Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the IIAW has been running a fundraiser through METAvivor. METAvivor is an organization dedicated to the specific fight of women and men living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. If you would like to support our fundraiser, please visit our team page to donate. 100% of every donation to METAvivor goes directly toward their research grant. 

In this week's Big I Buzz, we are discussing Tesla's new insurance, a newly proposed Wisconsin labor law and how DNA testing firm 23andMe is expanding into Telehealth. 

Tesla's New Insurance Uses Real-Time Car Data to Decide the Likelihood of an Owner Crashing

Tesla has released a new insurance product where they will calculate premiums based on real-time driving behavior. According to Quartz, "To calculate the premium, the electric car maker will rely on a driver's "safety score" via the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta version released in September, which takes into account braking, turning, tailgating, forward collision warnings and forced autopilot disengagements to predict the probability of a collision... Already, wit the anonymized, aggregated data it has been using to offer insurance for the last couple of years, Tesla claims to generate savings of between 20% and 30% compared to traditional insurers. Using more data could cut down the price even more." While Tesla claims to generate savings compared to traditional insurers, only those who purchase the FSD software (an additional $10,000) will have access to their safety score data. Read more here. 

Proposed Wisconsin Labor Law Hopes to Ease Worker Shortage with Longer Hours for Teens Age 14, 15

There's a new bill working its way through the Wisconsin Legislature which would allow 14 and 15 year olds to work longer hours. ABC7Chicago reports that the, "bill would allow teens to work until 9:30 p.m. on nights before a school day and until 11 p.m. when they do't have school the following day." The state Assembly still has to vote on the proposal before it would head to Gov. Tony Evers, and it is unclear whether he would sign it into law or veto it. 

DNA Testing Firm 23andMe to Expand Into Telehealth With Lemonaid Acquisition

23andMe Holding Co. has announced that they will be purchasing privately-held company, Lemonaid Health as 23andMe looks to expand into telemedicine. Currently, 23andMe is known for their genetic ancestry tests but they're looking to expand into developing treatments for diseases such as cancer and respiratory disorders. Read more here. 

For more news, check out the Action news section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list. We hope that everyone has a great rest of their week!

By: WAHVE Work At Home Vintage Experts

Let’s face it: working from home takes some getting used to. Depending on the type of employee, some use it as one long coffee break, or they simply don’t know when to switch off.

The majority of remote workers fall into that second camp, as statistics bear out. A recent Catalyst report shows that COVID-related work burnout was reported in 88.4 percent of survey respondents, with 60.7% of those reporting high levels of burnout.

Despite the positive benefits of remote work – feeling more innovative (63%); being more engaged in work (75%); feeling more included (93%), and; feeling more likely to remain committed to the organization – some workers are overdoing it.

More than just a few, it would seem. According to an Indeed.com survey, 52% say they have experienced or are experiencing burnout in 2021 – an increase over pre-COVID survey where just 43% felt burnout. And 67% believe burnout has worsened during the pandemic. They’re reporting working longer hours, and that, says 27% of survey respondents, is attributing to feeling burned out.

With so many of us working remotely, understanding how to prevent or alleviate burnout is critical.

Fortunately, just a few modifications in your workday – and your behavior – can bring more order to your day, and deliver a better work-life balance.

Setting Clear Work/Home Boundaries

To find that balance, you need to keep both areas of your life separate. But how do you do that when work and home are the same place? Start with creating boundaries.

Login/logout. When the computer/laptop is on, you’re working. That simple shift in thinking – and in presenting your boundaries to other people in the home – gives you a more defined mindset. When you logout, you’re now on personal time. Work cannot interfere.

Set regular hours. Set a work schedule. For instance, in by 8 am, out by 4 pm. Stick with your schedule as closely as possible. Establishing a routine creates a clear boundary between work life and personal life.

Reintroduce your “commute.” Before starting your day, go out for coffee, take a quick walk, or go for a short drive. Treat this as your psychological commute. You are leaving home, and arriving back at your work station. Create that mental separation between work and home, even if they are in the same location.

Schedule breaks. Working in an office is filled with breaks – chats with coworkers, coffee breaks, lunch breaks, even exercise breaks. When working remotely, schedule breaks throughout your day. Put them on your calendar and don’t allow anything to get in the way. Walk, stretch, get out of your workspace and do something that isn’t work-related. Two small breaks along with your lunch break can reset your balance.

