

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNet" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNet" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPendingPurchaseOfPrusDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#BasisOfPresentationPendingPurchaseOfPrusDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ChangesInEstimatesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ChangesInEstimatesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ChangesInEstimatesLevel1Notes" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ChangesInEstimatesLevel1Notes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ChangesInEstimatesTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ChangesInEstimatesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCapitalCommitmentDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesCapitalCommitmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesContingenciesSurroundingInsuranceAssessmentsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesContingenciesSurroundingInsuranceAssessmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesPropertyHeldUnderCapitalLeasesIsIncludedInPropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesPropertyHeldUnderCapitalLeasesIsIncludedInPropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStockholdersEquityParentheticals" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStockholdersEquityParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlans" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansEmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansEmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCashEquivalentsAtNavAndTotalCashAndCashEquivalentsCarriedAtFairValueDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCashEquivalentsAtNavAndTotalCashAndCashEquivalentsCarriedAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueInputsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueInputsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationOfLevel3SecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationOfLevel3SecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/Investments" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#Investments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsContinuousLossPositionDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#InvestmentsContinuousLossPositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#InvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsEquitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#InvestmentsEquitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentsHeldInTrustOrOnDepositDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#InvestmentsInvestmentsHeldInTrustOrOnDepositDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsNetRealizedGainsLossesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#InvestmentsNetRealizedGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenses" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenses" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesHistoricalIncurredLossesAndLaeDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesHistoricalIncurredLossesAndLaeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToAggregateCarryingAmountOfLiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLaeDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToAggregateCarryingAmountOfLiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLaeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesShortDurationInsuranceContractsHistorcialClaimsDurationDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesShortDurationInsuranceContractsHistorcialClaimsDurationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NewAccountingStandards" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NewAccountingStandards" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsRecentlyAdoptedAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NewAccountingStandardsRecentlyAdoptedAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsRecentlyIssuedAsusDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NewAccountingStandardsRecentlyIssuedAsusDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayable" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NotesPayable" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayableLettersOfCreditDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NotesPayableLettersOfCreditDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayableOutstandingDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NotesPayableOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayablePrincipalPaymentObligationsOnNotesPayableOutstandingDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NotesPayablePrincipalPaymentObligationsOnNotesPayableOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayableTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#NotesPayableTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentBreakoutDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentBreakoutDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/Reinsurance" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#Reinsurance" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceExcessOfLossDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ReinsuranceExcessOfLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceLptAgreementDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ReinsuranceLptAgreementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceReinsurancePremiumNoteDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ReinsuranceReinsurancePremiumNoteDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ReinsuranceTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiBalanceSheetParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiBalanceSheetParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrant" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrant" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialData" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialData" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataSelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataSelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataSignificantQuarterlyAdjustmentsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataSignificantQuarterlyAdjustmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StatutoryMatters" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StatutoryMatters" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StatutoryMattersStatutoryMattersDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StatutoryMattersStatutoryMattersDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StatutoryMattersTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StatutoryMattersTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationChangesInOutstandingStockOptionsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationChangesInOutstandingStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationFairMarketValueOfStockOptionsGrantedCalculatedDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationFairMarketValueOfStockOptionsGrantedCalculatedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPerformanceShareAwardsDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationPerformanceShareAwardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedNetLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedNetLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodEndLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedPeriodStartLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTerseLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd#negatedTotalLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd#netLabel" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNet" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_209BFB8264E3F2CB4B446264B8721E3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_65176419E463354AF48D6264B872A5C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_209BFB8264E3F2CB4B446264B8721E3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock_65176419E463354AF48D6264B872A5C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_A4C2CC6F0797149354EA6264B7A71D6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_eig_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesBeforeTax_98AAEAFCE669B94442526264B7A7E40A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_A4C2CC6F0797149354EA6264B7A71D6A" xlink:to="loc_eig_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesBeforeTax_98AAEAFCE669B94442526264B7A7E40A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDeferredTaxOnNetUnrealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_eig_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDeferredTaxOnNetUnrealizedGains_5114E84C353177283FAE6264B7A7232D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_A4C2CC6F0797149354EA6264B7A71D6A" xlink:to="loc_eig_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDeferredTaxOnNetUnrealizedGains_5114E84C353177283FAE6264B7A7232D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_BDFCB57A53D1EAAE8D5E6264B7A7EB14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_A4C2CC6F0797149354EA6264B7A71D6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_BDFCB57A53D1EAAE8D5E6264B7A7EB14" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_42855387E7BA4451F1E96264B66FA4DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_F561CE3AB45BD1AE7C426264B66FF199" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_42855387E7BA4451F1E96264B66FA4DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_F561CE3AB45BD1AE7C426264B66FF199" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_BasisOfPresentationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_BasisOfPresentationAbstract_1772D576072B412EC5B66264B7C62D8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_7DC5FE0829662818AF786264B7C64C81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_BasisOfPresentationAbstract_1772D576072B412EC5B66264B7C62D8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessDescriptionAndBasisOfPresentationTextBlock_7DC5FE0829662818AF786264B7C64C81" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPendingPurchaseOfPrusDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PendingAcquisitionofPRUSAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_PendingAcquisitionofPRUSAbstract_7CCAAB777DDB2546EC426264B76846C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_96515C3006E5D0CF36E86264B7684352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_PendingAcquisitionofPRUSAbstract_7CCAAB777DDB2546EC426264B76846C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_96515C3006E5D0CF36E86264B7684352" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_74A236DE07AA60C39F386264B768FE6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_96515C3006E5D0CF36E86264B7684352" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_74A236DE07AA60C39F386264B768FE6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F59E3142F9E380DBA1AE6264B7689E90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_74A236DE07AA60C39F386264B768FE6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F59E3142F9E380DBA1AE6264B7689E90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6AAC0EF135FCDDC7C7A36264B768CEF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_96515C3006E5D0CF36E86264B7684352" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6AAC0EF135FCDDC7C7A36264B768CEF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AcquireStatutoryCapitalandSurplus" xlink:label="loc_eig_AcquireStatutoryCapitalandSurplus_D0B90B61EA88B5819D406264B7682958" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6AAC0EF135FCDDC7C7A36264B768CEF4" xlink:to="loc_eig_AcquireStatutoryCapitalandSurplus_D0B90B61EA88B5819D406264B7682958" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PaymentstoAcquireBusinessNet" xlink:label="loc_eig_PaymentstoAcquireBusinessNet_A55332F3A5A5E792760D6264B768C1F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6AAC0EF135FCDDC7C7A36264B768CEF4" xlink:to="loc_eig_PaymentstoAcquireBusinessNet_A55332F3A5A5E792760D6264B768C1F0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ChangesInEstimatesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract_E3C7B9016B47DC775D51CA0C98BC9AA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAccountingEstimateTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAccountingEstimateTable_F41F37F30FDC683748CFCA0C98BCE940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract_E3C7B9016B47DC775D51CA0C98BC9AA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAccountingEstimateTable_F41F37F30FDC683748CFCA0C98BCE940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_0AA9E98BD0AF1E51EAEACA0C98BCCA35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAccountingEstimateTable_F41F37F30FDC683748CFCA0C98BCE940" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_0AA9E98BD0AF1E51EAEACA0C98BCCA35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_D6247577234BF43DFD98CA0C98BC9CFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_0AA9E98BD0AF1E51EAEACA0C98BCCA35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_D6247577234BF43DFD98CA0C98BC9CFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_F28C681FCB6A49B4A544CA0C98BC30AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_D6247577234BF43DFD98CA0C98BC9CFC" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_F28C681FCB6A49B4A544CA0C98BC30AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_49BDDF5565110EB4B077CA0C98BCBC0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_D6247577234BF43DFD98CA0C98BC9CFC" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_49BDDF5565110EB4B077CA0C98BCBC0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangeInAccountingEstimateTable_F41F37F30FDC683748CFCA0C98BCE940" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_57738F05DDB298AC7545CA0C98BC87FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_57738F05DDB298AC7545CA0C98BC87FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AmortizationOfDeferredGain" xlink:label="loc_eig_AmortizationOfDeferredGain_C3B1D4B7456BF79C7A43CA0C98BCAA15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:to="loc_eig_AmortizationOfDeferredGain_C3B1D4B7456BF79C7A43CA0C98BCAA15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_Changeinestimateofcontingentcommissionreceivable" xlink:label="loc_eig_Changeinestimateofcontingentcommissionreceivable_CBC0393D59E06AB6AE3FCA0C98BCAFC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:to="loc_eig_Changeinestimateofcontingentcommissionreceivable_CBC0393D59E06AB6AE3FCA0C98BCAFC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EA0111CEF1EF51ED8291CA0C98BC9204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EA0111CEF1EF51ED8291CA0C98BC9204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_9E7E95B7E1711A7AC6B7CA0C98BC8907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_9E7E95B7E1711A7AC6B7CA0C98BC8907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4D8478E25D460052D4DECA0C98BCD488" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems_D43D43F49686099555C5CA0C98BC4A1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4D8478E25D460052D4DECA0C98BCD488" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ChangesInEstimatesLevel1Notes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract_992FCD1E9798C01E817B6264B73A0091" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingChangesAndErrorCorrectionsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingChangesAndErrorCorrectionsTextBlock_6C827E548AF7CD260BD16264B73ADE5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract_992FCD1E9798C01E817B6264B73A0091" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingChangesAndErrorCorrectionsTextBlock_6C827E548AF7CD260BD16264B73ADE5E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ChangesInEstimatesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract_403EA7648AB808FB6067E3FDF9D0FA2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangetoContingentProfitCommissionTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangetoContingentProfitCommissionTableTextBlock_71A9274BB6244D05880AE3FDF9D11C27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract_403EA7648AB808FB6067E3FDF9D0FA2A" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangetoContingentProfitCommissionTableTextBlock_71A9274BB6244D05880AE3FDF9D11C27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeDuetoEstimatedReservesCededUndertheLPTAgreementTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeDuetoEstimatedReservesCededUndertheLPTAgreementTableTextBlock_9FE866DF9FE828B37F73E3FDF9D16FD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ChangesinEstimatesAbstract_403EA7648AB808FB6067E3FDF9D0FA2A" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeDuetoEstimatedReservesCededUndertheLPTAgreementTableTextBlock_9FE866DF9FE828B37F73E3FDF9D16FD9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_9F75542788511A932F206264B6FBA4C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_555E732406D82337C4BD6264B6FBBF22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_9F75542788511A932F206264B6FBA4C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_555E732406D82337C4BD6264B6FBBF22" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCapitalCommitmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CapitalCommitmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CapitalCommitmentAbstract_DCEE0665D224398DE27EE361843FED84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments_2D1B4BCA982CBCF407EEE361D6122271" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CapitalCommitmentAbstract_DCEE0665D224398DE27EE361843FED84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInvestmentsEntitiesThatCalculateNetAssetValuePerShareUnfundedCommittments_2D1B4BCA982CBCF407EEE361D6122271" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesContingenciesSurroundingInsuranceAssessmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ContingenciesSurroundingInsuranceAssessmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ContingenciesSurroundingInsuranceAssessmentsAbstract_2C7520AF6B1E7ED2159E6264B6BDE57B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_1582036093AE2C32F0C86264B6BD7F32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ContingenciesSurroundingInsuranceAssessmentsAbstract_2C7520AF6B1E7ED2159E6264B6BDE57B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_1582036093AE2C32F0C86264B6BD7F32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_18680969405B9317662F6264B6BDA5D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_1582036093AE2C32F0C86264B6BD7F32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_18680969405B9317662F6264B6BDA5D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1DC53F18A64763C6378C6264B6BDA31E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_18680969405B9317662F6264B6BDA5D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_1DC53F18A64763C6378C6264B6BDA31E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_6D1547E454249DE4C9AB6264B6BD2EC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_1582036093AE2C32F0C86264B6BD7F32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_6D1547E454249DE4C9AB6264B6BD2EC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiability_F7D9BF234D6203657D7C6264B6BD9D5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_6D1547E454249DE4C9AB6264B6BD2EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiability_F7D9BF234D6203657D7C6264B6BD9D5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiabilityPaymentPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiabilityPaymentPeriod_3BC148EC69434DFB9F376264B6BDED75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_6D1547E454249DE4C9AB6264B6BD2EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiabilityPaymentPeriod_3BC148EC69434DFB9F376264B6BDED75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualInsuranceRelatedAssessmentPolicySurchargeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualInsuranceRelatedAssessmentPolicySurchargeAsset_1AC27089B372D025C3FB6264B6BDB329" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_6D1547E454249DE4C9AB6264B6BD2EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualInsuranceRelatedAssessmentPolicySurchargeAsset_1AC27089B372D025C3FB6264B6BDB329" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiabilityRealizationPeriodForAssociatedAssetOffsets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiabilityRealizationPeriodForAssociatedAssetOffsets_B62E3C00C5A14E28F0D36264B6BD6796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_6D1547E454249DE4C9AB6264B6BD2EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyDiscountedAmountOfInsuranceRelatedAssessmentLiabilityRealizationPeriodForAssociatedAssetOffsets_B62E3C00C5A14E28F0D36264B6BD6796" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_EDDA232948E759F76DB86264B759BED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LeaseTermsExpire" xlink:label="loc_eig_LeaseTermsExpire_F3A97F75EC0E5FE5A7A46264B759A2EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_EDDA232948E759F76DB86264B759BED8" xlink:to="loc_eig_LeaseTermsExpire_F3A97F75EC0E5FE5A7A46264B759A2EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FutureLeasePayments" xlink:label="loc_eig_FutureLeasePayments_CAC601479AC0410B438E6264B759C7BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_EDDA232948E759F76DB86264B759BED8" xlink:to="loc_eig_FutureLeasePayments_CAC601479AC0410B438E6264B759C7BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_EDDA232948E759F76DB86264B759BED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_E949B42140BF84C307776264B759E370" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_E949B42140BF84C307776264B759E370" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_1A460EF37FCCF4740C626264B7597CF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_1A460EF37FCCF4740C626264B7597CF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_D3C0E2D50C515B9855436264B759E3FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_D3C0E2D50C515B9855436264B759E3FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_14EB8AB8BFC642BF04D56264B759F042" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_14EB8AB8BFC642BF04D56264B759F042" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_82F3F43764F654EF1EC36264B7593017" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_82F3F43764F654EF1EC36264B7593017" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_D6A809DE7CDE62C93C896264B7594801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_D6A809DE7CDE62C93C896264B7594801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_BB65CCE38B89EADA26866264B75991A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_14DB423980567F1831646264B7590300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_BB65CCE38B89EADA26866264B75991A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_EDDA232948E759F76DB86264B759BED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_7904FDEEA2500E3126506264B759A034" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_7904FDEEA2500E3126506264B759A034" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_63EC116C581E29F730BD6264B759D3B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_63EC116C581E29F730BD6264B759D3B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_3B841A81594A933C6A596264B759B55B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_3B841A81594A933C6A596264B759B55B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_6E4A1F761B19CFF2DA496264B75973EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_6E4A1F761B19CFF2DA496264B75973EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_0A05B03A4265C58D67036264B75951B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_0A05B03A4265C58D67036264B75951B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_8A485CF5B0AD33F4402C6264B759543B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_8A485CF5B0AD33F4402C6264B759543B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_F43D9B783E4E61D919A26264B75967F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_4DC58D136561998476BB6264B759929E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_F43D9B783E4E61D919A26264B75967F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments_1E58496BE4D42B76CFDF6264B759A631" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_EDDA232948E759F76DB86264B759BED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments_1E58496BE4D42B76CFDF6264B759A631" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesContingentRentalPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesContingentRentalPaymentsDue_BFD499F8B2A99AE73A346264B759ED65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_EDDA232948E759F76DB86264B759BED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesContingentRentalPaymentsDue_BFD499F8B2A99AE73A346264B759ED65" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesPropertyHeldUnderCapitalLeasesIsIncludedInPropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PropertyHeldUnderCapitalLeasesIsIncludedInPropertyAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_PropertyHeldUnderCapitalLeasesIsIncludedInPropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_767556A3182D3413A450E2F5FC8BFE2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable_2ABFEAE5AEC914918A4BE2F5FC8B45EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_PropertyHeldUnderCapitalLeasesIsIncludedInPropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_767556A3182D3413A450E2F5FC8BFE2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable_2ABFEAE5AEC914918A4BE2F5FC8B45EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5FC894C2B880756053CEE2F5FC8B429B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable_2ABFEAE5AEC914918A4BE2F5FC8B45EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5FC894C2B880