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How to Create a High-Performing Print Firm

Our Industry is Challenged, But Our Findings Show High Performers!  We open by assessing our industry using Michael Porter’s Five-Forces model. Then, we share some findings from our February/March 2025 “Printing Industry Performance & Insights” study. Compared to our industry assessment, our study’s findings are a bit surprising. One might see our findings as “striking.” We

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Man printing paper

The GPO Awarded Nearly Half a Billion in Contracts in 2024 

In December 2024, the US Government Publishing Office (GPO) announced that it had awarded $469.2 million in print procurement program contracts with private-sector printing companies in its fiscal year 2024, which runs (as do those of other Federal agencies) from October 1st of the previous year to September 30th. The stated goal of these contracts

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Businesses Look t­o Spare Workers Health Insurance Premium Hikes

Employers who were surveyed for a new report expected that group health insurance premiums would increase 5.4% this year and at a faster clip in 2024 as inflation hits medical costs. Employers said they are looking to manage growing group benefit costs without shifting costs to employees, as they realize that their staff are likely

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Workplace Smartphone Bans Grow to Reduce Accidents

Cell phones make our lives easier, but they can also be a distraction. More and more employers are banning cell phones in the workplace because they are distracting enough to be a serious safety issue for workers. The Digital Distraction & Workplace Safety study, issued by Screen Education, reported that survey 14% of employer respondents

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Long COVID Workers’ Comp Cases Can Linger, Adding to Costs

Workers’ compensation insurers are grappling with covering claims for workplace COVID-19 infections that develop into long COVID, as those claims may stay open for years in some cases. For companies in states that adopted laws requiring workers’ comp insurers to cover claims for employees who contracted COVID-19 in the workplace, a long-COVID claim can become

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Prices Ease for Cyber Insurance

After two years of massive rate increases, cyber insurance market pricing has been softening and transitioning into a buyers’ market, according to a new report by Aon Plc. In 2021 and 2022, 100% rate increases for cyber liability insurers were common, but a number of factors are finally starting to drive rates lower. Experts recommend

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Do You Use Technology in Employment Decisions? EEOC Wants a Word

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued new guidance on how employers can properly use software, algorithms and artificial intelligence-driven decision-making tools when screening job applicants and selecting candidates.  The EEOC has grown concerned about possible adverse impacts of these technologies that can help employers with a wide range of employment matters, like hiring decisions,

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Costs of Reasonable Accommodations for Workers with Disabilities Minimal

The Americans with Disabilities Act, now more than 30 years old, requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Many employers may be concerned about the cost of making those accommodations. However, a recent government study shows that the costs are typically minimal or non-existent. The report, from an office of the U.S.

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