Limit work-related communications to work hours. Work-related emails, texts, and calls should be restricted to work hours. Establish with your employer and colleagues when you’re available – put your availability in your signature. Anything that comes in after quitting time can wait.

The same goes for personal chores. The more that invade your work life, the longer your workday becomes and the more blurred the line between work and personal becomes. Limit errands to your breaks, and don’t allow family or partners to interrupt with personal issues. Save them for your breaks.

Log out at the end of your shift. Turn the machine down. Log off. Put away papers and stow the laptop. No matter how big or small your remote workspace is, putting work aside physically will help you put it away mentally, as well.

Ask for help. Your manager cannot know you’re overworked unless you say so. If you feel you’re unable to keep up with the amount of work coming in, schedule a conversation. Let your manager know what you can handle reasonably.

Ask for their support, and work with them to devise a more manageable workload.

Stay social. Believe it or not, plenty of burnout occurs when people feel isolated from coworkers and their employers. Stay connected to your coworkers. If you can’t meet in person, meet virtually. Have virtual happy hours, celebrate birthdays and milestones, or host a virtual game night. Reconnecting with your workmates can be energizing.

Moving Forward Confidently

Also, don’t forget to take time off. Use those mental health days, sick days, and vacation days to get away from work and recharge.

Burnout can be crippling and demoralizing. Combatting it with a plan that separates work from home, and puts limits on your availability, can protect both your work hours and your personal time.

By: Fred Johnson | Vice President & Wisconsin Branch Manager, Erie Insurance

The year 2020 was a challenging one for people around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic kept most of us indoors for our health and safety — and the pandemic continues to disrupt nearly every aspect of our lives. Last year, the continued plague of social injustice also produced an uprising in protests and outcry like the world has never seen before. Being a manager in a virtual environment during these trying times was stressful for many. As leader of Erie Insurance’s African American Affinity Network (EAAN), I felt compelled to find unique ways to get our ERIE Family engaged in diversity initiatives such as empathy training, culture education and competency growth opportunities.

Despite the challenges of doing this work virtually, we implemented several different programs during this time. ERIE held a virtual Juneteenth celebration that included CNN correspondent Bakari Sellers speaking to Erie Insurance employees. ERIE also initiated a diversity loan program for its independent agents that provides an opportunity to advance marketing, hiring, networking and education with a diversity focus. ERIE also held several meetings and listening sessions across the company that built upon empathy training in an open forum venue that gave employees an opportunity to express their opinions and learn from each other. There was a new level of collaboration within the ERIE Family that made me proud and our corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Department continues to further enhance our work in this area.

Our work was well received and earned ERIE national recognition. In September, ERIE earned three Diversity Impact Awards from the Global ERG Network, the world’s largest network of employee resource groups dedicated to making measurable progress on diversity, equity and inclusion. Our African American Affinity Network and the company’s Dignity & Respect Affinity Network were both named Top 25 ERG Diversity Impact Award recipients by the organization. I was also proud to be named one of five recipients of Diversity Impact Executive Sponsor of the Year honors for our work during one of the most difficult times for social injustice in this century.

Awards and recognition are great, but we know there is still much work to be done.

I look forward to bringing not only insurance and sales expertise to Wisconsin in my new role, but also helping to advance diversity, equity and inclusion with independent agents across the state. ERIE’s Wisconsin branch office is in Brookfield, but our efforts will extend across Wisconsin. It’s important to remember that the diversity efforts of independent agencies and insurance carriers are not just feel-good activities. Pursuing and educating yourself on diversity is a true business imperative. Our country and communities continue to diversify year after year. Diversity empathy continues to become more mainstream and businesses that identify and embrace opportunities to engage with diverse customers and communities are achieving even greater success.

As we look ahead, we all must continue to consider the tough questions. As independent agents, how much longer will I be viewed in my community as “caring” for my customers if I don’t truly recognize and celebrate the beauty of what makes them different? How much longer will I be able to grow my customer base if I don’t understand and meaningfully engage with some of the fastest-growing population groups in our nation?

The business case for diversity — both within our agencies and with our customers — has never been more apparent.

If you haven’t started your DEI journey, now is a good time to begin. If you’ve already taken that first step, now is a good time to take another. I am passionate about this work and invite you to join me and IIAW in this effort.

