The News You Need for April 14

Lessons in resilience and legislation to halt off-the-clock calls

Dawn Hays: Navigating the Dance of Workers’ Compensation with Grace and Resilience

Dr. Claire C. Muselman

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -- In the intricate world of workers' compensation, Dawn Hays stands out as a paragon of innovation, empathy, and unwavering commitment. Known as a "steel magnolia" for her resilience and grace, Dawn's journey in the industry is a testament to her ability to blend her communications and business acumen with a deep-seated passion for problem-solving. Her realization of the industry's potential for meaningful impact during a community crisis catalyzed her dedication to aiding individuals through their recovery journeys, shaping her path to becoming a revered leader in workers' compensation. Her approach transforms the lives of those she assists and inspires a new standard within the industry, melding personal touch with professional excellence. Through her leadership, Dawn has become a beacon for others, demonstrating how compassion and robust expertise can drive the evolution of workers' compensation toward a more responsive and humane service.

Early Inspirations and Career Shift

Dawn's dream of becoming a dancer symbolizes her lifelong embrace of movement and transformation. Her pivot from advertising to the insurance industry marked a significant turn in her career, unveiling her innate drive to address and resolve the complex challenges injured workers face. This transition underscored her belief in the industry's vital role in people's lives, particularly in workers' compensation, where the personal dimension of problem-solving resonates most profoundly with her values. Dawn's journey from communications to insurance is a narrative of passion meeting purpose, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in diverse environments while staying true to her core service mission. Her career evolution reflects her dedication to leveraging her skills in new contexts, always to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Guiding Principles and Influential Advice

A pivotal piece of advice from a mediator reshaped Dawn's approach to her role, emphasizing empathy and perspective-taking over combative negotiation tactics. This advice, coupled with her experiences and commitment to understanding the whole person's injury experience, has become a cornerstone of her professional ethos, guiding her to foster more compassionate and effective claims-handling processes. It encouraged her to view each case not just through the lens of policy and procedure but as a personal journey of the injured worker, underscoring the human aspect of her work. This shift in perspective has enhanced her effectiveness as a claims manager and inspired her team to adopt a more holistic and empathetic approach to their work. Dawn's integration of this advice into her leadership and operational strategy illustrates her deep commitment to transforming the workers' compensation industry into one that prioritizes understanding, care, and genuine support for all stakeholders.

Workspace and Personal Sacrifices

Dawn's home office, a sanctuary infused with personal and professional inspirations, reflects her holistic approach to work and life. Despite her career's fulfillment, she acknowledges the sacrifices made along the way, particularly when external perceptions overshadowed her self-esteem. This acknowledgment has been crucial in her journey towards self-awareness and setting personal boundaries. It has allowed her to strike a healthier balance between her professional aspirations and well-being, fostering a space where she can thrive. Dawn's ability to reflect on and learn from these sacrifices has empowered her to craft a career path that aligns more closely with her core values and aspirations, showcasing her resilience and adaptability.

Defining Success and Facing Fears

Success for Dawn is an ever-evolving concept defined by self-awareness, continuous pursuit of goals, and the recognition of achievements. As she navigates the latter stages of her career, her aspirations remain unfulfilled, prompting her to reassess her visions for the future and remain open to new, possibly unconventional, opportunities. This reflection and openness to change exemplify Dawn's dynamic approach to professional growth, illustrating her belief that success is not a destination but a journey marked by adaptability and a willingness to explore new horizons. Her proactive stance on confronting and embracing the unknown serves as a guide for others in the industry, demonstrating the value of resilience and the courage to redefine one's path. Dawn's journey is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, regardless of the career stage.

Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Inspiration

In moments of adversity, Dawn turns to stillness and silence, a testament to her belief in the power of introspection and objective problem-solving. She draws inspiration from the younger generation of women, whose authenticity and confidence inspired her to support and advocate for the empowerment of others. Dawn values these younger women's fresh perspectives and bold approaches, seeing them as catalysts for change and growth in her own life and career. Their determination to remain true to themselves and their goals encourages Dawn to re-evaluate her leadership and mentorship approach. Dawn energizes and engages herself through a cycle of mutual inspiration and learning, reinforcing her commitment to fostering an environment where she values every contribution and hears every voice.

Daily Routines and Resources for Newcomers

Starting her day with positivity and intention, Dawn adheres to her grandmother's sage advice, setting a tone of self-acceptance and motivation. She advocates for the Workers' Recovery Professional certification, emphasizing the importance of a humanitarian perspective in claims handling. She reflects on her vision for a more empathetic and holistic worker-compensation approach. This morning ritual of self-care and reflection energizes her and grounds her in her values, reinforcing her commitment to meaningful work. Dawn believes that this blend of personal well-being and professional excellence is critical to sustaining passion and drive in the industry. Her endorsement of educational resources like the Workers' Recovery Professional certification, available through WorkCompCollege.com, highlights her belief in the power of knowledge and continuous learning to transform the field and enrich the lives of its professionals and the individuals they serve.

Admiration and Influential Reads

Confidence, self-defined success, and the desire to serve resonate deeply with Dawn, qualities she admires in other women and strives to foster in herself. Her recommendations for impactful literature, including "Unapologetically Ambitious" and "Atomic Habits," highlight her commitment to continuous growth and empowerment through knowledge and self-discipline. These books underscore the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining focus, and building habits that lead to lasting success, mirroring Dawn's career trajectory and her approach to personal development. She values these resources for their practical advice, their broader message of taking charge of one's path, and the encouragement they provide to women at all stages of their careers. By sharing these influential reads, Dawn extends her passion for mentorship and her belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and intentional action, inspiring others to pursue their ambitions with conviction and purpose.

Legacy and Aspirations

Dawn Hays, a beacon of resilience, innovation, and compassion, continues to shape the workers' compensation industry with her holistic and empathetic approach. Her journey is a dance of strength, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of making a meaningful difference, inspiring others to approach their roles with the same grace, dedication, and heart that define her illustrious career. She has implemented profound changes and empowered countless individuals, and these achievements add to her legacy. Her story encourages us to embrace our unique paths, persevere through challenges, and remain committed to our core values, ensuring that our professional endeavors align with our deepest convictions and contribute to a larger purpose. Dawn's narrative stands as a testament to the impact one can have by blending professional excellence with genuine compassion, serving as a guiding light for future generations in the workers' compensation industry.

New Bill Would Prohibit Employers From Contacting Employees After Hours?

FJ Thomas

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) – Around 70 percent of physicians perform work related tasks while on vacation, with around 33 percent working 30 minutes or more on typical vacation day. A new bill being championed in California could make that practice a thing of the past.?

Assembly Bill (AB) 2751, also known as the “Right To Disconnect” bill, would require employers to establish a workplace policy that provides employees the right to ignore communications with employers during nonworking hours. According to the bill, employers would be required to define and establish nonworking hours in a written agreement. Additionally, the bill would allow employees to file complaints to the Labor Commissioner if their employer has a pattern of violating the bill’s provisions of at least three times, which could be subject civil penalty of at least $100.

The bill does allow employers to contact employees after hours in certain cases. On exception is in the event of an emergency, which is defined as, “unforeseen situation that threatens an employee, customer, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage”. Changes to a schedule within 24 hours is the second exemption.?

Democratic State Assembly member, Matt Haney who represents San Francisco, originally presented the bill back in February and brought it before committee on March 17th. First introduced in France in 2017, related laws have been passed across at least thirteen countries, including Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, and Australia.?

Haney’s stance is that modern technology has blurred the dividing line between home and work stating, “Workers shouldn’t be punished for not being available 24/7 if they’re not being paid for 24 hours of work. People have to be able to spend time with their families without being constantly interrupted at the dinner table or their kids’ birthday party, worried about their phones and responding to work.”

A 2023 survey of nearly 6,000 workers from Pew Research Center showed that 55 percent of workers receive and respond to work related messages outside of their working hours. According to statistics from Remote, the U.S. ranks 53rd for best overall work-life balance. By comparison, New Zealand garnered first spot on the list with 32 days mandatory annual leave allowance, 80 percent sick pay, and 26 paid weeks of maternity leave.

Given the support that this type of legislature has received in other countries, it will be interesting to see if this bill gains traction in the U.S., and if it opens the door for related lawsuits by employers and employees alike.?