Employees are the backbone of our economy. Their hard work doesn’t just benefit themselves and their families – it benefits the community as well. If you really think about it, the usual benefits entitled to employees are far less than what they really deserve. The most we can do for them is at least keep everything fair and just. It would be disheartening for them to know that the “already” incommensurate benefits are further deprived or limited from them.

As an institution that understands and empathizes with the work force’s hard work and sacrifices, we know just how important social security and worker’s benefits are to middle class employees. It gives them the assurance that all the time and efforts they dedicate to their job won’t be for naught.

Today, we will be discussing one of two most important privileges every employee is entitled to by virtue and by law. We will be delving into the fundamental know-hows of Worker’s Compensation Benefits (WCB) – what it requires of employers, what it means for workers, and what repercussions may arise from failing to instate such benefit in the company.

What Are Worker’s Compensation Benefits?

WCB is exactly as its name suggests – a benefit granted to all workers. And when we say all, we do mean ALL. As long as you are a true and legal worker based in New York City, you are entitled to mandatory state benefits regardless who or what your employer is. There is no such thing as preferential treatment or selective grant when it comes to Worker’s Compensation Benefits. The fact that you are earning, profiting, and remitting your taxes dutifully, makes you more than eligible to receive Worker’s Benefits.

WCB is one way to secure employees’ physical and financial well-being. It is usually granted to employees who have suffered injuries or fell seriously ill in the workplace. This benefit goes hand-in-hand with Social Security Benefits, which are benefits granted to employees who have become partially or permanently disabled over the course of their employment life.

Are All Employers Required To Give Employees Worker’s Benefits?

Technically, the State will be doing the “giving.” However, it is an employer’s responsibility to have their employees enrolled in the Social Security and Worker’s Benefits program. Although WCB is a special program that is aimed to give due benefit to workers in general (yes, even those without Social Security Numbers), still, it does not offer the same amount of assurance the Social Security Program Offers.

Furthermore, as an employer, you should know fully well how important employees are to your company. There are basically the blocks that build up your company. Without them, it would only be a matter of time before your company starts to crumble. The most you can do for them is to rid them of the anxiety that there may come a day that they’ll be tossed aside and left with nothing – all because they can no longer serve their purpose.

Don’t Retirement Benefits Offer Enough Security?

Whether or not employees should be entitled to retirement benefits is not even a matter open for discussion – let alone debate. After all, it is an employees’ irrevocable right to receive such benefit in exchange for many years of displaying unwavering loyalty and backbreaking hard work. However, it is important to note that the assurance retirement benefits offer is only due to employees after his employment reaches maturity – and I guess you could imagine how long that’ll take.

What if something happens before the employee’s time with the company even matures? What then?

The average age of retirement of New Yorkers falls between 60 and 65. And although some employees may appeal for early retirement, many employers would still require a minimum of 10 or 15 years of service before they would even consider allowing it. If retirement benefits are all you have to offer your employees, what would become of them should something unfortunate happen before they even quality for it?

You see, SS and WC benefits exist for emergency situations. There is no telling what can happen later today, tomorrow, or in the days to come. Employees with no other means to live except for their jobs fear the possibility of becoming chronically ill or permanently disabled. They fear it not just because it will cause them great discomfort and inconvenience; they fear it because of what repercussions it would impose upon their families. Knowing that the State’s got their back when worse comes to worst is a big thorn off their chests.    

What Will Happen If Employers Fail Or Refuse To Comply With This Mandate?

They’ll definitely earn some jail time – no doubt.

Nah, just kidding. Thought a good shiver would break the ice. Although failing to comply with the requirements of the SS and WCB Programs may not immediately earn you the honour of a court visit, still, there is a possibility. After all, you are violating what is supposed to be an inviolable human need which is security.

Also, even though your refusal to comply with Social Security and Worker’s Compensation Benefits’ requirements may not be enough to warrant your arrest, it is enough to earn the state’s disgusto. If you don’t support the state’s programs for employees, you can’t expect the state to support your company’s endeavors. States, too, know how to hold a grudge. And they’ll show it in ways you least expect.   

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If you are an employer, take good care of your employee by giving them the privileges they deserve. If you are an employee, never be afraid to assert your right to WCB. Always remember that a harmonious employer-employee relationship is the key to company success. Both employers and employees need to realize that a company cannot prosper if there is no clear understanding between the management and its people.

 A company that is rich in capable people is a company moving towards success. Be that company.