Workplace Health and Safety Trends of 2022
Paul Binsfeld
President and Founder, Company Nurse | CEO, Lintelio
Earlier this year, I shared my predictions for 2022’s workplace health and safety trends in Public Risk magazine. As we embark on the second half of this year, let’s reflect on a few of these predictions.
Increase of Workplace Injuries
With the “Great Resignation,” we have seen a record number of workers switching jobs and organizations hiring new workers, while still being understaffed — meaning less time for training. Without a proper training process, organizations put themselves and their employees at greater risk for workplace injuries.
In-person workplaces aren’t the only ones at risk. According to a Chubb study, 41% of remote workers reported pain developing in their backs, shoulders, and wrists, possibly due to the need for more ergonomically sound home workplaces.
As such, I foresaw an increase in workplace injuries in 2022. And this has proven to be true. At Company Nurse, we have seen an increase in workplace injuries, up by 38.34% from this time last year. It’s important now more than ever to have a plan in place to address these rising workplace injuries including nurse triage and solutions for reporting of and training on workplace safety issues.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Employee mental health was a hot topic of 2021. In fact a Mental Health America study reported that 85% of employees believe their workplace affects their mental health and wellbeing.
I shared my prediction that the focus on employee mental health and wellbeing would continue to destigmatize mental health and drive innovation of digital mental health resources.
The prediction that the demand for these resources would continue to grow was correct, according to the American Psychological Association, who reports that “Eight in 10 U.S. workers say that how employers support their employees’ mental health will be an important consideration when they seek future job opportunities, while 71% believe their employer is more concerned about the mental health of employees now than in the past.”
A Willis Towers Watson study also reports that “Nearly all (86%) of employers said that mental health, stress and burnout are a top priority; however, half (49%) have not yet formally articulated a wellbeing strategy for their workforce and only a quarter have already articulated and adopted a wellbeing strategy.”
It may seem overwhelming to create a plan, especially since I was correct in that the number of digital mental health tools will continue to grow. In fact, the “digital behavioral/mental health market is set to witness an exponential growth rate of 25% in the next five years.”
Implementing a plan doesn’t need to be difficult! If you are one of the employers looking for a strategy, look for a digital health and safety tool that hosts all your solutions. This way, you provide employees with direct and easy access to your organization’s employee assistance program so they can utilize mental health resources.
Employee Privacy and App Fatigue
Employees are suffering from app fatigue and may be hesitant to use employer apps, for fear of losing their privacy. I predicted the increased need of HIPAA technical safeguards for encryption, multi-factor authentication, and audit logging.
And according to a BenefitsPro survey, this prediction was correct. The survey reports that “the demand for privacy protection [has reached] an all-time high and that, “compared to two years ago, half of the employer respondents report their companies are spending more time and resources dealing with data privacy and security risks related to/ more people working remotely.
An important part of your organization’s security plan is ensuring that the external tools you utilize do incorporate these HIPAA safeguards.
Artificial Intelligence and the Customer Experience
If this year has taught us anything, it is how quickly market needs drive innovation. Which, of course, includes artificial intelligence (AI). I predicted the adoption of artificial intelligence to both increase data quality and the customer experience.
This has proven to be true at Company Nurse as we continue to see a demand from clients for AI channels for digital workplace injury reporting. Gen Z and Millennials, who make up more than half of the current workforce, not only prefer digital workplace processes, but expect them of their employers. And when employees can utilize the channel that they are most comfortable with, they will have more confidence in the injury reporting, which, in turn, leads to an increase in data quality.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs are those of each respective author. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
By: Paul Binsfeld
President and Founder, Company Nurse | CEO, Lintelio
Summary of Qualifications
Paul is the founder and president of Company Nurse, LLC.
In 2012, Paul was honored with the Hall of Fame Innovator Award from Business School Lausanne for creating a niche segment in the workers’ compensation industry where one did not exist before. He is also recognized as an authority in the industry and participates in speaking engagements for the Entrepreneurial Insurance Symposium, Workers' Comp Executive Forum and the Entrepreneurs Organization's Global Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
In 2016, Paul founded Enspiri Solutions, the first-to-market software platform for workers’ compensation nurse triage management, utilized by Company Nurse.
In 2020, Paul led Company Nurse in developing screen by Company Nurse, the COVID-19 screening tool and testing/vaccination reporting solution. And, in 2021, he led the launch of Company Nurse’s sister company and the digital workplace health and safety solution, Lintelio, for which he is the CEO. An evolution of screen by Company Nurse and Enspiri, Lintelio addresses pandemic needs of clients (screening, test and vaccination reporting), workers’ compensation nurse triage management and other workplace health and safety solutions.
Most recently, in 2021, Paul accepted the position of Honorary Consul of Luxembourg to Arizona and New Mexico. In this role, he promotes business, cultural, educational and tourism exchange between Luxembourg, Arizona and New Mexico.
Responsibilities
Paul provides leadership to all departments within both organizations, generating growth and profitability.
Business Experience
Paul holds over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. Twenty-five years ago, he founded Company Nurse and continues to serve as founder and president and as CEO of Lintelio.
Professional Affiliations
Paul is a member of the Arizona chapter of Entrepreneur's Organization and has served on its board.
Passionate about fostering entrepreneurialism and innovative ventures for the youth, Paul has served on the Board of Advisors for AIESEC, a global organization that has 60 years of experience in developing high-potential youth into globally-minded, responsible leaders.
Education
Paul received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Arizona State University and his MBA degree from Business School Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland.
