Month: June 2017

Categories
Blog Business

Creating a Safe Workplace

From an original article by Joshlyn Ross, U.S. Small Business Administration

June is National Safety Month, the perfect time to evaluate how safe your workplace is and to identify opportunities for improvement. Before you begin the process, it’s best to know what you’re looking for. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a variety of resources to help you and your employees make well-informed safety decisions every day.

  • Ensure your business meets legal requirements with OSHA – Check out OSHA’s handbook to ensure that your small business meets the legal requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
  • Find the health and safety requirements that apply to you – OSHA offers a quick, step-by-step guide for determining which requirements apply to your workplace and how to comply.
  • Take advantage of training and educational programs – OSHA offers courses and training materials to help you execute your safety plan.
  • Request an on-site consultation for review – Get a free on-site consultation to find out where you and your business stand. Consultants will help identify workplace hazards, provide advice on OSHA compliance, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs.

To learn more about creating a safe workplace, click here.

Categories
Blog Business Fraud & Security

Understanding the Crisis of Disengagement

From an original article by Andrew Sherman, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

How much is disengagement affecting your business? Chances are, it’s more than you realize. The direct and indirect costs of disengagement are still being understood and analyzed. However, the effects of disengagement are the same throughout each organization or business. It is a disease affecting the central nervous system of our economy – and it is destroying creativity, innovation, productivity, and profitability. Disengagement is rooted in dissatisfaction, with many identifying inadequate challenges, pay, morale, a sense of purpose, or lack of appreciation at the heart of their disdain.

So what can be done? Today’s leaders have to find a delicate balance between confidence and vulnerability. They must express hope and optimism. It is nearly impossible to ask an employee to be passionate about a company whose leaders are disconnected and apathetic. Andrew Sherman’s new book, The Crisis of Disengagement, offers concrete ways to foster, inspire, and sustain engagement.

For more details on the disastrous effects of disengagement and possible solutions, read the full article.

Categories
Blog Business Cash Management Fraud & Security

5 Ways to Protect Your Small Business from Ransomware Attacks

From an original article by Sarah Grano, American Bankers Association

Ransomware has become one of the fastest growing malware threats to small businesses. According to the FBI, in 2015, more than $1.6 million was lost due to ransomware attacks. The popular malware is used by cybercriminals to freeze business networks, servers, or individual computers, steal critical data and information, and demand that a ransom be paid.

Here are some ways you can avoid ransomware attacks:

  • Educate your employees – A strong security system paired with employee education about the warning signs, safe practices, and responses offer a strong first line of defense.
  • Manage the use of privileged accounts – Restrict users’ ability to install and run software applications on network devices.
  • Employ a data backup and recovery plan – Backups are essential to lessen the impact of potential malware threats. Keep the data on a separate device or offline.
  • Keep business devices up to date – Ensure antivirus and anti-malware solutions are set to automatically update and conduct regular scans.

In the event your business experiences a ransomware attack, contact your local FBI field office immediately. For more information and a helpful ransomware infographic, click here.