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Erie Insurance continues to grow in the State of Wisconsin. On July 15, 2021, Fred Johnson took over as the Vice President and Wisconsin Branch Manager for Erie Insurance (ERIE). Fred has more than 10 years of experience in liability, property and material damage claims roles. Over the past decade, he has served as a sales manager in Ohio and ERIE’s Canton (Ohio) Vice President and Branch Manager. During this time, Fred also founded Erie Insurance’s African American Affinity Network/Employee Resource Group. He continues to lead this group as its executive sponsor for Erie Insurance.

As technology allows the ability to service large groups of clients more efficiently, many agencies are increasingly expanding their reach beyond the confines of one metropolitan area. In order to better service their customer base, agencies may open additional locations or may acquire existing entities to expand their business. The management of multiple locations creates new challenges and those challenges if not handled correctly may lead to increased opportunities for error.

Controlled growth whether organic or through acquisition can increase efficiencies and reduce cost. However, it is important to manage that growth. Be sure that the “right hand knows what the left hand is doing”. Consistent culture, compliance and communication throughout the agency at all locations, is essential to prevent confusion and potential claims which may otherwise arise from acquisitions and dispersed locations.

Make sure all staff understands your agency culture. Owners, producers, agents, CSR’s and all staff must understand the focus of the business. If the agency’s stated focus is on personal lines, then the agency should not deviate into complex specialized lines. If the agency focus is on certain niches of business, the agency should train their agents and supporting staff on how to service those markets. Often claims begin when the agency attempts to sell insurance products with which it is unfamiliar. Understand your focus. If you are acquiring agencies, acquire those that fit your vision. Then share your vision with all staff at every agency location on a regular basis. Help your team see what the agency is trying to accomplish and how each person can contribute by staying focused on the goals of the entire organization.

When the workload is heavy and clients demand your attention at your primary agency location, it can be difficult to give your attention to the other office locations. But in order to keep those other locations in line with your vision, you must provide them with the attention they need. You should try to visit your other agency locations frequently, at least once a month. Visit each site for a long enough time that the each site does not put on a front for you but actually reveals to you its true method of operation. By allowing each office to become comfortable with your visits, you can build trust and familiarity. The agents and staff at each location must feel close enough to the primary agency to be able to ask questions, share problems and seek feedback.

Establish uniform office procedures and a standard system of compliance. Each province has regulations to protect their own citizens. If you locate a branch office or even a teleworker, in another state, you must research licensing and other business regulations impacting your insurance operation. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could lead to regulatory investigation, disciplinary action, or even the possible revocation of your license.If adjustments are needed to be made as a result of the regulations do not begin operating your business until you comply with the law.

For example, an agency had a CSR move to another state and began working remotely as a clerical assistant to their Personal Lines Manager. This employee’s job description did not entail discussing or recommending coverage with clients, and the agency believed that her job description was in line with the requirements of the state department of insurance. However the department viewed it differently and fined the agency $7,000 for the employee not having the proper license and viewed the tasks performed by this employee as “effectuating the sale of coverage”. As soon as the agency was notified of the infraction, they made changes to her job description and directed her to acquire the proper license. They then established a Director of Compliance and Compliance Committee to monitor the activities on an ongoing basis.

Standard operating procedures will enhance the efficiency and management of multiple agency locations. Staff can transfer among agencies, without extensive readjustment. The essential procedures should not vary. Each agency should have similar procedures regarding date-identification of communication with clients and carriers. Additionally, documentation of coverage offered and rejected, and maintenance of expiration lists should be standardized.

This excerpt from a letter we received from the attorney retained to defend an insured, reveals the difficulties in offering a defense when procedures are not followed. The litigation arose from damage sustained by a commercial enterprise where the carrier argued that the agency had not provided the necessary information for the carrier to quote coverage, despite several requests. Counsel stated the agency “has no documentation that it sent the proper information and the agent who worked on the account left the agency several years ago on unfavorable terms. The agent’s CSR says the agent was not detail oriented, was not good about providing information, and often made mistakes.” Defense counsel opined that it was highly likely the judge will rule that the agency failed to provide the necessary information. The agency itself had a strong culture of compliance but suffered from one agent who had not followed the standard office procedures established and who, thus, created a significant problem for the agency.

