Beyond the XMOD: Why Relationships Matter More Than Sales in Workers’ Comp Management

Not every business meeting leads to a new client—and that’s perfectly fine. Recently, a Sixth Man Employer Services executive sat down with a local contracting company that needed help managing its Experience Modification Rating (XMOD).

The XMOD, often overlooked, directly impacts what employers pay for workers’ compensation insurance. When the company reached out, it wasn’t about a sales pitch—it was about a problem. Their costs were higher than expected, and they wanted to understand why.

Why the XMOD Matters

For those unfamiliar, an Experience Modification Rating is much like a credit score for your company’s safety record. It reflects your claims history compared to others in your industry. A higher XMOD means higher insurance premiums, while a lower one signals a safer, more efficient workplace—and lower costs.

But, as the Sixth Man team knows well, the number only tells part of the story.

Managing an XMOD isn’t just about reducing claims—it’s about analyzing trends, reviewing loss runs, and implementing strategic risk management systems. Sometimes, small procedural improvements can make a big financial difference.

While much of the job involves meeting with clients and helping them navigate insurance complexities, there’s also a quiet, technical side to it.

“I genuinely enjoy the work I do,” he said. “It’s not for everyone—it’s a lot like accounting. There’s analysis, pattern recognition, and a satisfaction in uncovering what others might overlook.”

That attention to detail is what sets apart professionals who merely process data from those who transform it into actionable insight. At Sixth Man, it’s never just about crunching numbers—it’s about translating analytics into better business outcomes.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Ultimately, analyzing XMODs isn’t just about controlling insurance costs—it’s about building safer, stronger companies. When a business can manage risk more effectively, it creates a ripple effect: fewer injuries, better morale, lower expenses, and more sustainable growth.

By taking the time to help employers understand how their data connects to their dollars, Sixth Man Employer Services continues to prove that true value lies in transparency and partnership—not just transactions.

If your company’s workers’ compensation costs seem higher than they should be, there’s more to the story than just claims. Sixth Man can help you analyze your XMOD and identify strategies to reduce it over time.

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