digital era, technology's influence on mental health care is rapidly evolving. Two notable trends are the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media platforms. While these technologies offer potential benefits, they also present significant risks. This blog explores the impact of AI on mental health care and the dangers of self-diagnosis through social media.

A new Harris Poll survey found that most employed Americans are satisfied with their company’s paid time off (PTO) policy; however, 3 in 4 said they didn’t use the maximum PTO permitted by their employer. According to the survey, most U.S. workers get between 11 and 30 PTO days yearly. Last year, the average employed American took 15 paid days off despite many being allowed more. The top use cases were vacation and health and wellness (e.g., sick days and doctor appointments). Consider these additional key findings from the survey: Most Americans (83%) are satisfied with their company’s PTO policy. Over half (60%) are given more than 10 PTO days annually. An additional 7% have an “unlimited vacation policy.” Nearly one-third (32%) of American workers indicate that “unlimited vacation policy” means more than 30 days off. Most (78%) do not use the maximum PTO allowed by their employer. The average worker took 15 paid days off last year despite half (49%) being allowed more than that by their employer. The top barriers preventing workers from taking more time off are “pressure to always be available and responsive to demands” (31%) and “heavy workload” (30%). Even when workers took time off, 60% reported struggling to fully disconnect from work. As such, 86% checked emails from their boss, and 56% took work-related calls during time off. Similarly, nearly half of the workers said they felt guilty about taking the time off in the first place. Specifically, Millennials and Generation Z are nervous about requesting PTO due to employer reactions and career implications. As a result, many millennials admitted to workarounds, such as moving their mouse to maintain online messaging status or taking time off without telling their manager. According to the Harris Poll survey, 76% of workers say, “I wish my workplace culture placed a stronger emphasis on the value of taking regular breaks and utilizing PTO.” Employer Takeaway Despite more employers expanding their PTO policies, workplace culture and workload pressures tend to dictate working Americans’ benefit usage. Furthermore, many workers still check their email or feel guilty during their time off, which can cause them not to recharge as intended. To combat these behaviors and the potential for burnout, employers can foster a company culture focused on taking PTO, not just the policy itself. Today’s workers find it increasingly challenging to balance their work commitments and personal time off, but employers may choose to work on building a culture that supports and encourages breaks. Employers should continue to monitor trends to make the right employee benefits decisions for their respective organizations and employees. Contact Simco today for more information.

As we step into May, we're reminded of the importance of mental health and well-being. May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, offering us an opportunity to renew our commitment to nurturing our minds and fostering supportive environments, both in and out of the workplace. In this blog post, we'll explore practical strategies for enhancing mental health, including small tips that can refresh you mentally during the workday. Embracing Self-Care Amid life's hustle and bustle, it's crucial to carve out time for self-care. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply, prioritizing self-care nurtures mental resilience and fosters a sense of inner peace. Cultivating Work-Life Balance In today's fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for mental well-being. Set boundaries between work and personal life, establish a routine that includes breaks and leisure activities, and strive to unplug from technology during downtime. Remember, balance is key to sustaining productivity and happiness. Fostering a Supportive Workplace Culture Employers play a pivotal role in promoting mental health in the workplace. Encourage open dialogue about mental health, offer resources such as counseling services or mental health days, and prioritize flexibility to accommodate employees' well-being needs. By fostering a supportive culture, organizations cultivate environments where employees feel valued, understood, and empowered to prioritize their mental health. Supporting Loved Ones If someone you care about is struggling with mental health challenges, your support can make a significant difference. Listen without judgment, offer empathy and reassurance, and encourage them to seek professional help if needed. Remember, your presence and understanding can provide comfort and strength during difficult times. Practicing Gratitude Gratitude is a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being. Take time each day to reflect on moments of gratitude, whether it's appreciating the beauty of nature, expressing gratitude for supportive relationships, or acknowledging personal achievements. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude fosters resilience and enhances overall happiness. Small Tips to Refresh Your Mind During the Workday  Take short breaks: Step away from your desk for a few minutes to stretch, walk around, or simply gaze out the window. These brief pauses can rejuvenate your mind and boost productivity. Practice deep breathing: Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your day to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors during your lunch break or coffee breaks. Even a brief stroll in a nearby park or green space can invigorate your senses and clear your mind. Listen to music: Create a playlist of soothing music or uplifting tunes to listen to during work breaks. Music has the power to uplift your mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance focus. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain mental alertness. Dehydration can impair cognitive function, so keep a water bottle handy and sip regularly. Practice mindfulness: Take a few moments to practice mindfulness or meditation exercises. Focus on your breath, observe your thoughts without judgment, and cultivate a sense of presence and calm. Declutter your workspace: A clutter-free workspace can promote mental clarity and productivity. Take a few minutes to tidy up your desk, organize files, and create a calming environment conducive to focus. Engage in positive self-talk: Replace negative self-talk with affirming and encouraging statements. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and capabilities, and cultivate a mindset of self-compassion and resilience. Connect with colleagues: Build supportive relationships with coworkers by engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and offering mutual support. A sense of camaraderie and connection can foster a positive work environment and bolster mental well-being. As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, let's commit to nurturing our minds and supporting those around us. By embracing self-care, fostering work-life balance, promoting workplace well-being, and offering compassionate support to loved ones, we contribute to a culture of mental health awareness and resilience. Remember, you are not alone. Reach out for support if you need it, and let's journey toward better mental health together.