756053CEE2F5FC8B429B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C3BE7FD0707D039109A2E2F5FC8BA5B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_5FC894C2B880756053CEE2F5FC8B429B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C3BE7FD0707D039109A2E2F5FC8BA5B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobilesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AutomobilesMember_BA84E51B280EF2E7486FE2F5FC8B86E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C3BE7FD0707D039109A2E2F5FC8BA5B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AutomobilesMember_BA84E51B280EF2E7486FE2F5FC8B86E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember_A837A2C193C6C2DF03E9E2F5FC8BFB0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_C3BE7FD0707D039109A2E2F5FC8BA5B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember_A837A2C193C6C2DF03E9E2F5FC8BFB0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems_EEE902B795FE03718175E2F5FC8BAFC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTable_2ABFEAE5AEC914918A4BE2F5FC8B45EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems_EEE902B795FE03718175E2F5FC8BAFC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross_C51E1BC058EFBB126B57E2F5FC8BB14B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems_EEE902B795FE03718175E2F5FC8BAFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsGross_C51E1BC058EFBB126B57E2F5FC8BB14B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_6C1C3CBC3A7B9DB8B3C7E2F5FC8B1355" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems_EEE902B795FE03718175E2F5FC8BAFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_6C1C3CBC3A7B9DB8B3C7E2F5FC8B1355" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_6CFEBFDF4234A7724E2BE2F5FC8B1B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasedAssetsLineItems_EEE902B795FE03718175E2F5FC8BAFC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_6CFEBFDF4234A7724E2BE2F5FC8B1B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_C1A31A58F97FFB7F01A06264B843C8B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_OperatingAndCapitalLeasesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eig_OperatingAndCapitalLeasesTableTextBlock_54B3A25E0007A2C9E9FD6264B843D252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_C1A31A58F97FFB7F01A06264B843C8B8" xlink:to="loc_eig_OperatingAndCapitalLeasesTableTextBlock_54B3A25E0007A2C9E9FD6264B843D252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTableTextBlock_A62224800208AB6724A46264B8433F17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAbstract_C1A31A58F97FFB7F01A06264B843C8B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalLeasedAsssetsTableTextBlock_A62224800208AB6724A46264B8433F17" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract_4D419E03C5C46678CB621686A72EE776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_29F5491E33C46FD4C6831686A72EF7FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsAbstract_4D419E03C5C46678CB621686A72EE776" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_29F5491E33C46FD4C6831686A72EF7FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_76289B0B6123D9DA3A901686A72E8F67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_29F5491E33C46FD4C6831686A72EF7FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_76289B0B6123D9DA3A901686A72E8F67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_67A8F003D1D239673E381686A72EC4BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_76289B0B6123D9DA3A901686A72E8F67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_67A8F003D1D239673E381686A72EC4BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_12342A87323693EE15431686A72E52CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_29F5491E33C46FD4C6831686A72EF7FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_12342A87323693EE15431686A72E52CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_12342A87323693EE15431686A72E52CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D4D6DDDCD7D25798A60F1686A72E5095" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D4D6DDDCD7D25798A60F1686A72E5095" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_F1D0E5F82F444EB631311686A72EF661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D4D6DDDCD7D25798A60F1686A72E5095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_F1D0E5F82F444EB631311686A72EF661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_0F2C8815E05A403B11331686A72E6C3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D4D6DDDCD7D25798A60F1686A72E5095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_0F2C8815E05A403B11331686A72E6C3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_E24D141DDC45A43D4E391686A72E30FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D4D6DDDCD7D25798A60F1686A72E5095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_E24D141DDC45A43D4E391686A72E30FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_65AB00B066E8509897311686A72E56D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D4D6DDDCD7D25798A60F1686A72E5095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_65AB00B066E8509897311686A72E56D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_0746C505CDADC2E3529A1686A72E927E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_D4D6DDDCD7D25798A60F1686A72E5095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_0746C505CDADC2E3529A1686A72E927E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_88342789BDD727DF8A711686A72E76CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_88342789BDD727DF8A711686A72E76CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_278515755C7236F42DB21686A72E7C91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_278515755C7236F42DB21686A72E7C91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_62F6EE328E9D07D0DB251686A72E3F0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_62F6EE328E9D07D0DB251686A72E3F0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_533E180CBB70821B85681686A72E1A4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_533E180CBB70821B85681686A72E1A4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue_8A16AA4864135BFD4AC01686A72E07D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue_8A16AA4864135BFD4AC01686A72E07D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableForAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableForAbstract_2E127D66B5053C7800641686A72E8DFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableForAbstract_2E127D66B5053C7800641686A72E8DFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverablePaidLossesLessAllowance" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverablePaidLossesLessAllowance_74478C6F269FEF927E771686A72ED6F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableForAbstract_2E127D66B5053C7800641686A72E8DFB" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverablePaidLossesLessAllowance_74478C6F269FEF927E771686A72ED6F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance_A0FD3F51C7D94C74C4D21686A72E3E9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableForAbstract_2E127D66B5053C7800641686A72E8DFB" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance_A0FD3F51C7D94C74C4D21686A72E3E9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_7BD82A07F6FCF54DC0671686A72ED18A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_7BD82A07F6FCF54DC0671686A72ED18A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_43E5A17A1265C2BD9FAA1686A72EA673" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_43E5A17A1265C2BD9FAA1686A72EA673" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_869B1109BA2500E6684C1686A72E2A1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_869B1109BA2500E6684C1686A72E2A1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_64F175E0748E778D8BAA1686A72ECF2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_64F175E0748E778D8BAA1686A72ECF2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_20715D86E49F3F363F671686A73D7FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_20715D86E49F3F363F671686A73D7FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ContingentCommissionReceivableLptAgreement" xlink:label="loc_eig_ContingentCommissionReceivableLptAgreement_64D312AB12B3AB7848691686A73D9362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_eig_ContingentCommissionReceivableLptAgreement_64D312AB12B3AB7848691686A73D9362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements" xlink:label="loc_eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements_E6B7D0F4B0315D07B0CC1686A73D832B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements_E6B7D0F4B0315D07B0CC1686A73D832B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_E273E13BDE84C7C3384E1686A73D5E1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_E273E13BDE84C7C3384E1686A73D5E1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5708FAB89F25671B5A851686A73D07AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_24467008A47E214D9F5A1686A72E1AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5708FAB89F25671B5A851686A73D07AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_12342A87323693EE15431686A72E52CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_7485D404E092696728321686A73D14E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_7485D404E092696728321686A73D14E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_9D5348E69932B52304861686A73D584F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_9D5348E69932B52304861686A73D584F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CommisionsAndPremiumTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_eig_CommisionsAndPremiumTaxesPayable_1C26171694F4C0045DF01686A73DB6BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_eig_CommisionsAndPremiumTaxesPayable_1C26171694F4C0045DF01686A73DB6BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_DB9CBF0436CAF457233B1686A73DD4B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_DB9CBF0436CAF457233B1686A73DD4B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_DeferredReinsuranceGainLptAgreement" xlink:label="loc_eig_DeferredReinsuranceGainLptAgreement_8DFCFC8A6796893B5C421686A73D2F4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_eig_DeferredReinsuranceGainLptAgreement_8DFCFC8A6796893B5C421686A73D2F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_6B2984C9124C95CA6FF21686A73D42FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_6B2984C9124C95CA6FF21686A73D42FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_NonCancellableObligations" xlink:label="loc_eig_NonCancellableObligations_12393DBE0231E06AA7BD1686A73DAA02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_eig_NonCancellableObligations_12393DBE0231E06AA7BD1686A73DAA02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_11065AE1A8F80BD459CE1686A73D1C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_11065AE1A8F80BD459CE1686A73D1C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_18E0EC8F2FB68E526F3A1686A73D8AD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_18E0EC8F2FB68E526F3A1686A73D8AD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_5DD44DDE18FF9F959D2E1686A73D248A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_5DD44DDE18FF9F959D2E1686A73D248A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_83CB70160EEBA72D1DD31686A73DAB8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_91CBB611AE01ED6448A51686A73D50AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_91CBB611AE01ED6448A51686A73D50AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_ECCC6C8A35CEC959A1BA1686A73DF3DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_ECCC6C8A35CEC959A1BA1686A73DF3DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_33A5B3893C52CD1925961686A73D2891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_33A5B3893C52CD1925961686A73D2891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_F62F6B7AFFD0CC3F95AF1686A73D722E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_F62F6B7AFFD0CC3F95AF1686A73D722E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_31BA1BBF1F181204DE431686A73DF3E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_31BA1BBF1F181204DE431686A73DF3E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_D5CD643720A4EF0190021686A73D1FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_D5CD643720A4EF0190021686A73D1FD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_EDFE19A318857A2ABD2D1686A73D821F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_32426A11EE9D48EB56AC1686A73DE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_EDFE19A318857A2ABD2D1686A73D821F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_F7A011B260F43E8F62A21686A73DA5EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_12342A87323693EE15431686A72E52CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_F7A011B260F43E8F62A21686A73DA5EF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_C91FEB1272954437C7BE34F6A5B5F5B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C256FE4E7AF31813431F34F6A5B6347D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_BalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_C91FEB1272954437C7BE34F6A5B5F5B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C256FE4E7AF31813431F34F6A5B6347D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_4954603DD1ECCB3DF6C334F6A5B62DC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C256FE4E7AF31813431F34F6A5B6347D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_4954603DD1ECCB3DF6C334F6A5B62DC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9EEB19319748F7CB554434F6A5B65383" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_4954603DD1ECCB3DF6C334F6A5B62DC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9EEB19319748F7CB554434F6A5B65383" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_501303B64B6E71FE46B534F6A5B6DF4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9EEB19319748F7CB554434F6A5B65383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_501303B64B6E71FE46B534F6A5B6DF4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_13559D0A51C2052F1B1434F6A5B64F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9EEB19319748F7CB554434F6A5B65383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_13559D0A51C2052F1B1434F6A5B64F08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_FD89F8E852BEA22CA35234F6A5B61B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9EEB19319748F7CB554434F6A5B65383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_FD89F8E852BEA22CA35234F6A5B61B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0E26A0B2CFA1FE0BA2A34F6A5B6DD7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C256FE4E7AF31813431F34F6A5B6347D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0E26A0B2CFA1FE0BA2A34F6A5B6DD7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_B9E0381FEF3B38C6612D34F6A5B6B0A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0E26A0B2CFA1FE0BA2A34F6A5B6DD7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_B9E0381FEF3B38C6612D34F6A5B6B0A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_A5C9920399BA960D733C34F6A5B64188" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_B9E0381FEF3B38C6612D34F6A5B6B0A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_A5C9920399BA960D733C34F6A5B64188" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_61B4ABD3AAFC97AAA45634F6A5B6F4F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_A5C9920399BA960D733C34F6A5B64188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_61B4ABD3AAFC97AAA45634F6A5B6F4F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_8C9CE59CB6602ED40BBE34F6A5B62DC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_A5C9920399BA960D733C34F6A5B64188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_8C9CE59CB6602ED40BBE34F6A5B62DC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_664059AA4236AF38C88C34F6A5B6256B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_A5C9920399BA960D733C34F6A5B64188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_664059AA4236AF38C88C34F6A5B6256B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost_5437F6146F7293E923FD34F6A5B6C11F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_A5C9920399BA960D733C34F6A5B64188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost_5437F6146F7293E923FD34F6A5B6C11F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost" xlink:label="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost_F7DBC1755F78AE1CDF7534F6A5B6F298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_A5C9920399BA960D733C34F6A5B64188" xlink:to="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost_F7DBC1755F78AE1CDF7534F6A5B6F298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables_30AE7AB67035AF9BAC7A34F6A5B668D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_B9E0381FEF3B38C6612D34F6A5B6B0A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables_30AE7AB67035AF9BAC7A34F6A5B668D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B9236C400B3F75CD325634F6A5B6816C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F0E26A0B2CFA1FE0BA2A34F6A5B6DD7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B9236C400B3F75CD325634F6A5B6816C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B9236C400B3F75CD325634F6A5B6816C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_44149F06650DB84A9F7834F6A5B6AA5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_44149F06650DB84A9F7834F6A5B6AA5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_A9634AA456BFCF7E5F6934F6A5B6E4F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_A9634AA456BFCF7E5F6934F6A5B6E4F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7E3D379A9F0C9B43204434F6A5B6E03A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7E3D379A9F0C9B43204434F6A5B6E03A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_8948C358E7970CD3930F34F6A5B610BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_8948C358E7970CD3930F34F6A5B610BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_15AD27EC7D571AFA3D0A34F6A5B681E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_15AD27EC7D571AFA3D0A34F6A5B681E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_474BA089640B927599C134F6A5B6534E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_474BA089640B927599C134F6A5B6534E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_9B0B396EDEC934699D3234F6A5B6AACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_9B0B396EDEC934699D3234F6A5B6AACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_B211B1BB258EFE5A52DF34F6A5B69EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_FECFE02EA4FAF8D2E55A34F6A5B62BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_B211B1BB258EFE5A52DF34F6A5B69EAF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract_278AE2A27669E8ECD5E4CA0C98DB17A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F9871001B7D477058AC2CA0C98DB425F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract_278AE2A27669E8ECD5E4CA0C98DB17A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F9871001B7D477058AC2CA0C98DB425F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D9ABB887E2D7A3229D6CCA0C98DBEFFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F9871001B7D477058AC2CA0C98DB425F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D9ABB887E2D7A3229D6CCA0C98DBEFFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3E71EC1D2FC83A0E3E4BCA0C98DB6BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D9ABB887E2D7A3229D6CCA0C98DBEFFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_3E71EC1D2FC83A0E3E4BCA0C98DB6BC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F9871001B7D477058AC2CA0C98DB425F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_6C986535DE805451A12ACA0C98DB6BD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_6C986535DE805451A12ACA0C98DB6BD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_438DEE0C33EDB4C53BB0CA0C98DB0D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_6C986535DE805451A12ACA0C98DB6BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_438DEE0C33EDB4C53BB0CA0C98DB0D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_6C986535DE805451A12ACA0C98DB6BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_B0E59DBDCAAEA7B4A8B1CA0C98DB5637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_B0E59DBDCAAEA7B4A8B1CA0C98DB5637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_EB7395F346958107F9EBCA0C98DB3AF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_EB7395F346958107F9EBCA0C98DB3AF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_37B0C71B14E37961E4D1CA0C98DB2B17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_37B0C71B14E37961E4D1CA0C98DB2B17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_2E926F4E2B42557CF79ACA0C98DB13A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_2E926F4E2B42557CF79ACA0C98DB13A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_D83BE016E70FBE23C127CA0C98DBD073" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_D83BE016E70FBE23C127CA0C98DBD073" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_7C2A7A97C58D2080D291CA0C98DBF1E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_7C2A7A97C58D2080D291CA0C98DBF1E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_031BBB74B70BDE893E76CA0C98DB1678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_031BBB74B70BDE893E76CA0C98DB1678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_60D931C57F5781ADCCDDCA0C98DBCA29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_FE6B6C4A0A3A305F29E4CA0C98DBC230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashProjectAbandonmentCosts_60D931C57F5781ADCCDDCA0C98DBCA29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_6C986535DE805451A12ACA0C98DB6BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable_9D21F5372264B2522F02CA0C98DBE923" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable_9D21F5372264B2522F02CA0C98DBE923" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReinsuranceRecoverable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReinsuranceRecoverable_DB7D6A389D9F6DECBF12CA0C98DBE87E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReinsuranceRecoverable_DB7D6A389D9F6DECBF12CA0C98DBE87E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CloudComputingArrangementsCF" xlink:label="loc_eig_CloudComputingArrangementsCF_6C3977D1CF7653CF4701CA0C98DBF5B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_eig_CloudComputingArrangementsCF_6C3977D1CF7653CF4701CA0C98DBF5B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_810F78842C17454312FACA0C98DB7DB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_810F78842C17454312FACA0C98DB7DB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseReserve_3D3A982EA18DC802910DCA0C98DB39DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseReserve_3D3A982EA18DC802910DCA0C98DB39DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums_73CCFA8529A401A0909FCA0C98DB2CCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums_73CCFA8529A401A0909FCA0C98DB2CCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_2E17C1698C9D27B066B7CA0C98DBC39B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_2E17C1698C9D27B066B7CA0C98DBC39B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_DeferredReinsuranceGainLptAgreementCfs" xlink:label="loc_eig_DeferredReinsuranceGainLptAgreementCfs_01A3DB622FEAB61704A9CA0C98DBEE7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_eig_DeferredReinsuranceGainLptAgreementCfs_01A3DB622FEAB61704A9CA0C98DBEE7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_NonCancellableObligationsCF" xlink:label="loc_eig_NonCancellableObligationsCF_532421C4BF8BB3C54174CA0C98DBBF83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_eig_NonCancellableObligationsCF_532421C4BF8BB3C54174CA0C98DBBF83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_9CBC0B5A8E2EEC9E8FF4CA0C98DBA919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DE2454EAFD7B892CB21FCA0C98DBE77C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_9CBC0B5A8E2EEC9E8FF4CA0C98DBA919" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_8720D23E98BFE3C304CCCA0C98DB2367" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_6C986535DE805451A12ACA0C98DB6BD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_8720D23E98BFE3C304CCCA0C98DB2367" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_B353DD2B65829D6D17E6CA0C98DB811F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_B353DD2B65829D6D17E6CA0C98DB811F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_1A1799875F1796A63E93CA0C98DB0496" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_1A1799875F1796A63E93CA0C98DB0496" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments_6C77C32E2B128D6659BBCA0C98DBAD90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments_6C77C32E2B128D6659BBCA0C98DBAD90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_CB3F6C280734F1857128CA0C98DBAE02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_CB3F6C280734F1857128CA0C98DBAE02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_243F4912F19D8B1D043ACA0C98DBF31F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_243F4912F19D8B1D043ACA0C98DBF31F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_4475426373320B79E7AECA0C98DBB349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_4475426373320B79E7AECA0C98DBB349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionOfShorttermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionOfShorttermInvestments_20FA2408803F936A0EBCCA0C98DB43CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionOfShorttermInvestments_20FA2408803F936A0EBCCA0C98DB43CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IncreaseDecreaseInUnsettledAccountsReceivablAndAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_eig_IncreaseDecreaseInUnsettledAccountsReceivablAndAccountsPayable_34436E905C352528FD7ACA0C98DB1F48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_eig_IncreaseDecreaseInUnsettledAccountsReceivablAndAccountsPayable_34436E905C352528FD7ACA0C98DB1F48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