In addition to implementing uniform procedures around the process of file documentation, the agency should also implement uniform procedures for diary and suspense systems. There should be a centralized agency management system and computers in each location should be compatible with one another. In fact, it is likely that computer systems will become a backbone for your organization as offices are spread out geographically. Additionally, it is essential that you ensure adequate security of personal information acquired from your insureds, and that you provide proper privacy training to all employees. The use of encryption and other measures to protect personal data when transmitted is important. If employees use smart phones, verify the phones are password protected.

As part of the establishment of standardized procedures, make sure the staff in each location knows the method to report an errors and omissions situation. Establish and discuss the procedure with all agents and employees. Do so regularly to prevent hesitation in reporting at the time of occurrence. Don’t let problems linger. Delays could create coverage issues with your professional liability carrier.

Communication is a key to successfully running multiple locations. Free and open communication with all staff is very important when you have multiple locations. Neither the culture nor the compliance can happen if you neglect to focus on communication.

Have weekly staff meetings by phone or webinar. Have your office personnel get together at least once or twice a year to enhance communication between people on all levels.

Communicate your vision to all managers in all locations and they in turn must commit to clearly communicating your vision to others in the off-site agencies. Regular audits and evaluations of the manager and the office are critical to making sure your vision is being carried out according to your expectations.

While striving for positive energy in your organization, do not avoid discussing problem situations. Consider learning opportunities which may present themselves from potential claims situations. Educate your employees about the situations which have created problems in one office so other office sites can avoid the same mistake.

Growth is positive when controlled but be sure that the “right hand knows what the left hand is doing”. Consistent culture, compliance and communication throughout the agency at all locations, can be essential to preventing confusion and potential claims which may otherwise arise from acquisitions and dispersed locations.

Annette Hollingsworth has spent over 30 years in the insurance industry. While with ERC /GE Insurance Solutions/Swiss Re, Annette Hollingsworth has served in a variety of capacities ranging from claims to underwriting, legal to regulatory services and global compliance. Annette now serves in the Products unit where she supports the Insurance Agents Professional Liability underwriters in both the US and Canada. She attended Washburn University undergraduate and KU Law School. She has her JD., CPCU, CLU, and ARC designations.

This article is intended to be used for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Swiss Re shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained or referenced in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, accounting or professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the Swiss Re Group (“Swiss Re”) and/or its subsidiaries and/or management and/or shareholders.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign about the impact of breast cancer. Raising breast cancer awareness is especially important for all of us at the IIAW. To recognize the impact of breast cancer on our lives and to advocate the importance of self-exams, we’re sharing stories from our team. Learn more about the personal and unique experiences from the IIAW, as they open up to help raise awareness and support others on a similar journey:

Mallory Cornell: My mom, Regi Tomasovich (1958-2006), was my biggest fan, despite standing 5” shorter than me. She always had my back and she was my best friend. At the young age of 45, my mom discovered a lump in her right breast. She went through aggressive chemotherapy and seemed to be on a promising road to remission. Almost 3 years to the date of her last chemo treatment, something did not feel right. She returned to the doctor and received the news that the cancer had returned with a vengeance. It spread into her lungs and her hip and then eventually, into her brain. In just 5 short months, she was taken from us at the age of 48. We had no family history of cancer and she didn’t have any “bad habits”. I believe that if she had the same experience today, the outcome would’ve been much more positive given the advancements made thanks to research and advocacy. My story doesn’t have a happy ending, but that’s OK. I’m a strong woman, because a strong woman raised me. It’s my voice that must keep fighting for a cure. Please do your self-exams, get your mammogram and support those in your life who might be battling with their own fight.

Matt Banaszynski: My mother, Christine Banaszynski, was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 10 years old. She was a healthy, young mother of a 10-year old, 8 year old, and 5 year old. She discovered a lump in her breast on her own and went to the doctor for further tests.

Unfortunately, three weeks went by, and she never heard back from the doctor. She assumed it was good news, but thankfully my father, who was a health care executive at the time, pushed her to follow up. She talks about how she was scared, and that ignorance can be bliss, but ultimately called to follow-up. She was very glad that she did. When she followed up with the doctor’s office, they didn’t have good news to share. They were certain it was cancer, but needed to do a biopsy. She switched doctors and her new doctor performed the biopsies. The results came back that she had cancer and that it had spread to her lymph nodes and multiple other places in her body. She immediately underwent a mastectomy and aggressive chemotherapy for 6 months.