You likely have heard about the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse. In the United States, Mexico and Canada, the solar eclipse will take place today: Monday, April 8, 2024. You may have questions about when it will occur, where you can see it and how to view it safely. If you are planning to view the solar eclipse, safety should be the number one priority. This article provides information about the 2024 solar eclipse, including how to stay safe and how you can learn more. The details provided are compiled from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). What Is a Total Solar Eclipse? A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun, known as the path of totality, will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky darkens, similar to a normal dawn or dusk. The 2024 total solar eclipse will only last for two to four minutes, depending on the viewer’s location. However, the full experience will last over an hour from the initial partial eclipse to the conclusion of the event. If weather allows, viewers along the path of totality will see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the face of the sun. Where Can I See the Total Solar Eclipse? In the United States, the path of the solar eclipse will extend from Texas to Maine, crossing through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. Depending on your location , the total eclipse will take place between 12:23 p.m. and 3:02 p.m. CDT and between 1:59 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. EDT. An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality this year, and an additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality. Millions more are expected to travel to prime viewing locations over the weekend. Even if you don’t live directly on the path of totality, you may be able to see a partial eclipse. NASA estimates that 99% of people in the country will be able to see a partial or total eclipse from where they live. The solar eclipse will also be viewable online. NASA will be showing a live stream on Monday, April 8, from 1-4 p.m. EDT. The live stream will be available for viewing here . Is This Different Than the Solar Eclipse That Happened in 2017? The total solar eclipse that took place on Aug. 21, 2017, and this year’s total solar eclipse are similar events. However, the path of the 2017 eclipse was narrower than what will take place during the 2024 total solar eclipse. On April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse will be visible to more people in the United States and last longer. How Often Does a Total Solar Eclipse Happen? Total solar eclipses happen, on average, once every 18 months across the globe. In North America, a total solar eclipse occurs only six times between 2001 and 2050. After the 2024 solar eclipse, there will be one that is viewable from some parts of Alaska in 2033. A total solar eclipse will be viewable by some northwestern states in 2044, followed by one that broadly reaches the U.S. in 2045. How Can I Stay Safe? During the total solar eclipse, looking directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing is not safe. According to NASA, the exception is during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun. Here are safety tips to consider: Avoid looking at the sun directly. Viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. Use safety protection. When watching the partial phases of the solar eclipse—which happens before and after totality—directly with your eyes, you must always look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer. You can also use an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projector. Learn more about safe solar viewers and filters here .  Don’t use viewing devices that are not approved for use during the solar eclipse. Use only approved devices. NASA specifically advises against wearing standard sunglasses during the solar eclipse. Wear sunscreen. If you are outside for hours, you may be subject to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It’s important to properly apply SPF for your skin safety. Prepare for large crowds. If you are viewing the eclipse in or near any city on the path of totality, you should expect more traffic and crowds than normal. Plan ahead for longer transportation times and bring water and anything else you’ll need to stay comfortable. There are ways to experience this event while staying safe. NASA provides more information about safety during the total solar eclipse. Learn More If you plan on viewing this event, create a plan to prepare for and stay safe during the total solar eclipse. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many viewers, but it can create safety risks for participants who don’t take precautions. Check out resources from NASA’s website to learn more.