_40333897FB840B6E748FCA0C98DB7D93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_40333897FB840B6E748FCA0C98DB7D93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_0EB19B31942528DC7171CA0C98DB5CB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_87A2570BCDDD86D4D987CA0C98DB1E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_0EB19B31942528DC7171CA0C98DB5CB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BDD8CA1E272E7677222CCA0C98DB8DB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BDD8CA1E272E7677222CCA0C98DB8DB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_BD5F94F82E0E12AABE87CA0C98DB60D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BDD8CA1E272E7677222CCA0C98DB8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_BD5F94F82E0E12AABE87CA0C98DB60D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CashTransactionsRelatedToStockBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_eig_CashTransactionsRelatedToStockBasedCompensation_440E7AB8E0D02175B647CA0C98DB88D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BDD8CA1E272E7677222CCA0C98DB8DB1" xlink:to="loc_eig_CashTransactionsRelatedToStockBasedCompensation_440E7AB8E0D02175B647CA0C98DB88D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_59A905873D5AED8CF442CA0C98DB2983" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BDD8CA1E272E7677222CCA0C98DB8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_59A905873D5AED8CF442CA0C98DB2983" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PurchaseofNotesPayables" xlink:label="loc_eig_PurchaseofNotesPayables_96363C5CE6840EFC1226CA0C98DB9CE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BDD8CA1E272E7677222CCA0C98DB8DB1" xlink:to="loc_eig_PurchaseofNotesPayables_96363C5CE6840EFC1226CA0C98DB9CE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_D1EF821582581F981759CA0C98DB6990" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_BDD8CA1E272E7677222CCA0C98DB8DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_D1EF821582581F981759CA0C98DB6990" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_A2CAB32F3A0DD188CE8CCA0C98DB078B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_A2CAB32F3A0DD188CE8CCA0C98DB078B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_BDCA7B283D0614ABBFB1CA0C98DB5DD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_BDCA7B283D0614ABBFB1CA0C98DB5DD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_98C46A2373D9D0B83614CA0C98DBC62C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_98C46A2373D9D0B83614CA0C98DBC62C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7656E313E69AD2F79AFFCA0C98DB4B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7656E313E69AD2F79AFFCA0C98DB4B52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_492E29B6D79CB0522628CA0C98DB9938" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_492E29B6D79CB0522628CA0C98DB9938" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_5E322A64AEF531963461CA0C98DB1578" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_492E29B6D79CB0522628CA0C98DB9938" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_5E322A64AEF531963461CA0C98DB1578" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferToInvestments_BBEA8803A57FD6274DE2CA0C98DB3FB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_492E29B6D79CB0522628CA0C98DB9938" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferToInvestments_BBEA8803A57FD6274DE2CA0C98DB3FB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_CBB75B298B6E7B55AB6BCA0C98DB4899" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C66865631C83CAEB3E55CA0C98DBEEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_CBB75B298B6E7B55AB6BCA0C98DB4899" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_6262984465F370DEC3EDCA0C98DBAC22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_CBB75B298B6E7B55AB6BCA0C98DB4899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_6262984465F370DEC3EDCA0C98DBAC22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_2141CB5E5DB9D95A0FC5CA0C98DB6E87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_CBB75B298B6E7B55AB6BCA0C98DB4899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_2141CB5E5DB9D95A0FC5CA0C98DB6E87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_E1B083BFDA82A10BE39FCA0C98DB95C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_CBB75B298B6E7B55AB6BCA0C98DB4899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_E1B083BFDA82A10BE39FCA0C98DB95C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract_ECB23B61E0019DDA8375CA0C98FB1F5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E36425C130FFFDB45597CA0C98FB3F68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract_ECB23B61E0019DDA8375CA0C98FB1F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E36425C130FFFDB45597CA0C98FB3F68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_751492B7A7E7F96A5E4DCA0C98FB4CEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E36425C130FFFDB45597CA0C98FB3F68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_751492B7A7E7F96A5E4DCA0C98FB4CEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7732F8209F8369507F60CA0C98FB393B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_751492B7A7E7F96A5E4DCA0C98FB4CEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7732F8209F8369507F60CA0C98FB393B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E36425C130FFFDB45597CA0C98FB3F68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_716FA163C343444BDDE7CA0C98FB2437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_716FA163C343444BDDE7CA0C98FB2437" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_A2F1D1B9BD036BBF93C7CA0C98FBC829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_A2F1D1B9BD036BBF93C7CA0C98FBC829" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_2823104CBF6DEB3D4501CA0C98FB746F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_2823104CBF6DEB3D4501CA0C98FB746F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_909D3094A8252CA608ECCA0C98FBE957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_909D3094A8252CA608ECCA0C98FBE957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_E7EFF9864C5191645120CA0C98FB5A1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_E7EFF9864C5191645120CA0C98FB5A1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_9F32CCE73D8104F1133BCA0C98FBB6DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_945E9CB4EA1D69A00B82CA0C98FB93DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_9F32CCE73D8104F1133BCA0C98FBB6DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_F1641DD42DCDC61ADA9DCA0C98FB73BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_F1641DD42DCDC61ADA9DCA0C98FB73BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceCommissions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissions_10D0BD8000D0D4FC041CCA0C98FB373A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissions_10D0BD8000D0D4FC041CCA0C98FB373A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense_038149E39A90FD5EB710CA0C98FBA681" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense_038149E39A90FD5EB710CA0C98FBA681" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2B5890E77CD2E555F0F3CA0C98FB2F5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_2B5890E77CD2E555F0F3CA0C98FB2F5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_83D392F2D3FBE31249E4CA0C98FB25C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_83D392F2D3FBE31249E4CA0C98FB25C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_37E147D862E5F139A309CA0C98FB4F9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_9F7D2AAD5D8430197B01CA0C98FBC914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_37E147D862E5F139A309CA0C98FB4F9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_78CD51C8923064F9E9C6CA0C98FBDD44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_78CD51C8923064F9E9C6CA0C98FBDD44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5224ED3EBBD74B49948ACA0C98FB1F27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5224ED3EBBD74B49948ACA0C98FB1F27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EE332D46074141BE6B54CA0C98FB5DD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EE332D46074141BE6B54CA0C98FB5DD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D72A1494F51D28E9FB34CA0C98FBC344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D72A1494F51D28E9FB34CA0C98FBC344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_C7ACB858EC61B4EF3583CA0C98FB6AD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D72A1494F51D28E9FB34CA0C98FBC344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_C7ACB858EC61B4EF3583CA0C98FB6AD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesBeforeTax_3FDC08C5C5C56249DE33CA0C98FB3B7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D72A1494F51D28E9FB34CA0C98FBC344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesBeforeTax_3FDC08C5C5C56249DE33CA0C98FB3B7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4666C02CCE1E6AE1E5F7CA0C98FB7265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_D72A1494F51D28E9FB34CA0C98FBC344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4666C02CCE1E6AE1E5F7CA0C98FB7265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_58978F8BA04A18493358CA0C98FBC2FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_58978F8BA04A18493358CA0C98FBC2FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_AD5B314D6095E8607DB2CA0C98FB44B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_AD5B314D6095E8607DB2CA0C98FB44B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_6CB9DE6A49AD83113F92CA0C98FBC321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_AD5B314D6095E8607DB2CA0C98FB44B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_6CB9DE6A49AD83113F92CA0C98FBC321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities_763CA66CDE24409F5A07CA0C98FB8122" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_AD5B314D6095E8607DB2CA0C98FB44B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities_763CA66CDE24409F5A07CA0C98FB8122" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet_1ECA10DD8A39440F6838CA0C990AAA3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_AD5B314D6095E8607DB2CA0C98FB44B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet_1ECA10DD8A39440F6838CA0C990AAA3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AEE793A40A4E5D4B02C7CA0C98FB37C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BC0AF7D97A47D66FD11FCA0C98FBAD90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AEE793A40A4E5D4B02C7CA0C98FB37C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_9425CE7A945D8255DC66CA0C98FBF91A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AEE793A40A4E5D4B02C7CA0C98FB37C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_9425CE7A945D8255DC66CA0C98FBF91A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_78F55AE94D244269E477CA0C98FB77B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AEE793A40A4E5D4B02C7CA0C98FB37C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_78F55AE94D244269E477CA0C98FB77B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_2D2C5625C63D2C4CD70BCA0C98FB49AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AEE793A40A4E5D4B02C7CA0C98FB37C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_2D2C5625C63D2C4CD70BCA0C98FB49AD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_OtherComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_OtherComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAbstract_CD88B59DB1E34922E0BD628C14FDAE6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax_CA07A84D72AE1714C2CB628C14FD6F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_OtherComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAbstract_CD88B59DB1E34922E0BD628C14FDAE6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax_CA07A84D72AE1714C2CB628C14FD6F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesTax_0BDF19744AD69075306F628C14FD68A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_OtherComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalAbstract_CD88B59DB1E34922E0BD628C14FDAE6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesTax_0BDF19744AD69075306F628C14FD68A0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_2D3F0318459BF888C837F28DD937E709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9DB2FA045F2E0042A720F28DD946DF4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_2D3F0318459BF888C837F28DD937E709" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9DB2FA045F2E0042A720F28DD946DF4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7A5DE892EF4E699FCBC9F28DD946E455" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9DB2FA045F2E0042A720F28DD946DF4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7A5DE892EF4E699FCBC9F28DD946E455" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_16E75A10738C8DEA3ADBF28DD946409C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7A5DE892EF4E699FCBC9F28DD946E455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_16E75A10738C8DEA3ADBF28DD946409C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_4563CE6DCB95FA021E60F28DD9461BE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_16E75A10738C8DEA3ADBF28DD946409C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_4563CE6DCB95FA021E60F28DD9461BE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_651E430E2901354F6122F28DD946DDA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_16E75A10738C8DEA3ADBF28DD946409C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_651E430E2901354F6122F28DD946DDA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_A40EBB3B19321509136AF28DD946D3C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_16E75A10738C8DEA3ADBF28DD946409C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_A40EBB3B19321509136AF28DD946D3C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_B66B66117A94AA0D6829F28DD946DC32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_16E75A10738C8DEA3ADBF28DD946409C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_B66B66117A94AA0D6829F28DD946DC32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_3527043AA5F18CCAF2E2F28DD946555E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_16E75A10738C8DEA3ADBF28DD946409C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_3527043AA5F18CCAF2E2F28DD946555E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9DB2FA045F2E0042A720F28DD946DF4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_DCF2C5A6A48974075FDBF28DD946423D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_DCF2C5A6A48974075FDBF28DD946423D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_D9AF2F3F6B9C7AB88ADCF28DD9463AF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_D9AF2F3F6B9C7AB88ADCF28DD9463AF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_3A8CB707F03A5F7BCFC0F28DD946CE8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_3A8CB707F03A5F7BCFC0F28DD946CE8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_73AFDE465DDCFD5FA372F28DD9464557" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_73AFDE465DDCFD5FA372F28DD9464557" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_0B77541AEAE7D255E52EF28DD946495F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_0B77541AEAE7D255E52EF28DD946495F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_38B09824AAF31331D896F28DD94670ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_38B09824AAF31331D896F28DD94670ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockSharesIssuedNetOfSharesForTaxWithholdings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockSharesIssuedNetOfSharesForTaxWithholdings_CE9BE8C66F707A68912AF28DD94611C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockSharesIssuedNetOfSharesForTaxWithholdings_CE9BE8C66F707A68912AF28DD94611C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings_BBD2CA3CD2607145FDC3F28DD94609A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockValueSharesIssuedNetOfTaxWithholdings_BBD2CA3CD2607145FDC3F28DD94609A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_80B19E40587CBC8A19DDF28DD9469254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_80B19E40587CBC8A19DDF28DD9469254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_7290F80371E0E4D74F20F28DD946DCC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_7290F80371E0E4D74F20F28DD946DCC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_GrantDateFairValueAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_eig_GrantDateFairValueAdjustment_C21EDB1726D4D541DFD4F28DD94674AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_eig_GrantDateFairValueAdjustment_C21EDB1726D4D541DFD4F28DD94674AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsShares_A0C4ABA44396C6041EC2F28DD9460734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsShares_A0C4ABA44396C6041EC2F28DD9460734" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_E94C0C760F77F3A17B11F28DD946D05A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_E94C0C760F77F3A17B11F28DD946D05A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_284C869121975D8A1BE6F28DD946B3B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_284C869121975D8A1BE6F28DD946B3B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_F7939DB419E58E29F25CF28DD9464F55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_F7939DB419E58E29F25CF28DD9464F55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReclassNetTaxEffectsStrandedinAOCIduetoTaxEnactment" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReclassNetTaxEffectsStrandedinAOCIduetoTaxEnactment_58DA6CD9DBBA37E779D2F28DD9467567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReclassNetTaxEffectsStrandedinAOCIduetoTaxEnactment_58DA6CD9DBBA37E779D2F28DD9467567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_FFDC1002976D8AD4E89FF28DD94625BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_FFDC1002976D8AD4E89FF28DD94625BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_4AE274D0A9102811F909F28DD9464489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_4AE274D0A9102811F909F28DD9464489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_B7991721C3CFE17B4D89F28DD94686B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_60B82A78D51AA18DFF7EF28DD9468777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_B7991721C3CFE17B4D89F28DD94686B5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ConsolidatedStockholdersEquityParentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StockholdersEquityParentheticalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StockholdersEquityParentheticalAbstract_93ADA5E298C831CCCA95628C14ED38AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_33ED4283B02795CDE99A628C14ED64AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockholdersEquityParentheticalAbstract_93ADA5E298C831CCCA95628C14ED38AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_33ED4283B02795CDE99A628C14ED64AE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_0DC4E8E656AA645F85D1273A051F816B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_0DC4E8E656AA645F85D1273A051F816B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_3B828EA40E43476EAB73273A051FACFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_3B828EA40E43476EAB73273A051FACFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_669CB55AD303E9B21B90273A051F60A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_669CB55AD303E9B21B90273A051F60A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_C557CAE81FBDAD0339FD273A051F4912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_C557CAE81FBDAD0339FD273A051F4912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_79EDC46EE9F46DB5C80D273A051F5A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_79EDC46EE9F46DB5C80D273A051F5A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_4D4DFB19214D476E0B8B273A051F0C8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_4D4DFB19214D476E0B8B273A051F0C8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_68DA6CB696B760B3369A273A051FD364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_68DA6CB696B760B3369A273A051FD364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_E10D0FC14081F45C9FAA273A0520588C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_E10D0FC14081F45C9FAA273A0520588C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_8F09B3F1EFA4E1472AE2273A05207DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_8F09B3F1EFA4E1472AE2273A05207DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_0F79689CC2CA77279630273A05205A28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_0F79689CC2CA77279630273A05205A28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_3A764D89CF0E5C516D47273A05203EEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_3A764D89CF0E5C516D47273A05203EEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_A25D2A84DEE4480F5DEB273A05205A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_A25D2A84DEE4480F5DEB273A05205A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_E96040D3E60859BEF916273A0520542A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_E96040D3E60859BEF916273A0520542A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_FDC0FF4B08C43B0C4F78273A0520950D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_FDC0FF4B08C43B0C4F78273A0520950D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_259DCAA081C9A6CAE384273A0520AAD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_259DCAA081C9A6CAE384273A0520AAD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_888E5752609D3377B27B273A052053DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_888E5752609D3377B27B273A052053DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_24BA8C79679CF991C1C4273A05209C1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract_D465211740F2B9332F93273A051F3524" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_24BA8C79679CF991C1C4273A05209C1A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_216752D44E318FB068E56264B70B33A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_B272F25E5A1D4FA59B786264B70B40A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_216752D44E318FB068E56264B70B33A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_B272F25E5A1D4FA59B786264B70B40A9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_AA919CF74724F9D3E1AB6264B7A7FA05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_B156C16E6491037144446264B7A78A48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_AA919CF74724F9D3E1AB6264B7A7FA05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_B156C16E6491037144446264B7A78A48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4EBD9E690D76614A7FF86264B7A72D17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_B156C16E6491037144446264B7A78A48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4EBD9E690D76614A7FF86264B7A72D17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_3C16B665AD9AE598E5F86264B7A720EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4EBD9E690D76614A7FF86264B7A72D17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_3C16B665AD9AE598E5F86264B7A720EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8F7026826472FE7616B66264B7A78B5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_AA919CF74724F9D3E1AB6264B7A7FA05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8F7026826472FE7616B66264B7A78B5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_A843BFFE115DC09613A26264B7A77BEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8F7026826472FE7616B66264B7A78B5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_A843BFFE115DC09613A26264B7A77BEC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShareEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_8004EBF8B0A32FFA34806264B74932B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="loc_eig_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTable_F34EA885E67424DA58936264B7499574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_8004EBF8B0A32FFA34806264B74932B7" xlink:to="loc_eig_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTable_F34EA885E67424DA58936264B7499574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_DilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesAxis_326F818F3081D78813D16264B7495681" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTable_F34EA885E67424DA58936264B7499574" xlink:to="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesAxis_326F818F3081D78813D16264B7495681" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_DilutiveSecuritiesByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesByTypeDomain_ECE3601DBB8805A2FC5C6264B7497A0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesAxis_326F818F3081D78813D16264B7495681" xlink:to="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesByTypeDomain_ECE3601DBB8805A2FC5C6264B7497A0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_CE0F9BA9DBB1B70966316264B74911A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesByTypeDomain_ECE3601DBB8805A2FC5C6264B7497A0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_CE0F9BA9DBB1B70966316264B74911A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_73F207911EE4461E77E06264B749CE54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesByTypeDomain_ECE3601DBB8805A2FC5C6264B7497A0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_73F207911EE4461E77E06264B749CE54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_BD6B464EB92919A42AEB6264B749D2A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_DilutiveSecuritiesByTypeDomain_ECE3601DBB8805A2FC5C6264B7497A0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_BD6B464EB92919A42AEB6264B749D2A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassLineItems" xlink:label="loc_eig_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassLineItems_8E02DD39F3CB8F18A2F06264B749D084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassTable_F34EA885E67424DA58936264B7499574" xlink:to="loc_eig_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassLineItems_8E02DD39F3CB8F18A2