So , how do we manage the moving parts of this HR bubble hanging over our heads ? We can look to KAIA for the resources we need . They ' ve done the work to offer an HR consultant option that has a proven track record in working with insurance agencies . •
FROM THE PRESIDENT
HR SOLUTIONS FOR KAIA MEMBERS written by Kevin J . O ’ Brien , KAIA President , The Reilly Company
As I was preparing to write an article for this month ’ s topic about HR , I was struck by the fact that all of us in the agency business have human resource issues that are the same regardless of the size of our agencies . Additionally , our HR issues are both internal and external . Let me explain , starting with the internal .
We ’ re all looking to recruit and hire the top talent to fill critical roles in our agencies . We ’ re all struggling to come up with the most effective compensation plans to motivate staff ; and we ’ re all seeking to find the best ways to invest in , grow , and keep star performers in an engaging culture that reflects our values . Make no mistake , we ’ re not just competing with other agencies , but we ’ re competing with everyone , because high quality talent is sought across all industries .
As for the external HR issues , we ’ re often being called upon for advice from our commercial clients about a variety of HR-related issues . It ’ s not uncommon for our clients to reach out to us with these questions because many of the questions that they have revolve around the insurance protection that we ’ re providing . Furthermore , when we provide a high level of service to our clients , we feel like we should be able to respond to HR questions when they seem like they ’ re not difficult to answer .
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... that is where the E & O trap begins .
that need to be unpacked in full before an effective response can be provided . This is where we can encounter danger as we drift away from our role as insurance counsel toward recommendations that are clearly outside of our area of expertise . We have to always remember to “ stay in our lane ”.
So , how do we manage the moving parts of this HR bubble hanging over our heads ? We can look to KAIA for the resources we need . They ' ve done the work to offer an HR consultant option that has a proven track record in working with insurance agencies . •
But that is where the E & O trap begins . I ’ m sure that all of us could answer some basic questions like , “ Can I fire an employee who has filed a work comp claim ?” or , “ Should I allow an injured employee to return to work without the approval of their physician ?” These are pretty clearly “ no ” answers . But typically , the questions we get from our clients are not black and white “ easy ” answers . As trusted advisors to our clients , we want to offer solutions . But the fact is that most of the time , there are extenuating circumstances
36 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER