The Lakeland Chamber, alongside more than 300 organizations, has signed onto a coalition letter addressing Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, and Steve Scalise, Majority Leader, both of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The letter's purpose is to strongly support H.R. 1163, the Prove It Act of 2025, and urge the House of Representatives to consider and pass this important legislation to strengthen the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) and bolster the voice of small business in our nation’s capital.

Read more about the Prove It Act of 2025 below.

Stahl & Associates, a Higginbotham Partner since 2023, is a full service insurance and risk management firm serving businesses throughout the community. Backed by the national resources of one of the largest employee owned insurance brokerages, our local Lakeland team shares expertise into how employee wellness, safety, and risk management work together to help control insurance costs.

When local business owners think about employee wellness programs, they often associate them with attracting and retaining good employees. While that is certainly important, wellness initiatives can also play a meaningful role in helping control insurance costs across both employee benefits and business insurance programs. When workforce health, safety, and risk management work together, the benefits extend well beyond the HR department.

Healthier employees generally experience fewer chronic conditions, lower stress levels, and fewer preventable injuries. From an employee benefits standpoint, this can help reduce medical and disability claims and improve overall productivity. Preventive care, early intervention, and access to mental health resources can make a significant difference in helping employees stay healthy and engaged at work.

Wellness also plays an important role in workplace safety and liability. Fatigue, stress, and untreated health conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents, whether in an office, on a job site, or on the road. Employees who feel supported and are physically and mentally well are more likely to follow safety procedures, stay alert, and avoid costly mistakes that can lead to workers’ compensation or liability claims. Over time, this can positively affect a business’s insurance experience and overall risk profile.

Wellness programs do not have to be complicated or expensive to be effective. Many local businesses find success with practical initiatives such as:
· Preventive health screenings and flu shot clinics
· Access to mental health and employee assistance programs
· Ergonomic assessments and injury-prevention training
· Fitness or walking challenges and nutritional education
· Fatigue management and substance abuse awareness programs

The greatest impact comes when wellness is part of a broader approach to employee safety and business risk management. When employers look at wellness, safety, and insurance together, they can identify trends and address issues before they turn into major claims or disruptions.

At Stahl & Associates, a Higginbotham Partner, we help local businesses take this connected approach. By bringing together employee benefits consulting and property and casualty insurance expertise, we help employers better understand how workforce health, safety practices, and insurance performance are related. This allows businesses to make more informed decisions that support both their employees and their long-term stability.

This coordinated approach can also support better outcomes with insurance carriers. Insurers consider both loss history and risk controls when evaluating coverage and pricing. Businesses that demonstrate commitment to employee well-being, safety training, and proactive risk management often present a stronger overall risk profile, which can contribute to more stable insurance costs over time.

Beyond insurance considerations, investing in wellness helps build stronger workplace culture. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay with their employer, participate in safety programs, and contribute positively to the organization. For small and mid-sized businesses in our community, retaining experienced employees and maintaining consistent operations is critical to long-term success.

For Chamber members, the takeaway is simple: employee wellness is not just an HR benefit, it is part of running a healthy, sustainable business. Even small steps toward improving wellness and safety can lead to meaningful improvements in employee satisfaction, productivity, and risk management.
.
.
To learn more or discuss employee benefits, contact Jay Skelcher-Maxwell, Consultant, Employee Benefits at Stahl & Associates in their Lakeland office: [email protected] / (863) 250-8546