F06264B749D084" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_593B91535B59361E03CB6264B749B70A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassLineItems_8E02DD39F3CB8F18A2F06264B749D084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_593B91535B59361E03CB6264B749B70A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_D4522FB7AA360DA5B7CE6264B7495356" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassLineItems_8E02DD39F3CB8F18A2F06264B749D084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_D4522FB7AA360DA5B7CE6264B7495356" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment_17F2265A55F2C86056036264B749A8F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassLineItems_8E02DD39F3CB8F18A2F06264B749D084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment_17F2265A55F2C86056036264B749A8F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C6525AF50D68221038346264B759C4B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedByCommonClassLineItems_8E02DD39F3CB8F18A2F06264B749D084" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C6525AF50D68221038346264B759C4B6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AC4F76FC0E4EB5060D886264B8435335" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_A470610E6BB26602C0926264B8432230" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AC4F76FC0E4EB5060D886264B8435335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_A470610E6BB26602C0926264B8432230" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_7CEB3D47E2965E56DF016264B843B524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_AC4F76FC0E4EB5060D886264B8435335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock_7CEB3D47E2965E56DF016264B843B524" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlans" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_E9C26082841DC65821E16264B804E498" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock_1EC1346EF353336884A56264B80461B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_E9C26082841DC65821E16264B804E498" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock_1EC1346EF353336884A56264B80461B6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansEmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_67D4AAE5FFCE7964ACFC6264B69E7939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SafeHaborMatchingMaximum" xlink:label="loc_eig_SafeHaborMatchingMaximum_E73EFA045509887EDC866264B69EF8D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_67D4AAE5FFCE7964ACFC6264B69E7939" xlink:to="loc_eig_SafeHaborMatchingMaximum_E73EFA045509887EDC866264B69EF8D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployeeContributions100Match" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployeeContributions100Match_5F01786BED095BD3B7AC6264B69EF315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_67D4AAE5FFCE7964ACFC6264B69E7939" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployeeContributions100Match_5F01786BED095BD3B7AC6264B69EF315" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SafeHarborMatching50" xlink:label="loc_eig_SafeHarborMatching50_29CDAD1B2B56EDBF11ED6264B69E9867" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_67D4AAE5FFCE7964ACFC6264B69E7939" xlink:to="loc_eig_SafeHarborMatching50_29CDAD1B2B56EDBF11ED6264B69E9867" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployeeContributions50Match" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployeeContributions50Match_CE4A818E9D8C3A053D746264B69E29C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_67D4AAE5FFCE7964ACFC6264B69E7939" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployeeContributions50Match_CE4A818E9D8C3A053D746264B69E29C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployeeContributionsMaximumMatch401K" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployeeContributionsMaximumMatch401K_E89DC129F7657E42694D6264B69EB541" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_67D4AAE5FFCE7964ACFC6264B69E7939" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployeeContributionsMaximumMatch401K_E89DC129F7657E42694D6264B69EB541" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_6E4FC50E1D10672092196264B69EDE7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EmployeeBenefitAndRetirementPlansAbstract_67D4AAE5FFCE7964ACFC6264B69E7939" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_6E4FC50E1D10672092196264B69EDE7F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_0670BA1A737F88B56A216264B83397E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_07EC5529815AB08189656264B8332AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_0670BA1A737F88B56A216264B83397E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_07EC5529815AB08189656264B8332AA7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsCashEquivalentsAtNavAndTotalCashAndCashEquivalentsCarriedAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CashEquivalentsatNAVandTotalCashandCashEquivalentsCarriedatFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CashEquivalentsatNAVandTotalCashandCashEquivalentsCarriedatFairValueAbstract_44A0AC4E8352544207572FA5F7BCE965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_CDAB9842231F522DD3012FA5F7BC0761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CashEquivalentsatNAVandTotalCashandCashEquivalentsCarriedatFairValueAbstract_44A0AC4E8352544207572FA5F7BCE965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_CDAB9842231F522DD3012FA5F7BC0761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_12A71A9E69538EA514052FA5F7BCC444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_CDAB9842231F522DD3012FA5F7BC0761" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_12A71A9E69538EA514052FA5F7BCC444" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_89C8721BD884A91019452FA5F7BD1A93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_12A71A9E69538EA514052FA5F7BCC444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_89C8721BD884A91019452FA5F7BD1A93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_B08AD3E84C8722333A8C2FA5F7BD7DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_CDAB9842231F522DD3012FA5F7BC0761" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_B08AD3E84C8722333A8C2FA5F7BD7DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Cash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Cash_8BB54EC4D1191AAA6A4B2FA5F7BDDF50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_B08AD3E84C8722333A8C2FA5F7BD7DF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Cash_8BB54EC4D1191AAA6A4B2FA5F7BDDF50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CashEquivalentsMeasuredatNetAssetValue" xlink:label="loc_eig_CashEquivalentsMeasuredatNetAssetValue_036EF0CBCEFBFE0306D92FBAAE9E632E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_B08AD3E84C8722333A8C2FA5F7BD7DF1" xlink:to="loc_eig_CashEquivalentsMeasuredatNetAssetValue_036EF0CBCEFBFE0306D92FBAAE9E632E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_0915B09624969B2468F22FA5F7BEE786" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsLineItems_B08AD3E84C8722333A8C2FA5F7BD7DF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_0915B09624969B2468F22FA5F7BEE786" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_7E7CF7B7488F1DB46F292FA03C072A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_3044624604F19B329EE52FA03C078D7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_7E7CF7B7488F1DB46F292FA03C072A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_3044624604F19B329EE52FA03C078D7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_87E619DF1F779D0499052FA03C070E7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_3044624604F19B329EE52FA03C078D7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_87E619DF1F779D0499052FA03C070E7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_FFA1951E1514FE09BA2F2FA03C174F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_87E619DF1F779D0499052FA03C070E7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_FFA1951E1514FE09BA2F2FA03C174F62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_9FF7B42A45666E483E712FA03C17EE36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_FFA1951E1514FE09BA2F2FA03C174F62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_9FF7B42A45666E483E712FA03C17EE36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_69C69FCA2EB69644B51D2FAA75176795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_9FF7B42A45666E483E712FA03C17EE36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_69C69FCA2EB69644B51D2FAA75176795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_3044624604F19B329EE52FA03C078D7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsCarriedatFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsCarriedatFairValue_617E1A106AE591FCA1522FA512D4367D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:to="loc_eig_InvestmentsCarriedatFairValue_617E1A106AE591FCA1522FA512D4367D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_49FBDFEBD53C389660072FA03C17ED2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_49FBDFEBD53C389660072FA03C17ED2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_3293FB0ED0B9867DE6E82FA03C17505E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_3293FB0ED0B9867DE6E82FA03C17505E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_C1B2F74DAD4A59678CA82FA03C17D1DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_C1B2F74DAD4A59678CA82FA03C17D1DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_FEF63779BBBBDEEF9AF62FA03C178011" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_FEF63779BBBBDEEF9AF62FA03C178011" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_FF3AA382CFB2D72CB11D2FA03C174756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_FF3AA382CFB2D72CB11D2FA03C174756" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure_2AEE6CF64B7830D0BEF22FA03C1768BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_63E5CA3E548B58DED4752FA03C1796F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure_2AEE6CF64B7830D0BEF22FA03C1768BB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueInputsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueMeasurementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_C9C6EE629B3E22FF75A31686A5A85812" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2572A88055F60B95DA471686A5A8B7FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_C9C6EE629B3E22FF75A31686A5A85812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2572A88055F60B95DA471686A5A8B7FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_4EDF6FF0DADA6A3E63BE1686A5A83293" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2572A88055F60B95DA471686A5A8B7FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_4EDF6FF0DADA6A3E63BE1686A5A83293" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_AF84EB35AB3F2A24B3791686A5A8E8BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_4EDF6FF0DADA6A3E63BE1686A5A83293" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_AF84EB35AB3F2A24B3791686A5A8E8BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_AF84EB35AB3F2A24B3791686A5A8E8BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_00DE30717355D6301D081686A5A87305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_00DE30717355D6301D081686A5A87305" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_E1796515784DB8D9FC9C1686A5A8C531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_E1796515784DB8D9FC9C1686A5A8C531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_5954511739D18D834CEA1686A5A8609A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_5954511739D18D834CEA1686A5A8609A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5FDEF011A6FC27C43E551686A5A883BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5FDEF011A6FC27C43E551686A5A883BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_EFA30EEB77646DA71E961686A5A85BD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_EFA30EEB77646DA71E961686A5A85BD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_8762980D093D99BAC0821686A5A89E3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_8762980D093D99BAC0821686A5A89E3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_B6CF0021CEC3D2967B251686A5A85A3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_B6CF0021CEC3D2967B251686A5A85A3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_59A54344107169DA061F1686A5A8B947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E56822C1F8B2439762B41686A5A8015F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_59A54344107169DA061F1686A5A8B947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_9E5B4920D624A4C49CD4168E9E959790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_AF84EB35AB3F2A24B3791686A5A8E8BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_9E5B4920D624A4C49CD4168E9E959790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_BD2EC23130BED9B5A5611686A5A8473F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_9E5B4920D624A4C49CD4168E9E959790" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_BD2EC23130BED9B5A5611686A5A8473F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockMember_7DE6CA96454B91D17C3F1686A5A895F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_9E5B4920D624A4C49CD4168E9E959790" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockMember_7DE6CA96454B91D17C3F1686A5A895F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_OtherEquitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_OtherEquitiesMember_E890E68C0A5003A36FE81686A5A8D169" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_9E5B4920D624A4C49CD4168E9E959790" xlink:to="loc_eig_OtherEquitiesMember_E890E68C0A5003A36FE81686A5A8D169" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_2F3869D462398CA880541686A5A8E21A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_AF84EB35AB3F2A24B3791686A5A8E8BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_2F3869D462398CA880541686A5A8E21A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_D42015051CC115A5CAB11686A5A81F3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2572A88055F60B95DA471686A5A8B7FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_D42015051CC115A5CAB11686A5A81F3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_16E0AA22CFEADA57DDA41686A5A84FE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_D42015051CC115A5CAB11686A5A81F3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_16E0AA22CFEADA57DDA41686A5A84FE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_BFDB4CE997B4B033B49B1686A5A8F46B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_16E0AA22CFEADA57DDA41686A5A84FE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_BFDB4CE997B4B033B49B1686A5A8F46B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_A4E85424EBBD986FA41D1686A5A863E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_16E0AA22CFEADA57DDA41686A5A84FE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_A4E85424EBBD986FA41D1686A5A863E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_8CEDBBC7287B1A2CCF6E1686A5A80E04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_16E0AA22CFEADA57DDA41686A5A84FE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_8CEDBBC7287B1A2CCF6E1686A5A80E04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_3F3706AEFA15C684F3831686A5A8D540" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2572A88055F60B95DA471686A5A8B7FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_3F3706AEFA15C684F3831686A5A8D540" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A83B3EF97612244485261686A5A8CF7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_3F3706AEFA15C684F3831686A5A8D540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A83B3EF97612244485261686A5A8CF7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_1B821B46F0CE5BF7A7CC1686A5A8BD6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A83B3EF97612244485261686A5A8CF7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_1B821B46F0CE5BF7A7CC1686A5A8BD6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_76F15A6500EC5BA8C69C1686A5A86074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2572A88055F60B95DA471686A5A8B7FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_76F15A6500EC5BA8C69C1686A5A86074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_52D00DAD26BF0A0DD25C1686A5A85383" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_76F15A6500EC5BA8C69C1686A5A86074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_52D00DAD26BF0A0DD25C1686A5A85383" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_8C80E6949687E63874E81686A5A82B2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_76F15A6500EC5BA8C69C1686A5A86074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_8C80E6949687E63874E81686A5A82B2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_ACFC4D21C2B529DD329B1686A5A8B5E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_76F15A6500EC5BA8C69C1686A5A86074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_ACFC4D21C2B529DD329B1686A5A8B5E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_870504C12CE401619D411686A5A82721" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_76F15A6500EC5BA8C69C1686A5A86074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_870504C12CE401619D411686A5A82721" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_F7DD4FB5AE605F1A4D8D1686A5A8CF12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_76F15A6500EC5BA8C69C1686A5A86074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_F7DD4FB5AE605F1A4D8D1686A5A8CF12" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationOfLevel3SecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationofLevel3SecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationofLevel3SecuritiesAbstract_22D51BCD46721E8AA19153CD5038823F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_90D1FE90EC19CA5EE89053CD5038DDA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationofLevel3SecuritiesAbstract_22D51BCD46721E8AA19153CD5038823F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_90D1FE90EC19CA5EE89053CD5038DDA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_24F59C1570D16053EA3A53CD50386854" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_90D1FE90EC19CA5EE89053CD5038DDA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_24F59C1570D16053EA3A53CD50386854" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_422A257E72E19ABB486553CD5038CFD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_24F59C1570D16053EA3A53CD50386854" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_422A257E72E19ABB486553CD5038CFD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_7E5B6C2CD8C12CE5607053CD5038114B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_422A257E72E19ABB486553CD5038CFD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_7E5B6C2CD8C12CE5607053CD5038114B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_B672F232F5C37C52E9B253CD503813A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_90D1FE90EC19CA5EE89053CD5038DDA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_B672F232F5C37C52E9B253CD503813A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_8634EDA4F628071BA87B53CD5038A432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_B672F232F5C37C52E9B253CD503813A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_8634EDA4F628071BA87B53CD5038A432" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet_47F23E664664CD87B22C53CD50387623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_B672F232F5C37C52E9B253CD503813A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet_47F23E664664CD87B22C53CD50387623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements_0FAAF241B3513AECC6CC53CD50381611" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_B672F232F5C37C52E9B253CD503813A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements_0FAAF241B3513AECC6CC53CD50381611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_6C9A2733633875A6DDAF53CD50388CC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_B672F232F5C37C52E9B253CD503813A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_6C9A2733633875A6DDAF53CD50388CC7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_2120EA9AEE557D0C8AC72F9C4245E6E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_49CE0ECA24E0E57E2B6A2F9C4246D0C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_2120EA9AEE557D0C8AC72F9C4245E6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock_49CE0ECA24E0E57E2B6A2F9C4246D0C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock_D6B6B0D547F78257A9442F9C4247311B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_2120EA9AEE557D0C8AC72F9C4245E6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTableTextBlock_D6B6B0D547F78257A9442F9C4247311B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTableTextBlock_FDA32A1BAFB12ADF7F722F9C4248BEF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_2120EA9AEE557D0C8AC72F9C4245E6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashAndCashEquivalentsTableTextBlock_FDA32A1BAFB12ADF7F722F9C4248BEF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_C61EE8DEA8ACE6AD7A792F9C42470335" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract_2120EA9AEE557D0C8AC72F9C4245E6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_C61EE8DEA8ACE6AD7A792F9C42470335" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_3D153DC513B75CFE29466264B759D096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_22A7712A5C7C39329CB76264B7591A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_3D153DC513B75CFE29466264B759D096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_22A7712A5C7C39329CB76264B7591A38" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_3683619CDBABF29964CDCA0C9820EDEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A0C5D240AA84C162C58CA0C9820E4D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_3683619CDBABF29964CDCA0C9820EDEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A0C5D240AA84C162C58CA0C9820E4D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AFBD6C84ECFCD9E4C3A2CA0C98203772" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A0C5D240AA84C162C58CA0C9820E4D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AFBD6C84ECFCD9E4C3A2CA0C98203772" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1011D900FB93904C2EB5CA0C9820E36A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AFBD6C84ECFCD9E4C3A2CA0C98203772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1011D900FB93904C2EB5CA0C9820E36A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_474E60076B52D05A8A35CA0C98201FC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1011D900FB93904C2EB5CA0C9820E36A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_474E60076B52D05A8A35CA0C98201FC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_43100836E0334A99024DCA0C98209C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A0C5D240AA84C162C58CA0C9820E4D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_43100836E0334A99024DCA0C98209C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_ECAEACAF5531929BB8C2CA0C9820B5B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_43100836E0334A99024DCA0C98209C97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_ECAEACAF5531929BB8C2CA0C9820B5B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_BBD6C505DF53F3901B33CA0C982000C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_ECAEACAF5531929BB8C2CA0C9820B5B5" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_BBD6C505DF53F3901B33CA0C982000C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_8C6A478C76FB0A148861CA0C982038DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_ECAEACAF5531929BB8C2CA0C9820B5B5" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_8C6A478C76FB0A148861CA0C982038DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A0C5D240AA84C162C58CA0C9820E4D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_FBED1FCA4AD33D471FE2CA0C9820ED1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_FBED1FCA4AD33D471FE2CA0C9820ED1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_AA7346D6F5206D19AEAFCA0C9820A29B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_AA7346D6F5206D19AEAFCA0C9820A29B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_993FD61D330AD612E228CA0C9820532F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_AA7346D6F5206D19AEAFCA0C9820A29B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_993FD61D330AD612E228CA0C9820532F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_B0D9F41510044DDB395BCA0C9820B43D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_993FD61D330AD612E228CA0C9820532F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_B0D9F41510044DDB395BCA0C9820B43D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_F68AB82F5069E7A26DDDCA0C9820B8DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_993FD61D330AD612E228CA0C9820532F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_F68AB82F5069E7A26DDDCA0C9820B8DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_91F5F0D7953E5D0418A7CA0C98208DE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_993FD61D330AD612E228CA0C9820532F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_91F5F0D7953E5D0418A7CA0C98208DE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_1818FB6ECF5C39139709CA0C98202C9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_AA7346D6F5206D19AEAFCA0C9820A29B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_1818FB6ECF5C39139709CA0C98202C9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_3ECC6E809F6C28B9EEA5CA0C9820F436" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_1818FB6ECF5C39139709CA0C98202C9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_3ECC6E809F6C28B9EEA5CA0C9820F436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit_6BF4889F593446E2E052CA0C98205C16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_1818FB6ECF5C39139709CA0C98202C9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit_6BF4889F593446E2E052CA0C98205C16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_1