by Brian Thompson | Sep 1, 2023 | Employee Benefits, healthcare, Identity Theft
The Hidden Costs of Identity Theft & Employee mental health, an Urgent Call to HR Professionals
Human Resources (HR) professionals have a lot on their plates—everything from recruitment to performance evaluations. Yet, amidst all the paperwork and planning, the emotional well-being of employees often gets overshadowed. While companies are increasingly focusing on mental wellness—as highlighted in a recent [Business West article]—there’s one area that is often overlooked: the impact of identity theft on an employee’s mental health.
The Emotional Anguish of Identity Theft
Feeling Violated
Picture this: One day, you find out someone else is walking around, pretending to be you. They’re spending your money, ruining your credit, and maybe even endangering your reputation. The emotional trauma goes beyond losing a few bucks. It feels like a violation of your very identity.
Loss of Trust
Having your identity stolen can really mess with your ability to trust others. The invisible walls we put up around ourselves can easily make their way into our work environment, affecting how we interact with colleagues and supervisors. It can even result in reduced team collaboration.
Stress and Anxiety
Imagine living with a cloud of constant worry hanging over you—worry about more identity breaches, fear of financial ruin, and the exhausting rigmarole of restoring your identity. This heightened stress and anxiety are not conducive to a productive work environment.
Shame and Embarrassment
Many victims of identity theft end up blaming themselves. This internalized shame can be paralyzing and may cause them to disengage at work, further exacerbating the problem.
The Ripple Effects on the Workplace
Decline in Work Quality
When someone is emotionally and mentally distressed, their work often suffers. The creativity, focus, and determination needed to perform well can be significantly dulled, leading to missed deadlines and subpar work.
Absenteeism
Victims may need time off to resolve the legal and financial mess created by identity theft. These sudden and frequent absences can disrupt the workflow and set back team projects.
Team Dynamics
The mistrust and anxiety felt by one affected individual can have a domino effect, compromising the dynamics of an entire team and reducing overall productivity.
The Role of HR in Mitigating Emotional Strain
Offer Support
HR can play a pivotal role by providing emotional and logistical support. This can range from offering counseling services to granting flexible work hours for affected employees to resolve the issues.
Educate the Team
Proactive education is key. Inform your team about the risks and signs of identity theft and equip them with tools to protect themselves.
Encourage Open Dialogue
Fostering a work environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns can go a long way. Encourage open conversations about mental health and personal challenges to lift the shroud of stigma.
Identity theft is not just a financial issue. It’s an emotional and mental ordeal that can have a significant impact on workplace performance and well-being. By recognizing and addressing the emotional ramifications, HR professionals can ensure a more secure and nurturing work environment. Ultimately, the investment in employee well-being translates into a more engaged, productive, and successful workforce.
Remember, a happy employee is a productive one, and that productivity drives organizational success. Ignoring the emotional toll of issues like identity theft is no longer an option. It’s time for HR to step in and be the change agents organizations so desperately need when it comes to Identity Theft & Employee Mental Health.
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by Brian Thompson | Aug 23, 2023 | Employee Benefits, Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on your finances and your life. When someone steals your personal information, they can use it to open new accounts in your name, run up debts, and damage your credit score.
A low credit score makes it difficult to get approved for loans, credit cards, and other forms of credit. It can also make it more expensive to borrow money, as you will likely have to pay higher interest rates. A low credit score also makes it difficult to rent an apartment, get a job, or even get insurance.
How Identity Theft Can Ruin Your Credit
There are many ways that identity thieves can ruin your credit. Here are a few examples:
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- They can open new accounts in your name and not make payments. When payments are not made it leads to collections, and even bankruptcy.
- They can max out your existing credit cards. Maxed out credit cards will damage your credit score.
- They can change the address on your accounts so that you don’t receive important billing information. This can lead to missed payments and further damage to your credit score.
- They can file for bankruptcy in your name. Bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, making it very difficult to get approved for credit.
The Impact of a Low Credit Score
A low credit score can have a major impact on your life. Here are a few examples:
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- You may not be able to get approved for a loan to buy a car or a home.
- You may have to pay higher interest rates on credit cards and loans.
- You may have difficulty renting an apartment or getting a job.
- You may have difficulty getting insurance.
- You may be denied a job promotion or a scholarship.
