Latest news with #HarrisPoll
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AICPA survey shows 37% of Americans face fraud post-disaster
A survey has revealed that 37% of Americans have encountered fraudulent activities following personal or professional impacts from natural disasters. The survey by the Harris Poll for the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) highlights identity theft, government assistance fraud and loan scams among the common types of fraud experienced. It details the types of fraud experienced: identity theft at 14%; government assistance fraud at 11%; loan scams at 11%; vendor fraud at 10%; utility scams at 10%; charity fraud at 10%; insurance fraud at 10%; and contractor fraud at 8%. The findings show that residents in the north-east and south, both at 40%, are more susceptible compared to the Midwest at 31%. The ACIPA survey also reveals that 48% of Americans lack personal insurance coverage for fraud-related losses during disaster recovery. In contrast, 39% have such coverage, while 13% are uncertain. Among business owners, 64% have insurance protection against fraud-related losses, while 32% do not, with 4% unsure. AICPA director of forensic & technology advisory services Christine Cutti-Fox said: 'In the aftermath of a natural disaster, you may see many individuals show positive behaviours, but you may also see unexpected negative behaviours. 'Fraud can manifest in various ways, and whether you are dealing with the impact as an individual, family, or business owner, it is essential to stay informed and develop a comprehensive plan supported by appropriate documentation to facilitate effective recovery.' Last week, the AICPA also emphasised the necessity for enhanced tax relief measures for those affected by natural disasters. The survey, conducted separately, indicated a strong public preference for extending the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax relief measures beyond initial emergency declarations. More than a third (35%) of the respondents value extended tax filing and payment relief periods post-disaster, the findings revealed. The survey further highlighted that nearly 32% of Americans have not taken steps to protect their financial interests against disasters. Additionally, 29% of participants suggested that IRS tax filing extensions in disaster scenarios would be advantageous. "AICPA survey shows 37% of Americans face fraud post-disaster " was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
‘The American Dream is a farce': US readers on the financial stress delaying milestones
Americans are getting married, having kids, buying a home, and retiring years later than what once was the norm. Many don't ever reach these milestones. While there is a complex web of factors that go into decisions like having kids or buying a house, a person's financial situation often plays an major role. In a May Harris/Guardian poll, six out of 10 Americans said that the economy had affected at least one of their major life goals, because of either a lack of affordability or anxiety about where the economy is heading. The Guardian heard from hundreds of readers who shared their stories about how the current economic and political climate has put some of their biggest life decisions on hold. For Martha Knight, the idea of having kids has been a complicated one. In terms of finances, home ownership seems far out of reach. Home prices in Louisville, Kentucky, have soared over the years. While prices are cheaper outside the city in more rural areas of the state, a move would affect their jobs in education and healthcare. And both Knight and her husband have student loan debt. Instability around forgiveness programs have made them question how long it will take them to pay off their debt. 'We made peace with the fact that we will probably rent our whole lives, and we're OK with that,' Knight, 34, said. 'That's where we are.' Besides owning a home to raise a family, there are also deeper questions: What would it be like to raise a child in the world we live in now? It's a hard question for Knight, who is from eastern Kentucky along the Appalachian mountains. Kentucky is her home state, it's where she and her husband grew up. But she doesn't see it as a place where she can raise a family. In 2023, the US fertility rate dropped to its lowest point in almost a century. 'We are one of the highest states for child hunger, for the foster care system, things like that,' Knight said. 'If we ever have a child, if we are fortunate enough for that to happen, we are really hoping to give them a better future. We want them to grow up with the idea of possibility. As the state is currently, Kentucky doesn't offer that.' Anxiety about the future didn't start under Trump's second administration. The pandemic threw the economy into a tailspin. While the stock market soared, inflation hit a generational high in 2022, and Americans are still feeling the pain of higher bills. And even though mortgage rates have climbed with higher interest rates, housing prices still remain at record highs. In other words, it's been hard to catch a break. Although Trump promised to provide economic relief, the administration has caused widespread uncertainty for some respondents with his erratic tariff policies and attacks on minority groups and reproductive rights. Danielle, 35, who requested to be identified by her first name only, said that she's held off on buying a home and having kids given the instability. 