EC34CF01F3B78B36E57CA0C98201B12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_1818FB6ECF5C39139709CA0C98202C9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_1EC34CF01F3B78B36E57CA0C98201B12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_34560697E69DBCF8D102CA0C9820BA48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_34560697E69DBCF8D102CA0C9820BA48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_7AF22FC57A3719BC6542CA0C98202291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_7AF22FC57A3719BC6542CA0C98202291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsDividends_73B321512499CC3C59A9CA0C9820437A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsDividends_73B321512499CC3C59A9CA0C9820437A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationLptAgreement" xlink:label="loc_eig_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationLptAgreement_F1B4093FA927ABDB2E27CA0C9820A974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:to="loc_eig_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationLptAgreement_F1B4093FA927ABDB2E27CA0C9820A974" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_3FF9360535DA4BB1797DCA0C982013E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_3FF9360535DA4BB1797DCA0C982013E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AdjustmenttoLPTReserveIncomeTaxReconciliation" xlink:label="loc_eig_AdjustmenttoLPTReserveIncomeTaxReconciliation_340C1542E20CAFEB040BCA0C9820F9F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:to="loc_eig_AdjustmenttoLPTReserveIncomeTaxReconciliation_340C1542E20CAFEB040BCA0C9820F9F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_3ECC6E809F6C28B9EEA5CA0C9820F436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_23533130EB4256208EEBCA0C9820827B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsTaxRateReconciliationAbstract_7646B5FF519A72CD9D72CA0C98200D84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_23533130EB4256208EEBCA0C9820827B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EBF5A7F9E16AEC2CE52ACA0C98205F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_EBF5A7F9E16AEC2CE52ACA0C98205F08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_F4532363639D78629342CA0C9820F8A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_F4532363639D78629342CA0C9820F8A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_874DAA61A07C3DDCDAFCCA0C9820F85F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_874DAA61A07C3DDCDAFCCA0C9820F85F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_892B5F0F404067413EFFCA0C9820A334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_892B5F0F404067413EFFCA0C9820A334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_3A7339A33D3966F51DFBCA0C982038DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_892B5F0F404067413EFFCA0C9820A334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_3A7339A33D3966F51DFBCA0C982038DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUnrealizedGainsOnTradingSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUnrealizedGainsOnTradingSecurities_D6E6F20BC173D3DFA209CA0C9820CE90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_3A7339A33D3966F51DFBCA0C982038DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUnrealizedGainsOnTradingSecurities_D6E6F20BC173D3DFA209CA0C9820CE90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDeferredExpenseDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDeferredExpenseDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCost_8816C5227F581640074ECA0C98202434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_3A7339A33D3966F51DFBCA0C982038DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDeferredExpenseDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCost_8816C5227F581640074ECA0C98202434" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets_363BD588F8C505C374AECA0C982057F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_3A7339A33D3966F51DFBCA0C982038DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets_363BD588F8C505C374AECA0C982057F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther_F78A8906244720928BFCCA0C98205D23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_3A7339A33D3966F51DFBCA0C982038DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther_F78A8906244720928BFCCA0C98205D23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent_06F27A791BD3967824E8CA0C9820A159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_3A7339A33D3966F51DFBCA0C982038DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent_06F27A791BD3967824E8CA0C9820A159" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_892B5F0F404067413EFFCA0C9820A334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsLossReserves" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsLossReserves_A68C195800B415945284CA0C98204A27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsLossReserves_A68C195800B415945284CA0C98204A27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsUnearnedPremiumsReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsUnearnedPremiumsReserve_BFCBA4469622E897949DCA0C9820024C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsUnearnedPremiumsReserve_BFCBA4469622E897949DCA0C9820024C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts_1A51519B2F1444FA13E1CA0C9820406E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts_1A51519B2F1444FA13E1CA0C9820406E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost_A9C56ACAC2BDDFB232D6CA0C98204CB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost_A9C56ACAC2BDDFB232D6CA0C98204CB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet_46F27C08E74784AF37D4CA0C98200690" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet_46F27C08E74784AF37D4CA0C98200690" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards_C17BBA5BC6F1FAF0ADE5CA0C98206EE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards_C17BBA5BC6F1FAF0ADE5CA0C98206EE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_8DF55FD62D12992B34EDCA0C982035E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_8DF55FD62D12992B34EDCA0C982035E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_0A70CDC71DD2376C1B44CA0C98202CD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract_2124449BAAFBAE4A03E5CA0C9820806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_0A70CDC71DD2376C1B44CA0C98202CD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_68F9AB15BAAEEAF9661CCA0C98206700" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_892B5F0F404067413EFFCA0C9820A334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_68F9AB15BAAEEAF9661CCA0C98206700" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ImpactontheAmountoftheCompanysMinimumTaxCreditDuetoTaxEnactment" xlink:label="loc_eig_ImpactontheAmountoftheCompanysMinimumTaxCreditDuetoTaxEnactment_D080C91DC6932D4DAF77CA0C9820C6F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F6FB20294B501B97BD09CA0C9820DACB" xlink:to="loc_eig_ImpactontheAmountoftheCompanysMinimumTaxCreditDuetoTaxEnactment_D080C91DC6932D4DAF77CA0C9820C6F8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_B9959DDEC19B48FAAA906264B70BDBBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock_461E7B2AB67D5F3125306264B70BD7FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_B9959DDEC19B48FAAA906264B70BDBBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock_461E7B2AB67D5F3125306264B70BD7FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_D24C1C026BE6E80C40946264B70BE803" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_B9959DDEC19B48FAAA906264B70BDBBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_D24C1C026BE6E80C40946264B70BE803" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_282BF52BA6A71F8D74FA6264B71AF8F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_IncomeTaxesAbstract_B9959DDEC19B48FAAA906264B70BDBBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_282BF52BA6A71F8D74FA6264B71AF8F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_6AB4CADCF927964C301C6264B7889D83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_C18721AE0358BC395A736264B7889F75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_6AB4CADCF927964C301C6264B7889D83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_C18721AE0358BC395A736264B7889F75" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueAbstract_EB8B73F0DC4AB5BCA62512288149E62C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_B2BAF800DA9983E1DA43122881497E04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_InvestmentsAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueAbstract_EB8B73F0DC4AB5BCA62512288149E62C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_B2BAF800DA9983E1DA43122881497E04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_BECF55999C1044FABFB712288149236D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_B2BAF800DA9983E1DA43122881497E04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_BECF55999C1044FABFB712288149236D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_EE4CFD3EF9FC5792F06A122881494AD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_BECF55999C1044FABFB712288149236D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_EE4CFD3EF9FC5792F06A122881494AD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_7358140CA1DEC3334B53122881493A6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_B2BAF800DA9983E1DA43122881497E04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_7358140CA1DEC3334B53122881493A6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_7358140CA1DEC3334B53122881493A6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_6D889707B66CFCA8C81B122881597EC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_6D889707B66CFCA8C81B122881597EC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_5DAE7E5759BEDE5D6EC012288159B0E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_5DAE7E5759BEDE5D6EC012288159B0E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_0B2122A473DA8BD1576812288159E344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_0B2122A473DA8BD1576812288159E344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_C7A4533B0D387B72344A122881596B34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_C7A4533B0D387B72344A122881596B34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost_6DAC815FC05EB3CF79FF12288159424E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost_6DAC815FC05EB3CF79FF12288159424E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_B98FBB5AE00ED4FD7F9912288159B438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCostAbstract_2E983B2A161FED5B7DCB122881493A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_B98FBB5AE00ED4FD7F9912288159B438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_7358140CA1DEC3334B53122881493A6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_6FFE03BFDB04C35B3499122881596A1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_6FFE03BFDB04C35B3499122881596A1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_2CC95BBD300D70A5134712288159E667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_2CC95BBD300D70A5134712288159E667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_89AD44EB680B03DBFCC11228815902E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_89AD44EB680B03DBFCC11228815902E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_1684AAC708A33EE318E012288159E816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_1684AAC708A33EE318E012288159E816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue_990074E29316FC41DD8E1228815903F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue_990074E29316FC41DD8E1228815903F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_047B182AD4846E65FCFD12288159246A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract_1B5CCA23E4C9CC6792EB12288159B016" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_047B182AD4846E65FCFD12288159246A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsContinuousLossPositionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsContinousLossPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsContinousLossPositionAbstract_11BFCB473BC9A528C5101686A5798862" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E16D4BCF12BB68F39AD81686A579F9A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_InvestmentsContinousLossPositionAbstract_11BFCB473BC9A528C5101686A5798862" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E16D4BCF12BB68F39AD81686A579F9A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9D6112F4901A79C71B3E1686A57920A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E16D4BCF12BB68F39AD81686A579F9A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9D6112F4901A79C71B3E1686A57920A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_571238048964ECB741761686A5790137" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9D6112F4901A79C71B3E1686A57920A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_571238048964ECB741761686A5790137" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_571238048964ECB741761686A5790137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_BCCAC95BE36B38BE3F781686A57962C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_BCCAC95BE36B38BE3F781686A57962C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_CB00223FA69E6580ED881686A5796DCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_CB00223FA69E6580ED881686A5796DCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_48C202D12F518035DA251686A579A8FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_48C202D12F518035DA251686A579A8FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_24FE2E4486F02CE95E731686A5790805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_24FE2E4486F02CE95E731686A5790805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_AFFEB29EDEBE81680D261686A579762D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_AFFEB29EDEBE81680D261686A579762D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_B3C047BD5A780625D17D1686A579A330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_B3C047BD5A780625D17D1686A579A330" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8AE7065C0A94087DB2C81686A5793F10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8AE7065C0A94087DB2C81686A5793F10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_18DE93C0F60EF77D65281686A5796545" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D01F3663B3763F90554C1686A5797AD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_18DE93C0F60EF77D65281686A5796545" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_F6D4A93E2A9C144594A4168B5F0D37A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_571238048964ECB741761686A5790137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_F6D4A93E2A9C144594A4168B5F0D37A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E16D4BCF12BB68F39AD81686A579F9A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_160F1B2AC26ABFC7D9571686A579781B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_160F1B2AC26ABFC7D9571686A579781B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_1D520411C9F850F9BF9B1686A579DBC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_160F1B2AC26ABFC7D9571686A579781B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_1D520411C9F850F9BF9B1686A579DBC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_A17EE4F5BF050C9B86CB1686A579486E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_160F1B2AC26ABFC7D9571686A579781B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_A17EE4F5BF050C9B86CB1686A579486E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_4BA159729351AAAF67D91686A589FF5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_4BA159729351AAAF67D91686A589FF5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_2CB4BBC3104841AF83FE1686A589BA9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_4BA159729351AAAF67D91686A589FF5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_2CB4BBC3104841AF83FE1686A589BA9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_BD712C62D61FEE7BD4711686A589D482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_4BA159729351AAAF67D91686A589FF5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_BD712C62D61FEE7BD4711686A589D482" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsAbstract_92E13895CEDE150E157E1686A5896B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsAbstract_92E13895CEDE150E157E1686A5896B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_D975182BD5573731CF441686A5893516" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsAbstract_92E13895CEDE150E157E1686A5896B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_D975182BD5573731CF441686A5893516" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_D01330E7C73313D02C971686A589B8AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsAbstract_92E13895CEDE150E157E1686A5896B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_D01330E7C73313D02C971686A589B8AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_05EF0B3ECA9E7DD097471686A5897CEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_05EF0B3ECA9E7DD097471686A5897CEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsLessThanOneYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsLessThanOneYear_8E0406DDA4AA42764AD91686A5894BB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsLessThanOneYear_8E0406DDA4AA42764AD91686A5894BB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfInvestments_061B53405B833042E4971686A5892E75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfInvestments_061B53405B833042E4971686A5892E75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1_5CDD3990106C71E92BC61686A589B858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_BB11B229BA96A06EA10F1686A579BF21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1_5CDD3990106C71E92BC61686A589B858" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_E896216D0F60828040E62BC5DBDCE755" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6ED008863E5D2A6A19C82BC5DBDCB3A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_E896216D0F60828040E62BC5DBDCE755" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6ED008863E5D2A6A19C82BC5DBDCB3A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_404ECE3BFFF03E96A4AE2BC5DBDCFC06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6ED008863E5D2A6A19C82BC5DBDCB3A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_404ECE3BFFF03E96A4AE2BC5DBDCFC06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE4D986F5238E6F246362BC5DBDC7026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_404ECE3BFFF03E96A4AE2BC5DBDCFC06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE4D986F5238E6F246362BC5DBDC7026" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE4D986F5238E6F246362BC5DBDC7026" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_2D7E505C8CD955D6AC5A2BC5DBDC3D93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_2D7E505C8CD955D6AC5A2BC5DBDC3D93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_80CE5A7D6CF489991F7D2BC5DBDC2578" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_80CE5A7D6CF489991F7D2BC5DBDC2578" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_8FFBBF5E7F677BC940E52BC5DBDC083B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_8FFBBF5E7F677BC940E52BC5DBDC083B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_7E667B60AF769FF98BB42BC5DBDC9F0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_7E667B60AF769FF98BB42BC5DBDC9F0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_86538591E29B3252859D2BC5DBDCE419" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_86538591E29B3252859D2BC5DBDCE419" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_535E9324FB92F67A90972BC5DBDC9CFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_535E9324FB92F67A90972BC5DBDC9CFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_FCD1B151EE61615A83102BC5DBDC157D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_FCD1B151EE61615A83102BC5DBDC157D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_25D01B46D1EB0EA489BF2BC5DBDCD4E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F00BA40B9A4280F57E6F2BC5DBDCD295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_25D01B46D1EB0EA489BF2BC5DBDCD4E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_BE0279E04721DB32B9142BC5DBDCBA15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE4D986F5238E6F246362BC5DBDC7026" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_BE0279E04721DB32B9142BC5DBDCBA15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_OtherEquitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_OtherEquitiesMember_EECD2AD280A78545CBD32BC5DBDC4D52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_BE0279E04721DB32B9142BC5DBDCBA15" xlink:to="loc_eig_OtherEquitiesMember_EECD2AD280A78545CBD32BC5DBDC4D52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockMember_A1A537BCCA9771861BA32BC5DBDCBCE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_BE0279E04721DB32B9142BC5DBDCBA15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockMember_A1A537BCCA9771861BA32BC5DBDCBCE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_A01D7F18C189051BF0FC2BC5DBDCDC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_BE0279E04721DB32B9142BC5DBDCBA15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_A01D7F18C189051BF0FC2BC5DBDCDC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_F9FF00F1902DC9EC8A7E2BC5DBDCC258" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE4D986F5238E6F246362BC5DBDC7026" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_F9FF00F1902DC9EC8A7E2BC5DBDCC258" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_TotalAFSInvestmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_TotalAFSInvestmentsDomain_ABE8F61E11CF95300F9C2BC5DBDCE66F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BE4D986F5238E6F246362BC5DBDC7026" xlink:to="loc_eig_TotalAFSInvestmentsDomain_ABE8F61E11CF95300F9C2BC5DBDCE66F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6ED008863E5D2A6A19C82BC5DBDCB3A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_DFE3682DC044D6FCEF2A2BC5DBDC1BD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_DFE3682DC044D6FCEF2A2BC5DBDC1BD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_CE6F2FC964A2B236C23C2BC5DBDC0229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_CE6F2FC964A2B236C23C2BC5DBDC0229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_F45CDEB80BA13054B9292BC5DBDCC42A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_F45CDEB80BA13054B9292BC5DBDCC42A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_1A9E560FFE99661D39422BC5DBDC634A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_1A9E560FFE99661D39422BC5DBDC634A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost" xlink:label="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost_1798874405F4FC494FC22BD7DC7BE90E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost_1798874405F4FC494FC22BD7DC7BE90E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsUnrealizedGain" xlink:label="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsUnrealizedGain_C614C5B39A1FA452C8EA2BD96330DB3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsUnrealizedGain_C614C5B39A1FA452C8EA2BD96330DB3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsUnrealizedLoss" xlink:label="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsUnrealizedLoss_02009F2FF9EB934AE9902BDA9A18A6A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsUnrealizedLoss_02009F2FF9EB934AE9902BDA9A18A6A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_TotalAvailableforsaleinvestments" xlink:label="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleinvestments_EF46C748817D5E7718212BDBD73CBE30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleinvestments_EF46C748817D5E7718212BDBD73CBE30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_599A01F5835F265475162BC5DBDC82D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_599A01F5835F265475162BC5DBDC82D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_A88FF498453B031D703A2BC5DBDC9FAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_A88FF498453B031D703A2BC5DBDC9FAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_0E8AA7D0074A7B3F1FF52BC5DBDCBCCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_0E8AA7D0074A7B3F1FF52BC5DBDCBCCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_B0A96CF7C137F54261A32BC5DBDC50F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_5484F7657E283A4B69992BC5DBDC202A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_B0A96CF7C137F54261A32BC5DBDC50F7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsEquitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EquitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_EquitySecuritiesAbstract_6AC7496C26EC2ED6B2DF1686A5893C6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_8F5DB79667513CDF258E1686A589CCA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_EquitySecuritiesAbstract_6AC7496C26EC2ED6B2DF1686A5893C6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_8F5DB79667513CDF258E1686A589CCA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_351F5B024AEBD95226721686A589B0C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_8F5DB79667513CDF258E1686A589CCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_351F5B024AEBD95226721686A589B0C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D3DE387614D0A779F1E21686A5891AC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_351F5B024AEBD95226721686A589B0C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D3DE387614D0A779F1E21686A5891AC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_EE35AAF90FC0C9AE08F016895FBE8413" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D3DE387614D0A779F1E21686A5891AC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_EE35AAF90FC0C9AE08F016895FBE8413" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_76BDE5CE1D3526C465CF1686A5895C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_EE35AAF90FC0C9AE08F016895FBE8413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_76BDE5CE1D3526C465CF1686A5895C1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_OtherEquitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_OtherEquitiesMember_853CC28CF3090A337C001686A58944DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_EE35AAF90FC0C9AE08F016895FBE8413" xlink:to="loc_eig_OtherEquitiesMember_853CC28CF3090A337C001686A58944DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2F0193AC740688DFAAA71686A5892D3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_8F5DB79667513CDF258E1686A589CCA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2F0193AC740688DFAAA71686A5892D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost_5BE3629401829FC9F40A1686A5988ED0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2F0193AC740688DFAAA71686A5892D3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost_5BE3629401829FC9F40A1686A5988ED0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_7542A5517279A7AFACB71686A5986EC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_2F0193AC740688DFAAA71686A5892D3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_7542A5517279A7AFACB71686A5986EC8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentsHeldInTrustOrOnDepositDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsHeldinTrustoronDepositAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsHeldinTrustoronDepositAbstract_673277E465E8B04ED34EE2DEC650645E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_EF0B562EE56E9FC02728E2DEC6508646" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_InvestmentsHeldinTrustoronDepositAbstract_673277E465E8B04ED34EE2DEC650645E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_EF0B562EE56E9FC02728E2DEC6508646" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1B88D27BC5CD17D60600E2DEC65FDF80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_EF0B562EE56E9FC02728E2DEC6508646" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1B88D27BC5CD17D60600E2DEC65FDF80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_95DB4A8452F6A3269225E2DEC65FF791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_1B88D27BC5CD17D60600E2DEC65FDF80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_95DB4A8452F6A3269225E2DEC65FF791" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RequiredbyvariousstatelawsandregulationstoholdsecuritiesorlettersofcreditindepositoryaccountMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_RequiredbyvariousstatelawsandregulationstoholdsecuritiesorlettersofcreditindepositoryaccountMember_4F28D2702BF64D005D68E2DEC65FF5A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_95DB4A8452F6A3269225E2DEC65FF791" xlink:to="loc_eig_RequiredbyvariousstatelawsandregulationstoholdsecuritiesorlettersofcreditindepositoryaccountMember_4F28D2702BF64D005D68E2DEC65FF5A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis_006FDFAC395CC3F9AC6CE2DEC65F82AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_EF0B562EE56E9FC02728E2DEC6508646" xlink:to="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis_006FDFAC395CC3F9AC6CE2DEC65F82AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain_E2CED2CB2BC113676AB6E2DEC65F1F90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis_006FDFAC395CC3F9AC6CE2DEC65F82AC" xlink:to="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain_E2CED2CB2BC113676AB6E2DEC65F1F90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_FederalHomeLoanBankOfSanFranciscoMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankOfSanFranciscoMember_79764E781869E975DD9DE2DEC65F816D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain_E2CED2CB2BC113676AB6E2DEC65F1F90" xlink:to="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankOfSanFranciscoMember_79764E781869E975DD9DE2DEC65F816D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_F1F83501B5DF776F9824E2DEC65F2DA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_EF0B562EE56E9FC02728E2DEC6508646" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_F1F83501B5DF776F9824E2DEC65F2DA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositAssetsAbstract_2D6B458FD901203B503AE2DEC65FE53B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_F1F83501B5DF776F9824E2DEC65F2DA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositAssetsAbstract_2D6B458FD901203B503AE2DEC65FE53B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_94594D9D5A54E1BF72A7E2DEC65FC01E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepositAssetsAbstract_2D6B458FD901203B503AE2DEC65FE53B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_94594D9D5A54E1BF72A7E2DEC65FC01E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustAbstract_82681DC62CA796FB04B7E2DEC65F1CB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_F1F83501B5DF776F9824E2DEC65F2DA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustAbstract_82681DC62CA796FB04B7E2DEC65F1CB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAsset_A3CA8D3A945D3C9A3723E2DEC65F92F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustAbstract_82681DC62CA796FB04B7E2DEC65F1CB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAsset_A3CA8D3A945D3C9A3723E2DEC65F92F2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsNetRealizedGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsNetRealizedGainsLossesAndChangeInNetUnrealizedGainsLossesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsNetRealizedGainsLossesAndChangeInNetUnrealizedGainsLossesAbstract_D9B64E7F3BDE111D79F11686A5792CBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6BE9C3BBE2DFCA2A68961686A579CFD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_InvestmentsNetRealizedGainsLossesAndChangeInNetUnrealizedGainsLossesAbstract_D9B64E7F3BDE111D79F11686A5792CBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6BE9C3BBE2DFCA2A68961686A579CFD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_CEC2973E800B8115CD331686A5798B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6BE9C3BBE2DFCA2A68961686A579CFD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_CEC2973E800B8115CD331686A5798B70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BC99CDB99D96C63AF41E1686A579EF59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_CEC2973E800B8115CD331686A5798B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BC99CDB99D96C63AF41E1686A579EF59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_C6E283FC5B2886DDF6531686A5796B7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BC99CDB99D96C63AF41E1686A579EF59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_C6E283FC5B2886DDF6531686A5796B7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_8CA05B87B9FF6951F240168C23A77720" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BC99CDB99D96C63AF41E1686A579EF59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_8CA05B87B9FF6951F240168C23A77720" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_FD8DDD89DD1588F464951686A5795751" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_BC99CDB99D96C63AF41E1686A579EF59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_FD8DDD89DD1588F464951686A5795751" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_6BE9C3BBE2DFCA2A68961686A579CFD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract_66C6CE4F46A5D32BB8E61686A579497D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract_66C6CE4F46A5D32BB8E61686A579497D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTax_D417213457E71D198EF61686A5796105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract_66C6CE4F46A5D32BB8E61686A579497D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTax_D417213457E71D198EF61686A5796105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss_D2F6CB3691CE5631A0771686A579F610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract_66C6CE4F46A5D32BB8E61686A579497D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiUnrealizedGainLoss_D2F6CB3691CE5631A0771686A579F610" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsChangeinNetUnrealizedGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsChangeinNetUnrealizedGainsLosses_98F3859609E79E1139551686A57928DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAbstract_66C6CE4F46A5D32BB8E61686A579497D" xlink:to="loc_eig_InvestmentsChangeinNetUnrealizedGainsLosses_98F3859609E79E1139551686A57928DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndAvailableForSaleAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndAvailableForSaleAbstract_642BEE38C344ED6677B81686A5791C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndAvailableForSaleAbstract_642BEE38C344ED6677B81686A5791C1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedGain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedGain_9A2F34EBFCEAEB67EB2B1686A579AADF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndAvailableForSaleAbstract_642BEE38C344ED6677B81686A5791C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedGain_9A2F34EBFCEAEB67EB2B1686A579AADF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedLoss_4D43D7154CB7CBD9C2F11686A5797240" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndAvailableForSaleAbstract_642BEE38C344ED6677B81686A5791C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedLoss_4D43D7154CB7CBD9C2F11686A5797240" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleGainLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleGainLossAbstract_948F1D043495B41238221686A579127F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleGainLossAbstract_948F1D043495B41238221686A579127F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossAbstract_35BBB3ED37240A080D5A1686A5791875" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleGainLossAbstract_948F1D043495B41238221686A579127F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossAbstract_35BBB3ED37240A080D5A1686A5791875" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_9557C1526554B6A3C6D61686A5792D81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossAbstract_35BBB3ED37240A080D5A1686A5791875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_9557C1526554B6A3C6D61686A5792D81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_F321ECD1E1CF8CD99D4E1686A57904EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossAbstract_35BBB3ED37240A080D5A1686A5791875" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_F321ECD1E1CF8CD99D4E1686A57904EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsGrossRealizedGains_2CFE43487663F975319E1686A5791828" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:to="loc_eig_InvestmentsGrossRealizedGains_2CFE43487663F975319E1686A5791828" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsGrossRealizedLosses_2CF0B3C9E93FC9667CE31686A5792B3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:to="loc_eig_InvestmentsGrossRealizedLosses_2CF0B3C9E93FC9667CE31686A5792B3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_D7DD37151A0EC3588C651686A57990DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_A32BDDE5A2AF7B0199FB1686A57987B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_D7DD37151A0EC3588C651686A57990DD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_1EB3317B9FE179B6FB252A4BCC318206" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock_9D7BC80BECE332770AE42A4BCC31E3DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_1EB3317B9FE179B6FB252A4BCC318206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock_9D7BC80BECE332770AE42A4BCC31E3DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsTextBlock_9CA932F8ECB1C990B01D2A4BCC310898" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_1EB3317B9FE179B6FB252A4BCC318206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsTextBlock_9CA932F8ECB1C990B01D2A4BCC310898" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_5836B4F5339AFE4489662A4BCC314FBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_1EB3317B9FE179B6FB252A4BCC318206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock_5836B4F5339AFE4489662A4BCC314FBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrealizedLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrealizedLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock_0F5CF2FFB2912CC562412A4BCC3173CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_1EB3317B9FE179B6FB252A4BCC318206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrealizedLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock_0F5CF2FFB2912CC562412A4BCC3173CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock_94AA719E8E0E30F094672A4BCC31EE71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_1EB3317B9FE179B6FB252A4BCC318206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock_94AA719E8E0E30F094672A4BCC31EE71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeTextBlock_7D05C15EE21790C6BD602A4BCC31C430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_1EB3317B9FE179B6FB252A4BCC318206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeTextBlock_7D05C15EE21790C6BD602A4BCC31C430" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenses" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_A2F6282AB75353A562B46264B8726097" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsAndUnpaidClaimsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsAndUnpaidClaimsDisclosureTextBlock_385C035E127DB23566826264B8728CB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_A2F6282AB75353A562B46264B8726097" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsAndUnpaidClaimsDisclosureTextBlock_385C035E127DB23566826264B8728CB9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_508A74CEB7799C3CD3516264B7885ADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5662C60693A3DC1C77F86264B788DAE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_508A74CEB7799C3CD3516264B7885ADC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5662C60693A3DC1C77F86264B788DAE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0CF1AE79C5456D433D2E6264B78899B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5662C60693A3DC1C77F86264B788DAE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0CF1AE79C5456D433D2E6264B78899B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A05668DD2BA67AD84516264B7889B0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0CF1AE79C5456D433D2E6264B78899B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A05668DD2BA67AD84516264B7889B0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RelatedtoVoluntaryRiskBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_RelatedtoVoluntaryRiskBusinessMember_493B8696CE796638E2F56264B7887880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A05668DD2BA67AD84516264B7889B0F" xlink:to="loc_eig_RelatedtoVoluntaryRiskBusinessMember_493B8696CE796638E2F56264B7887880" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RelatedtoInvoluntaryAssignedRiskBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_RelatedtoInvoluntaryAssignedRiskBusinessMember_23A2B59B479A4D70EFE56264B788614D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A05668DD2BA67AD84516264B7889B0F" xlink:to="loc_eig_RelatedtoInvoluntaryAssignedRiskBusinessMember_23A2B59B479A4D70EFE56264B788614D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8610F3F6C8C733F842B46264B7888373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5662C60693A3DC1C77F86264B788DAE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8610F3F6C8C733F842B46264B7888373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdj" xlink:label="loc_eig_PriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdj_FF2C33D3DC3D9F7C24056264B7880742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8610F3F6C8C733F842B46264B7888373" xlink:to="loc_eig_PriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdj_FF2C33D3DC3D9F7C24056264B7880742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_000C6C78B6E9A4ABC1B06264B78856DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8610F3F6C8C733F842B46264B7888373" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_000C6C78B6E9A4ABC1B06264B78856DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PaidLossesandLAEIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdjRelatedtoPriorPeriods" xlink:label="loc_eig_PaidLossesandLAEIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdjRelatedtoPriorPeriods_8D907298A6C2C5E018B26264B788D272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8610F3F6C8C733F842B46264B7888373" xlink:to="loc_eig_PaidLossesandLAEIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdjRelatedtoPriorPeriods_8D907298A6C2C5E018B26264B788D272" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PaymentsForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdj" xlink:label="loc_eig_PaymentsForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdj_C84CD8A99F79F3ADEFEE6264B7882826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8610F3F6C8C733F842B46264B7888373" xlink:to="loc_eig_PaymentsForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenseIncludingLPTAmortizationandAdj_C84CD8A99F79F3ADEFEE6264B7882826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8610F3F6C8C733F842B46264B7888373" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_7084DF840EC01CA1BAAF6264B78814BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_7084DF840EC01CA1BAAF6264B78814BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance_33F1A922C131BF5C650E6264B7884C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance_33F1A922C131BF5C650E6264B7884C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_D4E4D6D297FAD9EA7ED06264B7887F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_D4E4D6D297FAD9EA7ED06264B7887F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsAbstract_B10F4AE1B0E952CABD0E6264B788A930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsAbstract_B10F4AE1B0E952CABD0E6264B788A930" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersCurrentYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersCurrentYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_D2C85D049CED5F49C91C6264B788910E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsAbstract_B10F4AE1B0E952CABD0E6264B788A930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersCurrentYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_D2C85D049CED5F49C91C6264B788910E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersPriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersPriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_1D3DDDFDA8D8D50B33FC6264B788824F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsAbstract_B10F4AE1B0E952CABD0E6264B788A930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersPriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_1D3DDDFDA8D8D50B33FC6264B788824F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaims1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaims1_221AEFFED34C21F3B22B6264B7889CE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsAbstract_B10F4AE1B0E952CABD0E6264B788A930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaims1_221AEFFED34C21F3B22B6264B7889CE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidAbstract_58BA451BC67B3C5F10136264B788683B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidAbstract_58BA451BC67B3C5F10136264B788683B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidCurrentYear1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidCurrentYear1_2154D0D07C2794CF1AE26264B7880FD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidAbstract_58BA451BC67B3C5F10136264B788683B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidCurrentYear1_2154D0D07C2794CF1AE26264B7880FD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1_751E4BD81BA352224F906264B78809F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidAbstract_58BA451BC67B3C5F10136264B788683B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1_751E4BD81BA352224F906264B78809F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpense_D5F55741B772630E01DA6264B788A6FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidAbstract_58BA451BC67B3C5F10136264B788683B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpense_D5F55741B772630E01DA6264B788A6FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_8B87FD89BB37EDB706676264B7881CAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_8B87FD89BB37EDB706676264B7881CAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance_C635997A0945B8C7DFA66264B788CB85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance_C635997A0945B8C7DFA66264B788CB85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_7756B33F8A36E67FFA406264B78892FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_7756B33F8A36E67FFA406264B78892FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_CABD2A4F10A78BCE24FF6264B7885082" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_6BAC2B51C5DC283890216264B7889856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_CABD2A4F10A78BCE24FF6264B7885082" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesHistoricalIncurredLossesAndLaeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_HistoricalIncurredandPaidLossesandLAEAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_HistoricalIncurredandPaidLossesandLAEAbstract_FCE11ECF6C324B82564DE8D8AF4653CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTable_57BDA7AA62CB0A418465E8D8AF47F1F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_HistoricalIncurredandPaidLossesandLAEAbstract_FCE11ECF6C324B82564DE8D8AF4653CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTable_57BDA7AA62CB0A418465E8D8AF47F1F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_4591CA94ED54C433B107E8D8AF48BE43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTable_57BDA7AA62CB0A418465E8D8AF47F1F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_4591CA94ED54C433B107E8D8AF48BE43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_4591CA94ED54C433B107E8D8AF48BE43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearsPriorto10yearsDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearsPriorto10yearsDomain_9B90AE34229BB1CD98DDE8D8AF487E22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_eig_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearsPriorto10yearsDomain_9B90AE34229BB1CD98DDE8D8AF487E22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2009Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2009Member_6E18D6E7B54DC5398EF2E8D8AF497246" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2009Member_6E18D6E7B54DC5398EF2E8D8AF497246" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2010Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2010Member_DE8F6C4D30A753D0083CE8D8AF49E36A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2010Member_DE8F6C4D30A753D0083CE8D8AF49E36A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2011Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2011Member_2B3810D3236E1514B6DBE8D8AF490FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2011Member_2B3810D3236E1514B6DBE8D8AF490FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2012Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2012Member_C752F6DCFF1FC9E8363AE8D8AF494863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2012Member_C752F6DCFF1FC9E8363AE8D8AF494863" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2013Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2013Member_2B8AE41154959F48A459E8D8AF4A206E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2013Member_2B8AE41154959F48A459E8D8AF4A206E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2014Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2014Member_EB8A08A25BDBD958DD90E8DFAE2B6958" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2014Member_EB8A08A25BDBD958DD90E8DFAE2B6958" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2015Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2015Member_FBC8E94C0145CC887394E8DF67E3E3DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2015Member_FBC8E94C0145CC887394E8DF67E3E3DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2016Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2016Member_1BCE74A65056DF573561E8D8AF4AFA3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2016Member_1BCE74A65056DF573561E8D8AF4AFA3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2017Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2017Member_90B0CD18721B9A444CBEE8D9EF775B33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2017Member_90B0CD18721B9A444CBEE8D9EF775B33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2018Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2018Member_1C815C9CBBA381376D54E8DB52FA78ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_10F2EA506D452B65DEE3E8D8AF4865A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYear2018Member_1C815C9CBBA381376D54E8DB52FA78ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems_09E3F07FD94269ADA34CE8D8AF4AF04B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTable_57BDA7AA62CB0A418465E8D8AF47F1F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems_09E3F07FD94269ADA34CE8D8AF4AF04B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsIncurredClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsIncurredClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_E7B6E1328B4EE73643B2E8D8AF4BD02B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems_09E3F07FD94269ADA34CE8D8AF4AF04B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsIncurredClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_E7B6E1328B4EE73643B2E8D8AF4BD02B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsIncurredButNotReportedIbnrClaimsLiabilityNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsIncurredButNotReportedIbnrClaimsLiabilityNet_EDC19682E627B2933FA8E8D8AF4BDFE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems_09E3F07FD94269ADA34CE8D8AF4AF04B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsIncurredButNotReportedIbnrClaimsLiabilityNet_EDC19682E627B2933FA8E8D8AF4BDFE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsNumberOfReportedClaims" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsNumberOfReportedClaims_47A3FBF004562