IAIABC Member Spotlight

Each month, the IAIABC highlights one of its member organizations, asking about what the organization does; what challenges it sees workers' compensation facing; and why they're involved with the IAIABC. Find past member spotlights here. 

IAIABC: Please provide an organizational overview (number of employees, years in business, vision)

Michelle N. Pelletier, Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Communications, The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company: For over 30 years, Beacon Mutual has proudly served as the leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Rhode Island. Our commitment to protecting the state’s most valuable asset, our workers, remains unwavering. Now, expanding our reach, we also cover businesses based in Massachusetts and Connecticut that conduct operations in Rhode Island.

Beacon’s Vision: Empowering businesses to succeed by caring for the safety, well-being, and security of their employees.

Beacon’s Core Values: Commit to Care, Embrace Inclusion, Explore Possible, Do the Right Thing, Be Remarkable, and Impact Our Community.

IAIABC: How does your organization serve the workers’ compensation industry? 

MP: At Beacon Mutual, no one works harder to prevent workplace accidents and facilitate the swift return of injured employees to work with compassion and care. Our dedicated team includes the largest assembly of local ergonomic and safety professionals focused on creating safer workplaces. Additionally, we boast an exceptional team of claim representatives, nurses, and case managers to assist Southern New England employers and their injured workers.

Headquartered in Warwick, RI, we understand the unique needs of local businesses, and we are ready to protect businesses and employees in Southern New England. Since we are local, we are never far when our policyholders need us!

IAIABC: What do you see as some of the major challenges the industry is facing, and how can we as a community address them? 

MP: Some of the major challenges facing our industry include technological advancements and changing workforce dynamics.

Technological Advancements: The rapid pace of technological advancements presents both opportunities and challenges for the workers' compensation industry. Embracing technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and telemedicine can improve efficiency and outcomes. However, ensuring that these technologies are implemented ethically and equitably, and addressing concerns about data privacy and security, are crucial considerations. As a community, we can facilitate discussions and knowledge-sharing on best practices for integrating technology into workers' compensation processes while addressing ethical and regulatory concerns. It is important to collaborate with technology providers and regulatory bodies to develop guidelines and standards for responsible technology adoption. 
 
Changing Workforce Dynamics: The nature of work is evolving rapidly, with trends such as remote work, gig economy employment, and automation reshaping the workforce. These changes can complicate the determination of eligibility and coverage for workers' compensation benefits. As a community, we can conduct research and analysis to understand how changing workforce dynamics impact workers' compensation systems. Businesses can address these challenges by developing flexible policies and regulations that adapt to evolving work arrangements while ensuring adequate protection for workers. 

IAIABC: Are there any projects/programs/initiatives going on at your organization that you are particularly excited or enthusiastic about?

MP: What sets Beacon apart is our expert team of local loss prevention and safety specialists. These professionals bring with them extensive industry expertise and a dedicated focus on improving safety standards. They actively engage with our policyholders' businesses, conducting on-site evaluations and offering personalized recommendations to enhance employee safety.

Our team provides invaluable safety tips and comprehensive training sessions tailored to each client's specific needs. Through their efforts, we aim to establish effective loss prevention programs that not only prevent injuries and accidents but also foster positive attitudes toward safety among employees.

Furthermore, we are proud of our investments in new technology aimed at better serving our agents, policyholders, and claimants. This investment underscores our commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to streamline processes, enhance communication, and deliver superior service experiences.

IAIABC: What's an interesting fact about your organization that most people don't know?

MP: An intriguing facet of Beacon Mutual is our deep commitment to both employee and policyholder satisfaction and community engagement. We have garnered accolades such as the prestigious Providence Business News “Best Places to Work Award” underscoring our dedication to fostering a positive work environment. Moreover, we were recently honored by the RI Monthly with the “Common Good Award” for Philanthropy which highlights our proactive involvement in giving back to the community.

At Beacon, we believe in the power of active participation, which is why our employees are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise to various local non-profit initiatives throughout the year. Whether it is through charity events, clothing drives, environmental clean-up efforts, or mentoring programs, our team is always eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

But our commitment goes beyond just volunteerism. In 2021, we established the Beacon Foundation with the mission of raising funds and providing grants to deserving charitable organizations. Through careful consideration by our Foundation Board, we contribute to a diverse array of causes, enriching the fabric of our local community.

Education is another cornerstone of our values, which is why we proudly support the Brighter Tomorrows Scholarship program administered by the Rhode Island Foundation. This initiative aims to assist the children of injured workers in pursuing their educational aspirations. Additionally, we contribute to various scholarship funds benefiting Rhode Island students, embodying our belief in lifelong learning and academic excellence.

Our commitment to exceptional service is evident by our outstanding Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 63.3, placing us in the 94th percentile of the insurance industry. This metric reflects the high level of satisfaction and trust our policyholders have in us, affirming our status as a preferred partner for businesses across Southeastern New England.

IAIABC: Why is your organization a member of the IAIABC? What would you tell others about the benefits of membership?

MP: Beacon values membership in the IAIABC for its unparalleled resources and networking opportunities in the workers' compensation sector. Through committee engagement, educational programs, and access to exclusive resources, we stay informed and contribute to shaping industry policy and practice on a global scale. Joining IAIABC opens doors to collaboration, learning, and impactful discussions that drive positive change in workers' compensation administration.

Previous Member Spotlights

2024 Member Spotlights

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation - April 2024
Arbicare - March 2024
Acuity Insurance -February 2024
Alaska Division of Workers' Compensation - January 2024