Despite employers’ best efforts to offer competitive health care benefits to workers, many employees struggle with medical debt. According to a new survey commissioned by Goodroot, a community of health care companies, more than 4 in 10 employees report having experienced medical debt. “When employees are struggling with a massive, unpayable medical bill, it not only puts tremendous stress on their family but also harms their ability to be productive and contribute to company culture.” - Goodroot CEO Mike Waterbury Medical Debt in the United States In 2023, employers spent an average of $17,393 for family coverage per employee, a 48% increase since 2013. Although employers increasingly invest in their sponsored health care benefits, employees still face medical debt. Consider these key findings from the Goodroot survey: Medical debt remains the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. Half (52%) of Americans in medical debt owe more than $2,500. Medical debt impacts employees’ ability to cover daily living expenses. At some point, nearly 4 in 10 people have been unable to afford rent, groceries or utilities due to medical bills. People are delaying health care in anticipation of high costs. The majority of Americans (86%) who have experienced medical debt delayed care due to the expected cost. Younger workers are more likely than older ones to experience medical debt, and their debts are larger. Of employees aged 42 or under with medical debt, 59% owe more than $2,500, compared to 45% of workers aged 43 or older. Goodroot stressed that employees often are unaware that financial help is available. Hospitals are federally mandated to offer “community benefits, including free or discounted urgent and medically necessary care to patients unable to pay.” However, each health system has its own financial assistance policy, eligibility criteria and application form, which can be confusing for patients. Employer Takeaway Medical debt is taking a toll on many Americans. Employers can help their workers by integrating hospital financial assistance into health benefits. In addition to health care benefits, some employers are also exploring providing a health-cost navigator who will work directly with employees to help them understand and use their benefits effectively by comparing pricing, reviewing bills and negotiating costs. Employers should continue to monitor health care and benefits trends. Contact us for more resources.

Traveling during severe winter weather can be daunting and poses potential dangers. According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter storms contribute to nearly half a million crashes and over 2,000 road deaths annually. To ensure safety during winter road emergencies, it's crucial for drivers to be well-informed. Here are key tips for driving in snowy and icy conditions: Cold Weather Driving Tips Keep a supply of cold-weather essentials in your car, including extra food, water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread. Maintain at least half a tank of fuel at all times. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, like a garage. Avoid using cruise control on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow. Tips for Driving in the Snow Stay home if possible; venture out only when necessary. Drive slowly and adjust your speed for lower traction on snow or ice. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to avoid skids. Increase your following distance to five to six seconds for added safety. Familiarize yourself with your brakes and apply firm, steady pressure. Avoid unnecessary stops; if possible, maintain a slow roll until traffic allows you to proceed. Refrain from powering up hills; gain inertia on flat ground before tackling an incline. Don't stop when going uphill; maintain momentum to navigate icy roads. Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips Be prepared by having your vehicle checked by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Check the weather along your route, and if possible, delay your trip in anticipation of bad weather. Stay connected by informing others of your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival. If You Get Stuck in the Snow Stay with your vehicle for temporary shelter. Avoid overexertion when digging out your vehicle. Enhance visibility by using brightly colored items to signal distress. Clear the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide leaks. Stay warm using available insulation like floor mats, newspapers, or blankets. Conserve fuel by running the engine and heater only when necessary. Simco wishes you safe travels!

Working a remote or in-person office job that requires you to sit for most of the day can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Luckily, walking is a feasible way to add in exercise for most and can provide several benefits. According to a study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can counteract a day of sitting. Another study from Columbia University found that just five minutes of walking every 30 minutes can offset some of the more harmful effects that come from sitting for extended periods of time, such as the increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.