A593FD9E8D8AF4BBE29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems_09E3F07FD94269ADA34CE8D8AF4AF04B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsNumberOfReportedClaims_47A3FBF004562A593FD9E8D8AF4BBE29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsCumulativePaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsCumulativePaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_6FB386053D6DB8038679E8D8AF4BE322" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems_09E3F07FD94269ADA34CE8D8AF4AF04B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsCumulativePaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_6FB386053D6DB8038679E8D8AF4BE322" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_D219366206151519DD98E8D8AF4BB4FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClaimsDevelopmentLineItems_09E3F07FD94269ADA34CE8D8AF4AF04B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_D219366206151519DD98E8D8AF4BB4FF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToAggregateCarryingAmountOfLiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLaeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReconciliationofClaimsDevelopmenttotheAggregateCarryingAmountoftheLiabilityforUnpaidlLssesandLAEAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReconciliationofClaimsDevelopmenttotheAggregateCarryingAmountoftheLiabilityforUnpaidlLssesandLAEAbstract_CEF0C43C169A1C7775DA6264B69EB8AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTable_B6F35E4C2C4361CD78626264B69EB0F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReconciliationofClaimsDevelopmenttotheAggregateCarryingAmountoftheLiabilityforUnpaidlLssesandLAEAbstract_CEF0C43C169A1C7775DA6264B69EB8AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTable_B6F35E4C2C4361CD78626264B69EB0F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_21ED3DC7D68D617A2E456264B69E38E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTable_B6F35E4C2C4361CD78626264B69EB0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_21ED3DC7D68D617A2E456264B69E38E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_1ED70D8F5A5800B899276264B69E9C96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_21ED3DC7D68D617A2E456264B69E38E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_1ED70D8F5A5800B899276264B69E9C96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityLineItems_D621FA81F718805E2F7A6264B69E4D2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTable_B6F35E4C2C4361CD78626264B69EB0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityLineItems_D621FA81F718805E2F7A6264B69E4D2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_561C08267A90535DD94A6264B69ED0B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityLineItems_D621FA81F718805E2F7A6264B69E4D2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndAllocatedClaimAdjustmentExpenseNet_561C08267A90535DD94A6264B69ED0B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance_41E4E5B8980D7A939EBA6264B69E2CB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityLineItems_D621FA81F718805E2F7A6264B69E4D2F" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesExcludingAllowance_41E4E5B8980D7A939EBA6264B69E2CB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseAccumulatedUnallocatedClaimAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseAccumulatedUnallocatedClaimAdjustmentExpense_8096E7A9A142BC29470B6264B69E4E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityLineItems_D621FA81F718805E2F7A6264B69E4D2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseAccumulatedUnallocatedClaimAdjustmentExpense_8096E7A9A142BC29470B6264B69E4E26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_B0A6B086006034B7C87D6264B69E751C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityLineItems_D621FA81F718805E2F7A6264B69E4D2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_B0A6B086006034B7C87D6264B69E751C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesShortDurationInsuranceContractsHistorcialClaimsDurationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAbstract_D7B5B9A9047433595D7E6264B7F55D26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationTable_79F6BEF552123AFB31686264B7F56B95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ShortDurationInsuranceContractsAbstract_D7B5B9A9047433595D7E6264B7F55D26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationTable_79F6BEF552123AFB31686264B7F56B95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_F7304524982E019783016264B7F5B02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationTable_79F6BEF552123AFB31686264B7F56B95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_F7304524982E019783016264B7F5B02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_351022423C1C5DDF476B6264B7F53869" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearAxis_F7304524982E019783016264B7F5B02E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsAccidentYearDomain_351022423C1C5DDF476B6264B7F53869" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationTable_79F6BEF552123AFB31686264B7F56B95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearOne" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearOne_7D4CF6ED1A6A2C1B0AF56264B7F56218" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearOne_7D4CF6ED1A6A2C1B0AF56264B7F56218" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearTwo_DD95A11805A1FBDA7AB16264B8040320" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearTwo_DD95A11805A1FBDA7AB16264B8040320" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearThree_BC3BDDE727326A12E1966264B8045778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearThree_BC3BDDE727326A12E1966264B8045778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearFour_B45B9117324B7BCD3AD36264B804ED27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearFour_B45B9117324B7BCD3AD36264B804ED27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearFive_943A2E02B840B9A52C6F6264B80455D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearFive_943A2E02B840B9A52C6F6264B80455D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearSix" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearSix_F0366B691C1565F2EEC16264B8043351" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearSix_F0366B691C1565F2EEC16264B8043351" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearSeven" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearSeven_54CC93B251A2FA9D8F546264B80402BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearSeven_54CC93B251A2FA9D8F546264B80402BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearEight" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearEight_0246FD24D8530F784DF06264B8049333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearEight_0246FD24D8530F784DF06264B8049333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearNine" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearNine_48D776F9454816D2EF026264B804B604" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearNine_48D776F9454816D2EF026264B804B604" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearTen" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearTen_B919614B1CDA77CDEB816264B804A1EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationLineItems_A97D2197C23DD817268F6264B7F5F802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsHistoricalClaimsDurationYearTen_B919614B1CDA77CDEB816264B804A1EC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_895BDC9C843F97C8B31E6264B8331EB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_A0BD31AE8B1623134A426264B8337201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_895BDC9C843F97C8B31E6264B8331EB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_A0BD31AE8B1623134A426264B8337201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTableTextBlock_BFEEE95CE35C8031E2466264B8330D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_895BDC9C843F97C8B31E6264B8331EB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsClaimsDevelopmentTableTextBlock_BFEEE95CE35C8031E2466264B8330D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTableTextBlock_2296979080840B1E5CF06264B8335173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_895BDC9C843F97C8B31E6264B8331EB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsReconciliationOfClaimsDevelopmentToLiabilityTableTextBlock_2296979080840B1E5CF06264B8335173" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsScheduleOfHistoricalClaimsDurationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsScheduleOfHistoricalClaimsDurationTableTextBlock_F2BFAB6E954483AC70636264B83313F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LiabilityForUnpaidLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesAbstract_895BDC9C843F97C8B31E6264B8331EB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortdurationInsuranceContractsScheduleOfHistoricalClaimsDurationTableTextBlock_F2BFAB6E954483AC70636264B83313F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_InvestmentsInvestmentIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_InvestmentsInvestmentIncomeAbstract_0843073B5447D211FEA71686A5690D99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_3DFF5DB9E367F1B843BB1686A5690960" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_InvestmentsInvestmentIncomeAbstract_0843073B5447D211FEA71686A5690D99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_3DFF5DB9E367F1B843BB1686A5690960" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_26F8D22C200167F032041686A5696573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_3DFF5DB9E367F1B843BB1686A5690960" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_26F8D22C200167F032041686A5696573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61DF59F2960E3B04D4A31686A5691DD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_26F8D22C200167F032041686A5696573" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61DF59F2960E3B04D4A31686A5691DD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_BCB50BB8762F4A85669C1686A5696D1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_3DFF5DB9E367F1B843BB1686A5690960" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_BCB50BB8762F4A85669C1686A5696D1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_E3DD8B7A7B11586013801686A5693B7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_BCB50BB8762F4A85669C1686A5696D1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_E3DD8B7A7B11586013801686A5693B7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_B8D837067BA71C117AD71686A56947AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_E3DD8B7A7B11586013801686A5693B7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_B8D837067BA71C117AD71686A56947AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_E9693BA77D06AA84BFD11686A56948CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_B8D837067BA71C117AD71686A56947AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_E9693BA77D06AA84BFD11686A56948CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_2A24A25FB0E8BF499CA11686A5698CBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_B8D837067BA71C117AD71686A56947AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_2A24A25FB0E8BF499CA11686A5698CBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_BB37C001281A7613117C1686A56987C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_B8D837067BA71C117AD71686A56947AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_BB37C001281A7613117C1686A56987C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B6BB4EE2AE69D1A7BDCB1686A569B7C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_B8D837067BA71C117AD71686A56947AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B6BB4EE2AE69D1A7BDCB1686A569B7C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_1A12B5622D90F69C30E41686A5697486" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_B8D837067BA71C117AD71686A56947AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_1A12B5622D90F69C30E41686A5697486" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_89E803F8C79A0A9340CA169018C626A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_E3DD8B7A7B11586013801686A5693B7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_89E803F8C79A0A9340CA169018C626A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_E8FE16B80A071B8F643A1686A5695CF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_E3DD8B7A7B11586013801686A5693B7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_E8FE16B80A071B8F643A1686A5695CF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_7D73369BA28A4EA784861686A5696890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_E3DD8B7A7B11586013801686A5693B7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_7D73369BA28A4EA784861686A5696890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_63C5D1A9B8D3CCC081C91686A569BBBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_3DFF5DB9E367F1B843BB1686A5690960" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_63C5D1A9B8D3CCC081C91686A569BBBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_3D2D96F1320CFF5A6A311686A56934AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_63C5D1A9B8D3CCC081C91686A569BBBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_3D2D96F1320CFF5A6A311686A56934AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend_D32BAF347DED727AD77B1686A569B548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_63C5D1A9B8D3CCC081C91686A569BBBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend_D32BAF347DED727AD77B1686A569B548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_9B37B362AD2B1A63C1DE1686A5695819" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_63C5D1A9B8D3CCC081C91686A569BBBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_9B37B362AD2B1A63C1DE1686A5695819" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_31BD22999EEB900809DE1686A5695A52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_63C5D1A9B8D3CCC081C91686A569BBBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_31BD22999EEB900809DE1686A5695A52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet_EBF42C5393FD5F6DB2081686A5690534" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_63C5D1A9B8D3CCC081C91686A569BBBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet_EBF42C5393FD5F6DB2081686A5690534" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NewAccountingStandards" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_NewAccountingStandardsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_NewAccountingStandardsAbstract_11F0F1DE241671195E8F6264B6DCFCCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_15B4B41B20D63D92851E6264B6DC1F59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_NewAccountingStandardsAbstract_11F0F1DE241671195E8F6264B6DCFCCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_15B4B41B20D63D92851E6264B6DC1F59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_0766FC06528F50D879C36264B6DC541C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_15B4B41B20D63D92851E6264B6DC1F59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_0766FC06528F50D879C36264B6DC541C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5E4B81E571AD9AE1BCFE6264B6DCD35F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_0766FC06528F50D879C36264B6DC541C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5E4B81E571AD9AE1BCFE6264B6DCD35F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_CD6E7AEF2055285C939A6264B6DC4E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_15B4B41B20D63D92851E6264B6DC1F59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_CD6E7AEF2055285C939A6264B6DC4E1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_46E0E26A4DA5666A34776264B6DC2469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_CD6E7AEF2055285C939A6264B6DC4E1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_46E0E26A4DA5666A34776264B6DC2469" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D19B028FE2A398E3BD586264B6DCE4A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_15B4B41B20D63D92851E6264B6DC1F59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D19B028FE2A398E3BD586264B6DCE4A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F7AC0367923A09267146264B6DCB944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D19B028FE2A398E3BD586264B6DCE4A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F7AC0367923A09267146264B6DCB944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_A5C265CCED8F9DC398B86264B6DC7994" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_15B4B41B20D63D92851E6264B6DC1F59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_A5C265CCED8F9DC398B86264B6DC7994" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_E3605840C131E9C0378A6264B6DC77F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_NewAccountingStandardsAbstract_11F0F1DE241671195E8F6264B6DCFCCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock_E3605840C131E9C0378A6264B6DC77F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsRecentlyAdoptedAccountingStandardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RecentlyAdoptedAccountingStandardsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_RecentlyAdoptedAccountingStandardsAbstract_4D0E3170A45CA9C8101EF28E0937E591" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D5267B630BE5AFA20B9F28E09370A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_RecentlyAdoptedAccountingStandardsAbstract_4D0E3170A45CA9C8101EF28E0937E591" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D5267B630BE5AFA20B9F28E09370A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_46EB88AC5752987A600CF28E0937860C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D5267B630BE5AFA20B9F28E09370A36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_46EB88AC5752987A600CF28E0937860C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_8509AA33EE14356739E5F28E09373CA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_46EB88AC5752987A600CF28E0937860C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_8509AA33EE14356739E5F28E09373CA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AccountingStandardUpdate201815Member" xlink:label="loc_eig_AccountingStandardUpdate201815Member_7333B1663C90A42FF6BFF28E0937E021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_8509AA33EE14356739E5F28E09373CA4" xlink:to="loc_eig_AccountingStandardUpdate201815Member_7333B1663C90A42FF6BFF28E0937E021" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AccountingStandardsUpdate201805Member" xlink:label="loc_eig_AccountingStandardsUpdate201805Member_FD042EE6AB3072A1ABA5F28E09373D43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_8509AA33EE14356739E5F28E09373CA4" xlink:to="loc_eig_AccountingStandardsUpdate201805Member_FD042EE6AB3072A1ABA5F28E09373D43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member" xlink:label="loc_eig_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member_F47CDAD7EC544176B305F28E0937F27D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_8509AA33EE14356739E5F28E09373CA4" xlink:to="loc_eig_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member_F47CDAD7EC544176B305F28E0937F27D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member_59E8F4C39FAB30D788F8F28E09375B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_8509AA33EE14356739E5F28E09373CA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member_59E8F4C39FAB30D788F8F28E09375B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5B503A49EDC8AA256CB4F28E0937BA4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D5267B630BE5AFA20B9F28E09370A36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5B503A49EDC8AA256CB4F28E0937BA4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_42A74101D2F41417138EF28E0937182E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5B503A49EDC8AA256CB4F28E0937BA4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_42A74101D2F41417138EF28E0937182E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_03BEA35A9A5A62803B11F28E0937B58B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_42A74101D2F41417138EF28E0937182E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_03BEA35A9A5A62803B11F28E0937B58B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_231493B6290A899E2A1BF28E0937C881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_42A74101D2F41417138EF28E0937182E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_231493B6290A899E2A1BF28E0937C881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA84FB9F696B8FB08161F28E09378F3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D5267B630BE5AFA20B9F28E09370A36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA84FB9F696B8FB08161F28E09378F3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements" xlink:label="loc_eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements_F9442105372F409FB5E2F28E09376749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA84FB9F696B8FB08161F28E09378F3E" xlink:to="loc_eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements_F9442105372F409FB5E2F28E09376749" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_F2E86C455E20ACDA5754F28E093784DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA84FB9F696B8FB08161F28E09378F3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_F2E86C455E20ACDA5754F28E093784DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReclassNetTaxEffectsStrandedinAOCIduetoTaxEnactment" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReclassNetTaxEffectsStrandedinAOCIduetoTaxEnactment_B277977850D4278A2470F28E0937FF64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA84FB9F696B8FB08161F28E09378F3E" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReclassNetTaxEffectsStrandedinAOCIduetoTaxEnactment_B277977850D4278A2470F28E0937FF64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_ABF27593480957FB340FF28E09377672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA84FB9F696B8FB08161F28E09378F3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_ABF27593480957FB340FF28E09377672" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsRecentlyIssuedAsusDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardAbstract_18D43FE1C61BBA101B1EF28E0947F2B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_261AB467F2B03096B978F28E0947E9DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardAbstract_18D43FE1C61BBA101B1EF28E0947F2B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_261AB467F2B03096B978F28E0947E9DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_B471AE7BA91CC6A3E49AF28E09479A51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_261AB467F2B03096B978F28E0947E9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_B471AE7BA91CC6A3E49AF28E09479A51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B58C456D2BC14610A53AF28E0947D6A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_B471AE7BA91CC6A3E49AF28E09479A51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B58C456D2BC14610A53AF28E0947D6A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_59DF47B8FAD55DCF0349F28E0947B120" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_B58C456D2BC14610A53AF28E0947D6A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_59DF47B8FAD55DCF0349F28E0947B120" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8A8EE71625057EB96500F28E0947E774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_261AB467F2B03096B978F28E0947E9DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8A8EE71625057EB96500F28E0947E774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_A3CD94B3CCBBB765B870F2A61B150C18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8A8EE71625057EB96500F28E0947E774" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_A3CD94B3CCBBB765B870F2A61B150C18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_A4DFBDF08F79CD5B5F2FF2AC2535552C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8A8EE71625057EB96500F28E0947E774" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_A4DFBDF08F79CD5B5F2FF2AC2535552C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayable" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract_9A15377ABE73E3340A5B6264B8729D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_FF6424FDECB2AE50CF0B6264B872554A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract_9A15377ABE73E3340A5B6264B8729D95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_FF6424FDECB2AE50CF0B6264B872554A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayableLettersOfCreditDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LettersofCreditAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_LettersofCreditAbstract_6F122961FBEE5D7940B4E2D6A17062D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_3DE4BCA840A9FB5795DEE2D6A170781D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LettersofCreditAbstract_6F122961FBEE5D7940B4E2D6A17062D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_3DE4BCA840A9FB5795DEE2D6A170781D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis_F7B5BF7243ABCA38CAA5E2D6A1703F4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_3DE4BCA840A9FB5795DEE2D6A170781D" xlink:to="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis_F7B5BF7243ABCA38CAA5E2D6A1703F4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain_C2484D903D012CEA7FCFE2D6A170158C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAxis_F7B5BF7243ABCA38CAA5E2D6A1703F4A" xlink:to="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain_C2484D903D012CEA7FCFE2D6A170158C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_FederalHomeLoanBankOfSanFranciscoMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankOfSanFranciscoMember_945C603AA10A7419D9BCE2D6A17F9B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankStateDomain_C2484D903D012CEA7FCFE2D6A170158C" xlink:to="loc_srt_FederalHomeLoanBankOfSanFranciscoMember_945C603AA10A7419D9BCE2D6A17F9B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4F1E0C4D96914026BC91E2D6A17F0656" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_3DE4BCA840A9FB5795DEE2D6A170781D