'I love the community I built here, but as a queer person, I've been hesitant to buy a home and even have kids due to rigid abortion bans and economic instability,' said Danielle, who currently lives in Austin, Texas. 'This is no longer the country I knew nor grew up in. The American Dream is a farce.' While student loan debt has been a huge barrier to home ownership for many millennials, the Save plan, the Biden administration's hallmark loan forgiveness program, allowed Stephen Buechel-Rieger, 32, of Cincinnati, Ohio and his partner to purchase their first home. Their goal was to eventually purchase a larger home to accommodate a growing family, but 'we have been delaying moving from our first home to our forever home,' Buechel-Rieger said. 'Now because of the increase in student loan payments, uncertainty of the future of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, stubborn interest rates and uncertainty in the medical field, we cannot take the financial risk,' Buechel-Rieger said. High home prices don't just affect millennial buyers. William Pollard Jr, 71, said he and his wife have been wanting to move out of Florida to live closer to family, but prices have been too high to buy a new home. 'With the stock and bond markets bouncing everywhere, we cannot put together an account to buy a house elsewhere. The markets need to be stable, so we can build more wealth,' Pollard said. 'I am very frustrated at having to put a major goal on hold for who knows how long … I am getting no younger. We want to live the rest of our years near family and friends.' Many Americans also said that they were holding off on big purchases, which may not appear to hold the weight of major life decisions, but also play a huge role in people's lives. Hunter Gale, 39, of Kansas City, Missouri, said his wife is expecting in September, and the family is hoping to purchase a car that will be safer for their new baby. Uncertainty around tariffs, along with the higher cost of baby products, have made it harder to get a better car. 'While we are fortunate to have stable jobs and a home that can fit our expanding family, it is stressful knowing costs for essentials for our baby will be higher,' Gale said. When people buy homes and have kids later in life, that often pushes up the retirement age. It's no surprise, then, that the average age of retirement was 62 in 2024 – five years older than what it was three decades ago. And many Americans continue to hold it off because of economic anxiety. Swantje Agápe, 57, of San Jose, California, said that she and her husband were looking to retire in the next year, but 'politically and economically things are too unstable'. 'We are no longer confident that three retirement funds and plans we have will be sufficient,' Agápe said. 'We are both feeling quite sad and frustrated. After working hard all our lives, we were both really looking forward to an early-ish retirement.' Diane Alaine Bates, 65, of Kenmore, Washington, said that she similarly had been delaying retirement for months because of the instability. 'I've been scared since the election that tariffs will cause a recession,' Bates said. 'I need to know if my 401(k) is going to be stable enough to retire.' People delaying these major life decisions don't just affect individual lives. On a societal level, the impacts are huge. When people retire later, that leaves less room for younger workers to move up in the workforce. When birth rates drop, it can lead to an ageing population that puts a strain on the healthcare system. And philosophically, it seems to raise questions about agency and freedom. What happens when people feel like larger political and economic forces are controlling their lives? For some, the solution is to leave. Many told the Guardian that they were making plans to leave the country, but for those who don't have foreign passports, crossing state lines appears to be the next best option. Knight said that she and her husband plan to leave Kentucky for Washington state, which they hope will be a better environment for their family. 'We have specifically chosen a blue state that offers some social safety nets. In Washington, they have state paid parental leave, you know, things that will help us hopefully find our feet,' Knight said. 'It's the choice of: do we stay? Do we stay with our community? Do we stay with our families? Or, for our future, do we move and give ourselves a better chance?'
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
‘Quiet Vacations' Signal Silent But Glaring Fears Within The Company
Why are employees still taking "quiet vacations?" 'Quiet vacations' started as a push-back against ... More the hustle culture, but this year they have morphed into a warning about an unaddressed and glaring problem in the company. Why are employees still taking 'quiet vacations' after a year-long tug-of-war between employers and employees? Originally, 'quiet vacations' started as a push-back against the hustle culture among Gen Zers who prioritize wellness and work-life balance. This year, it has morphed into another reason that stands out above all others. Experts contend that it signals a loud warning about a glaring problem in the company culture. Why Employees Are Still Taking 'Quiet Vacations' Exactly one year ago, I wrote for about 'quiet vacations'--employees taking a break on the downlow, while maintaining the illusion of working with tactics like staying off-camera during meetings or managing emails only when necessary. A year later, 'quiet vacations' have continued as workarounds, motivated mainly by employee fear. A Harris Poll found that 78% of workers (mostly Gen Z and Millennials) don't take all their PTO, because they're afraid they'll be judged as slackers if they ask for time off. In another study, 29% of employees cited layoff fears, making them hesitant to take time off this summer. After witnessing the approximately 1.6 million workers laid off or discharged in May 2025 alone and the 8.4 million layoffs and discharges occurring in 2025 so far, employees are afraid of losing their jobs if they visibly show they are prioritizing their well-being. Dr. Marais Bester agrees that 'quiet vacations' have re-emerged because employees need a break but don't feel safe enough to ask for one. 