The Emotional Impact of Identity Theft
Yes identity Theft Can Ruin Your Credit and Your Life, having a significant emotional impact on victims as well. Victims may experience feelings of anger, anxiety, stress, and depression. They may also feel violated, betrayed, and helpless.
According to a study by the Identity Theft Resource Center, 70% of identity theft victims experience emotional distress. The study also found that victims are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than people who have not been victims of identity theft.
If you are a victim of identity theft, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Talking to someone about what you are going through can help you to cope with the emotional impact of the crime.
Statistics:
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- 70% of identity theft victims experience emotional distress.
- Victims are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD than people who have not been victims of identity theft.
- The average victim of identity theft spends 200 hours and $1,700 to recover from the crime.
- It can take up to 7 years to fully recover from identity theft.
Take Action Today
Identity theft is a serious crime, but it is one that you can protect yourself from. By taking the necessary steps to protect your personal information and monitoring your credit reports regularly, you can help keep your credit score safe and your finances secure.
Graph:
Don’t let identity theft ruin your credit and your life. Take action today to protect yourself!
If you are a victim of identity theft, here are a few places to start:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1-877-438-4338
- The Identity Theft Resource Center: 1-888-400-5530
- The National Association of Consumer Advocates: 1-800-644-7222
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by Brian Thompson | Aug 2, 2023 | Employee Benefits, Identity Theft
In the evolving landscape of employee benefits, one crucial aspect often remains overlooked: identity theft protection. Employers are striving to provide comprehensive benefits packages that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce. BUT, Identity theft protection is an offering that has yet to receive the attention it truly deserves. There are 4 reasons agents don’t offer identity theft protection.
Below are the four most common objections we hear, keeping identity theft protection from benefits conversations. We unravel the layers of misconception and reveal reasons why identity theft protection should be in every company’s benefits portfolio. From debunking cost concerns to showcasing the tangible advantages for both employers and employees, we’ll illuminate how identity theft protection not only shields against financial turmoil but also nurtures a culture of trust and security within the workplace.
4 Objections
- Cost: While it’s true that identity theft protection can come with a cost, it’s important to consider the potential long-term savings. (defend-id Plans overview – it might be less expensive than you think) In the unfortunate event of a data breach or identity theft incident affecting employees, the costs can skyrocket due to legal fees, reputational damage, and employee downtime. By investing in identity theft protection as an employee benefit, companies proactively mitigate these potential financial burdens. Plus, the cost of offering this benefit is outweighed by improved employee morale, loyalty, and overall productivity.
Lack of Demand: It’s understandable to have concerns about demand, but identity theft is a pervasive and growing issue impacting millions of employees yearly. Even if employees haven’t expressed an interest in identity theft protection, it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t value the added security and peace of mind. Offering this benefit demonstrates your commitment to their well-being and financial security. Additionally, proactive education about the risks of identity theft could help employees recognize its importance and drive demand over time. Here are statistics by the Identity Theft Resource Center showing a clear demand for the benefit: - Limited Knowledge: Identity theft protection is increasingly relevant in today’s digital world. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with reputable identity theft protection providers and their features will not only enhance your credibility but also allow you to tailor solutions that best fit your client’s needs. Partnering with knowledgeable providers can also provide the necessary support to address any questions or concerns you may have.
- Concerns about Privacy: Privacy is a valid concern, but reputable identity theft protection providers prioritize data security and confidentiality. When partnering with established providers, you can assure your clients that stringent measures are in place to safeguard sensitive information. Offering identity theft protection can be an opportunity to educate employees about the importance of secure data handling and protection practices. Clear communication about how their data will be used and secured can help alleviate concerns and build trust.
Identity theft protection is a valuable benefit that employers should consider offering to their employees.
It can help to protect employees from the financial and emotional harm of identity theft, and it can also save employers money in the long run.
Cost, lack of demand, limited knowledge, and concerns about privacy are all valid concerns, but they can be overcome. By partnering with a reputable identity theft protection provider, employers can ensure that their employees’ data is secure and that they have access to the resources they need to protect themselves from identity theft.
Offering identity theft protection is a way to show employees that you care about their well-being and financial security. It is also a way to protect your company from the financial and reputational damage caused by an identity theft incident.
If you are an employer, I encourage you to consider offering identity theft protection as a benefit to your employees. It is a wise investment that can protect your employees and your company.
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