Thanks be to God’s grace, she ultimately beat cancer against staggering odds and continues to live a healthy life at the age of 67. She is routinely checked to see if the cancer has come back. She credits her self-breast exam, being an advocate for herself and living a healthy lifestyle as to why she is alive today to see her grandchildren grow up.

Trisha Ours: I am in the best shape and health of my life and I have cancer, how can this be? In July of this year I found a lump in my left breast. At the time I thought maybe it was related to my cycle, so I decided to keep an eye on it. By the end of August, I noticed it was still there and it felt much different. It is hard to explain, but it was like there was a rope inside of me. I was scared and immediately scheduled an appointment with my Doctor. He didn’t seem to be very concerned during the exam, but still ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound because I was worried about it. I thought I would get in right away, but due to scheduling, I had to wait 17 days. I immersed myself in my work, exercise, gardening and spending time with my kids to keep my anxiety at bay. When the day of the appointment finally arrived, I was extremely nervous but was trying to remain calm and positive. The tech explained the procedure and said that I may not need an ultrasound but that they would schedule one just in case. Well, after reviewing my mammogram images, I did need an ultrasound. During the ultrasound, I watched the screen as the sonographer captured image after image. I started to worry when I saw the black spots and she started to put measurement makers on them.

When she was done, she left the room to review with the radiologist. It felt like she was gone forever, and I thought I was going to have a panic attack as my mind kept thinking about the images I just saw. When she returned with the radiologist they went over the images and recommended that I come back for not just one but three biopsies. My heart sank as I agreed to come back in the afternoon.

I text my husband, mom and some of my closest friends to let them know I had to have a biopsy as I walked to my car to go home. They told me I wouldn’t be able to do much for a few days after, so I decided to eat and do two workouts before I went back. One of my best friends happened to be in the area for work and offered to come with me for the biopsy because she didn’t want me to be alone. At first, I wasn’t going to let her come along, but she was not taking no for answer.

They took samples from two areas in my breast and one lymph node under my armpit that appeared suspicious and placed clip markers in each of the biopsy areas. After that, they did another mammogram to make sure the clips were in place. The radiologist came in and told me everything went well, but then told me I should start looking into a breast surgeon because it was likely cancer! Everything after that was a blur, but I will never forget how upset and concerned his face looked as he tried to reassure me that medicine has come along way and they would get me through it. I had no emotion. I was completely numb as I told my friend when I saw her in the waiting room. Then, I waited for what seemed like an eternity for the call that would change my life and enter me into this club of “1 in 8 women” that I never asked to be a part of. When the doctor said, “You have cancer,” I thanked him for not sugar-coating things after my biopsy, hung up the phone, and broke down in tears. How was I going to tell my family and friends this news? I was devastated. When I met with the surgeon, I was told it is Stage 1A triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma with a grade of 2 for aggressiveness on a scale of 1-3. I was also told that I can be re-staged many times throughout my journey with cancer. I have faith that I will get through this, but I keep thinking if I had not been proactive with self-checks, I could still be sitting here thinking everything is fine and could be in a much more dire situation.

Don’t get me wrong, I have a tough battle ahead of me, but I have an amazing medical team and the best support system anyone could ask for.

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According to WSAW.TV, “In Wisconsin, 5,200 women have been or will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.” In addition to wearing pink throughout the month and donating to breast cancer research, make sure that you are taking the necessary precautions to detect breast cancer early. The best way to detect breast cancer is to perform a self-exam at least once a month. Self-exams require you to feel for lumps or changes in your breasts, and it’s also important to check the tissue as high as your collar bone and under your armpits. Checking monthly will allow you to know what is normal for your body and detect changes. A great way to remember these monthly exams is to set an alarm or a calendar reminder. If you notice something has changed, make sure you go to your doctor to get it checked out.

Additionally, the IIAW is raising money for breast cancer research in honor of Trisha. METAvivor is an organization dedicated to the specific fight of women and men living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. If you would like to donate, please head to our team page:

donate.metavivor.org/team/383943. 100% of every donation to METAvivor and 100% of every fundraiser (after event expenses) goes into their research grants.