'This whole idea of 'quiet vacations' says a lot about how people are really feeling at work. But this isn't just people being sneaky,' says Bester, senior consultant at SHL. 'It's a sign that many don't feel safe or supported enough to take a proper break. Instead, they find workarounds, jiggling their mouse to stay 'active,' turning video off on calls, answering just enough emails to look busy.' A recent Headway survey of 2,000 employed adults found that 35% of people have canceled planned vacation activities to prioritize work, and more than half say they've argued with a partner over their inability to unplug. One in eight report their boss expects them to stay connected, and one in seven fear losing their job if they don't. Bester asserts that, as a business psychologist, the 'quiet vacationing' trend is a symptom of a lack of psychological safety in regard to resting. 'When nearly half of a generation feels the need to fake being online while actually on holiday, we are not talking about laziness. We are talking about fear," Bester argues. 'Many employees, especially millennials, have internalized the idea that visibly working equals value, and that taking time off might makes them look less committed. In that context, pretending to work while quietly resting becomes a coping mechanism, not misconduct." 'Quiet Vacations' Signal A Call To Action Bester argues that 'quiet vacations' are a call to action for employers. 'If your people do not feel safe taking the leave they are contractually entitled to, it is not enough to say that time off is allowed,' he insists. 'You have to show it.' Bester advises business leaders to take four actions: He suggests that business leaders take leave themselves and talk about it without shame. 'Ultimately, quiet vacationing is not about laziness or entitlement, 'Bester explains. "It is about unmet needs. People want balance, but they do not feel safe asking for it. That is a cultural failure, not a personal one. If we want people to show up fully engaged, creative and resilient, we need to stop rewarding burnout and start valuing recovery. Rested people do better work. It really is that simple.' Research from Headway shows that nearly two-thirds of employees struggle to disconnect while on vacation, and it's impacting their mental and physical health. A full 34% say there's no one to cover for them and distractions pile up: 59% get emails, 22% get texts and 12% are bothered by phone calls from work, pulling them out of relaxation while away. Bester recommends that employers establish systems that would help employees disconnect, such as shared calendars, fair workload distribution and open dialogue. The Headway study found that some employees don't fake the scroll . They fake the sick day. A full one in three professionals admit to calling in sick just to enjoy the weather. 'Sunshine, it seems, has become a valid reason to lie to your boss,' the research surmises. Bester suggests that leaders flip their perspective to see what 'quiet vacations' actually are--presenteeism in disguise is still presenteeism, and it is costing you. "If someone feels like they have to fake being at work just to rest, that's not a performance issue - it's a culture issue. We need to stop treating time off like a luxury or a weakness. People come back from proper breaks with more energy, better ideas, and fewer signs of burnout. And when leaders make it clear that it's okay, actually encouraged, to switch off, trust builds. Because let's be honest: pretending to rest helps no one. Real rest does.' Bester points out that company culture starts with leadership and hiring. Hiring the right people, he contends, helps build a culture of trust, uplifting and in turn, productivity. 'In the age of AI, many are scared they may be the next to be laid off. That can't happen.' A Final Wrap On 'Quiet Vacations' Mental health experts are encouraging employees to celebrate International Self-Care Day this July, and take PTO and vacations to work through job burnout. Yet, corporate America continues to send the exact opposite message to the workforce: 'Don't take time off to take care of yourself because you might lose your job.' So how do employees reconcile these contradictory messages? Bester encourages employees to reflect on what's driving 'quiet vacations" by asking, 'Is it fear of falling behind? Worry about how you're perceived? Or is it a lack of trust in how your absence will be handled?" Once you name what's driving your need for 'quiet vacations,' he recommends that you open up the conversation—ideally with a manager— about the need to rest and how to plan for it without guilt. 'It also helps to normalize boundaries: set an out-of-office, turn off notifications and resist the pull to prove you are still around. Rest is not something you earn. It is something you need to keep functioning at your best,' he concludes.
Observer
18-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
HIDDEN HOLIDAYS: WELCOME TO THE ERA OF QUIET VACATIONING
ORIANNA ROSA ROYLE It feels like just yesterday that 'quiet quitting' was plaguing workplaces. But with summer firmly here, it's 'quiet holidays' or 'quiet vacationing' that bosses need to be on the lookout for. Like quiet quitting — where employees mentally check out of their jobs, instead of taking the financial risk that comes with actually quitting — those who are 'quiet vacationing' are similarly tricking bosses into thinking they're working. But instead of wiggling their mouse every now on then so that they appear to be active while secretly binge watching TV, these workers are taking the trend one step further: They're going on vacation without formally taking leave and pretending to still be online. Essentially, some workers could be scanning through Slack or responding to the odd email from a beach in an entirely different country, right under your nose this summer. And it's your millennial workers you should keep the closest eye on. Millennials are so scared of looking like they're slacking they're quiet vacationing instead. According to a previous report on out of office culture by Harris Poll, 28 per cent of workers are guilty of taking time off work without communicating it to their employer. Despite all the flak they get about being lazy or unprofessional, less than a quarter of Gen Zers have done this — the same as Gen Xers and baby boomers. However, nearly 4 in 10 millennial workers have gone on vacation behind their bosses' back. They're also the most likely to have moved their laptop cursor to appear online, or scheduled a late message to look like they're working overtime. But all of this comes from a fear of looking like they're slacking off, the researchers noted. A significant chunk of 'quiet vacationers' are likely not using up more leave than they're actually entitled to, they're just scared that by asking for those days off work, they'll be passed up for opportunities. A separate study from Resume Builder found 43 per cent of 'quiet vacationers' are secretly taking up to 3 days off on the company dime, while a quarter are taking the entire work week off. The researchers echoed that anxiety is the top reason workers are going to such extreme lengths, with 2 in 5 workers worrying about how taking paid time off will impact their job security. 4 in 10 millennials take a quiet vacation — here's how to tell if your worker is one of them. The biggest sign your worker is secretly on vacation? A shift in the frequency or timing in their responses is a dead giveaway that they're preoccupied, the career coach Kyle Elliott tells Fortune. 'If someone who typically responds to emails and Slack messages within minutes suddenly takes hours or starts responding at unusual times, they may be on vacation or working from a different location'. But, he insists it's more important employers nip this behaviour in the bud by asking themselves why their workers are feeling the need to lie in the first place. 'This could be a sign of a larger cultural issue, such as a lack of psychological safety or unclear expectations, that needs to be addressed', Elliott adds. 'Rather than leave employees guessing where and how they should be available, set clear expectations from the get-go. This reduces confusion and ensures everyone knows what's expected'. — The New York Times
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Cadent Study Finds TV Ads Rival Doctors in Driving Awareness of New Medications Across Key Demographics
More than half of Americans find new medications through CTV and linear ads, according to recent data in pharmaceutical advertising NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadent, the predictive advertising company, today announced findings from its new study, Cadent Pharma Advertising Trends, fielded with The Harris Poll. The findings revealed that while doctors and healthcare providers remain the primary source for respondents to learn about new medications (68%), TV and connected TV (CTV) ads are gaining traction, at 62%. The study surveyed over 4,000 US consumers to achieve a more inclusive understanding of healthcare perceptions. With a focus on the impact of pharma advertising on multicultural groups, the survey explored trends within Hispanic, Black, White, and Asian demographics. "Harnessing the power of CTV and cross-screen advertising is crucial for pharmaceutical advertisers," said Bradley Deutsch, SVP at Cadent Health. "Seventy-six percent of consumers are more inclined to take action after encountering an ad across multiple devices. These platforms don't just introduce new medications–they are a critical factor for driving brand awareness and engagement throughout the patient journey, encouraging consumers to discuss the advertised medications with their healthcare providers." More findings from the report include: CTV tops linear TV for Hispanic Americans: Hispanic Americans are more likely to discover prescription medicines from ads on CTV (33%) than ads on linear TV (28%). Mobile ads drive action: After seeing a medication ad on mobile, 73% of Americans reported being likely to ask their doctor about a prescription medication, research an over-the-counter medication (71%), and buy over-the-counter medications (64%). Black Americans are most comfortable with AI-generated ad campaigns: 61% of Black Americans are comfortable with targeted online ads featuring AI-generated content, followed by 57% of Hispanic Americans. Only 38% of White Americans and 37% of Asian Americans are in agreement. QR codes capture attention: Nearly half (47%) of Americans are inclined to scan a QR code for more details after viewing a medication ad on CTV. Among them, Black Americans lead at 68%, followed by Hispanic Americans at 63%, Asian Americans at 44%, and White Americans at 40%. "Given the evolving landscape and the potential shifts in how pharmaceutical advertisements are delivered, understanding where your audience is engaging and how to connect with them is more critical than ever," continued Bradley Deutsch, SVP at Cadent Health. "Pharmaceutical advertisers can effectively reach and engage their target audience by leveraging these insights—without compromising individual privacy. Trust and education are key drivers of engagement, particularly in healthcare, where consumers increasingly value informative, relevant content. Highlighting specific demographics empowers marketers to create culturally relevant and educational campaigns that not only resonate with diverse audiences, but also foster trust—ensuring no one is left behind in healthcare communication." To learn more about Cadent or to download the full report, visit About CadentCadent ignites seamless connections between brands, publishers and consumers. Our advanced predictive models orchestrate outcomes on any platform customers are on, across any media they consume, and at any stage of their journey. Through our transparent, enterprise-class platform that adapts in real time and connects with hundreds of partners, we drive measurable outcomes across every screen. Learn more at About The Harris PollThe Harris Poll is one of the longest running surveys in the U.S. tracking public opinion, motivations and social sentiment since 1963 that is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas; building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and advisory to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cadent