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4F1E0C4D96914026BC91E2D6A17F0656" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0DD8A55DC2807E68994EE2D6A17FA101" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4F1E0C4D96914026BC91E2D6A17F0656" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0DD8A55DC2807E68994EE2D6A17FA101" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersAssuranceCompanyDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersAssuranceCompanyDomain_9238FCEC80D4E945D19CE2D6A17F547A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0DD8A55DC2807E68994EE2D6A17FA101" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersAssuranceCompanyDomain_9238FCEC80D4E945D19CE2D6A17F547A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersCompensationInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersCompensationInsuranceCompanyMember_2D09CAFE20B4C64FD3D2E2D6A17F38A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0DD8A55DC2807E68994EE2D6A17FA101" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersCompensationInsuranceCompanyMember_2D09CAFE20B4C64FD3D2E2D6A17F38A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersPreferredInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersPreferredInsuranceCompanyMember_7FE5326E7ED1A52FB86BE2D6A17FB491" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0DD8A55DC2807E68994EE2D6A17FA101" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersPreferredInsuranceCompanyMember_7FE5326E7ED1A52FB86BE2D6A17FB491" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_FB965D5A5B81010A7B69E2D6A17F33EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_3DE4BCA840A9FB5795DEE2D6A170781D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_FB965D5A5B81010A7B69E2D6A17F33EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInitiationDate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInitiationDate1_7927E0D4B318C89487CCE2D6A17FF61F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_FB965D5A5B81010A7B69E2D6A17F33EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInitiationDate1_7927E0D4B318C89487CCE2D6A17FF61F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_C286BA9369C1B1DFF686E2D6A17F093B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_FB965D5A5B81010A7B69E2D6A17F33EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_C286BA9369C1B1DFF686E2D6A17F093B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_9FBC57BA5BD7DA5F8E82E2D6A17F67CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_FB965D5A5B81010A7B69E2D6A17F33EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_9FBC57BA5BD7DA5F8E82E2D6A17F67CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_9ACFD382B5E6ACAE109EE2D6A17F0BCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_FB965D5A5B81010A7B69E2D6A17F33EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_9ACFD382B5E6ACAE109EE2D6A17F0BCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LetterofCreditCollateralAmount" xlink:label="loc_eig_LetterofCreditCollateralAmount_CA12BC5533F6553FB1CFE2D6A17FFCC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_FB965D5A5B81010A7B69E2D6A17F33EC" xlink:to="loc_eig_LetterofCreditCollateralAmount_CA12BC5533F6553FB1CFE2D6A17FFCC2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayableOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_NotesPayableOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_NotesPayableOutstandingAbstract_0575F0499288C52A6817E2D8A62420B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9244A45AFD6850BA0BEE2D8A6243862" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_NotesPayableOutstandingAbstract_0575F0499288C52A6817E2D8A62420B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9244A45AFD6850BA0BEE2D8A6243862" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3E96471D57B7FF491B02E2D8A62465D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9244A45AFD6850BA0BEE2D8A6243862" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3E96471D57B7FF491B02E2D8A62465D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9F10FBAE48BA9398F86FE2D8A624EFE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3E96471D57B7FF491B02E2D8A62465D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9F10FBAE48BA9398F86FE2D8A624EFE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_DekaniaSurplusNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_DekaniaSurplusNoteMember_608354A39B23394FDB56E2D8A624B681" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9F10FBAE48BA9398F86FE2D8A624EFE8" xlink:to="loc_eig_DekaniaSurplusNoteMember_608354A39B23394FDB56E2D8A624B681" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AlescoSurplusNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_AlescoSurplusNoteMember_8B6AF81CCF80F016FE8BE2D8A624852C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9F10FBAE48BA9398F86FE2D8A624EFE8" xlink:to="loc_eig_AlescoSurplusNoteMember_8B6AF81CCF80F016FE8BE2D8A624852C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IconsSurpulsNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_IconsSurpulsNoteMember_D3AD933E1D9EE904BBB4E2D8A624CE3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9F10FBAE48BA9398F86FE2D8A624EFE8" xlink:to="loc_eig_IconsSurpulsNoteMember_D3AD933E1D9EE904BBB4E2D8A624CE3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9244A45AFD6850BA0BEE2D8A6243862" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_A55351E2F8A4EFD49ADBE2D8A62422C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_A55351E2F8A4EFD49ADBE2D8A62422C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_1998968283CD9ECD94DBE2D8A62433DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_1998968283CD9ECD94DBE2D8A62433DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCallFeature" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCallFeature_ED1D1005B0C98538B65BE2D8A62473CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCallFeature_ED1D1005B0C98538B65BE2D8A62473CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateBasisForEffectiveRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateBasisForEffectiveRate_D7FA34ED46D589C3562AE2D8A624459C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateBasisForEffectiveRate_D7FA34ED46D589C3562AE2D8A624459C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_CEDFD32BDC65ACB06086E2D8A6247B04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_CEDFD32BDC65ACB06086E2D8A6247B04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest_38BC702F9BEF777B3967E2D8A62434E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAccruedInterest_38BC702F9BEF777B3967E2D8A62434E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PurchaseofNotesPayables" xlink:label="loc_eig_PurchaseofNotesPayables_FDD447A3B6EC4E802E57E2D8A624D8FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_eig_PurchaseofNotesPayables_FDD447A3B6EC4E802E57E2D8A624D8FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CC33D6591F1F7F712673E2D8A624D7E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2A988CCE69A1A9A1915CE2D8A6249915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CC33D6591F1F7F712673E2D8A624D7E4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayablePrincipalPaymentObligationsOnNotesPayableOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract_24015DF24F567F8E44DD6264B6FB6B5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_0B0D3504378A317191266264B6FB408B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract_24015DF24F567F8E44DD6264B6FB6B5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_0B0D3504378A317191266264B6FB408B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9BA95F3DC4FD4538FE046264B6FB7F7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_0B0D3504378A317191266264B6FB408B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9BA95F3DC4FD4538FE046264B6FB7F7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F2D277F62B79FA9D75516264B6FB54E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9BA95F3DC4FD4538FE046264B6FB7F7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F2D277F62B79FA9D75516264B6FB54E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_0B0D3504378A317191266264B6FB408B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_247C7530DA906EE010946264B6FB6154" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_247C7530DA906EE010946264B6FB6154" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_80ED7D3372442CFE84886264B6FB7FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_80ED7D3372442CFE84886264B6FB7FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_F52E15E8EC89D79F66A26264B6FB0A76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_F52E15E8EC89D79F66A26264B6FB0A76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_3E08A57BB48CE1B4E9236264B6FB486D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_3E08A57BB48CE1B4E9236264B6FB486D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_57CBAA90FEFAC480926D6264B6FB0444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_57CBAA90FEFAC480926D6264B6FB0444" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_C815D8C721D134BCACC16264B6FBB2D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_C815D8C721D134BCACC16264B6FBB2D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_E65BC7E19E2BF017D67F6264B6FBA9E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationLongtermDebtLineItems_E9242E22F94353D31F7F6264B6FB22B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_E65BC7E19E2BF017D67F6264B6FBA9E1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/NotesPayableTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract_3F5A2F22A86F19927EED6264B68E0435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_A1F91BB371EA2A7B81696264B68E81BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract_3F5A2F22A86F19927EED6264B68E0435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock_A1F91BB371EA2A7B81696264B68E81BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_9A0277FA485FD0A3C3716264B68E1F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableAbstract_3F5A2F22A86F19927EED6264B68E0435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtTableTextBlock_9A0277FA485FD0A3C3716264B68E1F08" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_59B355E40F0A011776F56264B7591EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_435663D72279D9EE6B646264B759637D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_59B355E40F0A011776F56264B7591EAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_435663D72279D9EE6B646264B759637D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipmentBreakoutDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_E4960345DB246A85BE82CA0C26B2AB93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3A77E1B6C597D3BCABE5CA0C26C13175" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_E4960345DB246A85BE82CA0C26B2AB93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3A77E1B6C597D3BCABE5CA0C26C13175" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_A4E8EB5226DC55E3F857CA0C26C1C5BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3A77E1B6C597D3BCABE5CA0C26C13175" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_A4E8EB5226DC55E3F857CA0C26C1C5BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_0C3CEA0DF3969A5EB444CA0C26C1DA00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_A4E8EB5226DC55E3F857CA0C26C1C5BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_0C3CEA0DF3969A5EB444CA0C26C1DA00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_100FC1C1AFCBCC41F1AACA0C26C111BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_0C3CEA0DF3969A5EB444CA0C26C1DA00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_100FC1C1AFCBCC41F1AACA0C26C111BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_C57A6D8537AB6B478830CA0C26C17C09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_0C3CEA0DF3969A5EB444CA0C26C1DA00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_C57A6D8537AB6B478830CA0C26C17C09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_16D2BFE43FD267091870CA0C26C1A3BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_0C3CEA0DF3969A5EB444CA0C26C1DA00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_16D2BFE43FD267091870CA0C26C1A3BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobilesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AutomobilesMember_EFA8DC3BE285DF7DCEFDCA0C26C13AEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_0C3CEA0DF3969A5EB444CA0C26C1DA00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AutomobilesMember_EFA8DC3BE285DF7DCEFDCA0C26C13AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_3A77E1B6C597D3BCABE5CA0C26C13175" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_9009506A6F764DB48FBDCA0C26C11A39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_9009506A6F764DB48FBDCA0C26C11A39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_0C2D48510CF648BC4D7BCA0C26C1E890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_0C2D48510CF648BC4D7BCA0C26C1E890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_A4A47164BCB30F68EFD7CA0C26C16325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_A4A47164BCB30F68EFD7CA0C26C16325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_6ED07701083CB9178CB4CA0C26C1F465" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_6ED07701083CB9178CB4CA0C26C1F465" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopSoftware" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopSoftware_BB4CCC45E94D9E565DAFCA0C26C147F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToDevelopSoftware_BB4CCC45E94D9E565DAFCA0C26C147F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_A4A304B0ECC9AA433D0FCA0C26C1A526" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_A4A304B0ECC9AA433D0FCA0C26C1A526" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements" xlink:label="loc_eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements_508B054D217BE1DD0946CA0C801E94FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_eig_Cloudcomputingarrangements_508B054D217BE1DD0946CA0C801E94FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAmortization1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAmortization1_B375BABFB4204DF6DF31CA100F38BB38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_C6F102BEE3C16E8728D4CA0C26C17B57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAmortization1_B375BABFB4204DF6DF31CA100F38BB38" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_4720AF85E75243FBCC256264B6FBB860" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_2847ED67F7D743DF56746264B6FBC8E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_PropertyAndEquipmentAbstract_4720AF85E75243FBCC256264B6FBB860" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_2847ED67F7D743DF56746264B6FBC8E5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/Reinsurance" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAbstract_94B3F20FF2F776C703656264B73AC39D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceTextBlock_04B9EC575F20277651686264B73A332B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAbstract_94B3F20FF2F776C703656264B73AC39D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceTextBlock_04B9EC575F20277651686264B73A332B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceExcessOfLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ExcessOfLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ExcessOfLossAbstract_89FE1540A324B213B9C96264B85216B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_10BECD880482283466D96264B852299C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ExcessOfLossAbstract_89FE1540A324B213B9C96264B85216B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_10BECD880482283466D96264B852299C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2E6E7CC21403B2A465936264B8528C44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_10BECD880482283466D96264B852299C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2E6E7CC21403B2A465936264B8528C44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2940F43793AEFBE6D0276264B852B5E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2E6E7CC21403B2A465936264B8528C44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2940F43793AEFBE6D0276264B852B5E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_35BA3FC96A56656844686264B852E283" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2940F43793AEFBE6D0276264B852B5E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_35BA3FC96A56656844686264B852E283" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DDD6718D9B9D5D37795F6264B8521DA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_10BECD880482283466D96264B852299C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DDD6718D9B9D5D37795F6264B8521DA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyAmountRetained" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyAmountRetained_AC46A8C18747F49E7D266264B85223CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DDD6718D9B9D5D37795F6264B8521DA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyAmountRetained_AC46A8C18747F49E7D266264B85223CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionAmountReinsured" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionAmountReinsured_E4608439721E7F8D71876264B8523BA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DDD6718D9B9D5D37795F6264B8521DA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionAmountReinsured_E4608439721E7F8D71876264B8523BA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableMaximum" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableMaximum_A77ACF9836311A0FCFDF6264B852D8E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DDD6718D9B9D5D37795F6264B8521DA9" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableMaximum_A77ACF9836311A0FCFDF6264B852D8E3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceLptAgreementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LptAgreementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_LptAgreementAbstract_C9DC908115337AD76D5307B826DFA0A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceTable_0EEA420B42BE4D85624007B826E397E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_LptAgreementAbstract_C9DC908115337AD76D5307B826DFA0A3" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceTable_0EEA420B42BE4D85624007B826E397E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_69681A36EF57D5A4285007B826E5D939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceTable_0EEA420B42BE4D85624007B826E397E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_69681A36EF57D5A4285007B826E5D939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_7DAA86880B0A346B7BA407B826E52658" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_69681A36EF57D5A4285007B826E5D939" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_7DAA86880B0A346B7BA407B826E52658" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_B5829492D30A9CA53F3B07B826E54B67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_7DAA86880B0A346B7BA407B826E52658" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_B5829492D30A9CA53F3B07B826E54B67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_7D01103639908C1879BB07B826E6ACD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_7DAA86880B0A346B7BA407B826E52658" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_7D01103639908C1879BB07B826E6ACD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_71024A22BBEAEC9D33C707B826E7EC47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceTable_0EEA420B42BE4D85624007B826E397E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_71024A22BBEAEC9D33C707B826E7EC47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_9367CA4BED2A42D36D3E07B826E78271" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_71024A22BBEAEC9D33C707B826E7EC47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_9367CA4BED2A42D36D3E07B826E78271" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_6BDB1330B5C8EC9F2B9607B826E85307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceTable_0EEA420B42BE4D85624007B826E397E4" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_6BDB1330B5C8EC9F2B9607B826E85307" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_732523234EBAB014D33707B826E8A012" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_6BDB1330B5C8EC9F2B9607B826E85307" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_732523234EBAB014D33707B826E8A012" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LPTAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_LPTAgreementMember_05FF515E904244BA4B8907B826E81E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_732523234EBAB014D33707B826E8A012" xlink:to="loc_eig_LPTAgreementMember_05FF515E904244BA4B8907B826E81E26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceTable_0EEA420B42BE4D85624007B826E397E4" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_1B3A9803AB2A55FCC0B407B826E906A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_1B3A9803AB2A55FCC0B407B826E906A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance_D1CE0E172349F6AEF9A307B826E9E81E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance_D1CE0E172349F6AEF9A307B826E9E81E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableFromLptAgreement" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableFromLptAgreement_FF58426876154FE7B9B007B826E9E48C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableFromLptAgreement_FF58426876154FE7B9B007B826E9E48C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceQuotaSharePercentage" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceQuotaSharePercentage_6C5BDAD82207B5CAE7E907B826E95667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceQuotaSharePercentage_6C5BDAD82207B5CAE7E907B826E95667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LptCollateralHeldInTrustAccount" xlink:label="loc_eig_LptCollateralHeldInTrustAccount_B788023553995ED280D307B826E903F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_eig_LptCollateralHeldInTrustAccount_B788023553995ED280D307B826E903F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_C12AB8D682701D1FBD8807B826EA2F8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_C12AB8D682701D1FBD8807B826EA2F8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten_7B1025927A213920DF8507B826EAF2FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten_7B1025927A213920DF8507B826EAF2FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_798764BDBF9C98D91ED207B826EA7304" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_798764BDBF9C98D91ED207B826EA7304" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PaidLossesAndLaeClaimsRelatedToLpt" xlink:label="loc_eig_PaidLossesAndLaeClaimsRelatedToLpt_29BA71B5C069AE02DEE307B826EAFF01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_eig_PaidLossesAndLaeClaimsRelatedToLpt_29BA71B5C069AE02DEE307B826EAFF01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_AmortizationOfDeferredGain" xlink:label="loc_eig_AmortizationOfDeferredGain_2F01D02448CF959312DD07B826EAC5AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementLineItems_90A4ECA6AFB8FBFEEA2807B826E82D6D" xlink:to="loc_eig_AmortizationOfDeferredGain_2F01D02448CF959312DD07B826EAC5AE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceReinsurancePremiumNoteDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAbstract_06B4F69570BEADA52E4E1686A50CE645" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_E4D2B2B691395FE47E3A1686A50CF5CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAbstract_06B4F69570BEADA52E4E1686A50CE645" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_E4D2B2B691395FE47E3A1686A50CF5CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_6B272616DD34345A42411686A50C225C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_E4D2B2B691395FE47E3A1686A50CF5CD" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_6B272616DD34345A42411686A50C225C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_95CFEE3A69DD5E72CAD41686A50CADD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_6B272616DD34345A42411686A50C225C" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_95CFEE3A69DD5E72CAD41686A50CADD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7128C72B1BC15F5F6D261686A50C5EDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_E4D2B2B691395FE47E3A1686A50CF5CD" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7128C72B1BC15F5F6D261686A50C5EDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract_17C7FE3180079A95A6B31686A50CC82B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7128C72B1BC15F5F6D261686A50C5EDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract_17C7FE3180079A95A6B31686A50CC82B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWritten" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWritten_58BEE22887401F7275A01686A50C3A06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract_17C7FE3180079A95A6B31686A50CC82B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWritten_58BEE22887401F7275A01686A50C3A06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWritten" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWritten_D833056CF69661FBFCDC1686A50C3858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract_17C7FE3180079A95A6B31686A50CC82B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWritten_D833056CF69661FBFCDC1686A50C3858" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenGross_3B805BEDF6DC90100C7216FC478C742F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract_17C7FE3180079A95A6B31686A50CC82B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenGross_3B805BEDF6DC90100C7216FC478C742F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten_B8623EAE7E333D0F2D381686A50CCF8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract_17C7FE3180079A95A6B31686A50CC82B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten_B8623EAE7E333D0F2D381686A50CCF8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNet_12E69391698A9048EB7D1686A50C0D97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNetConsolidatedAbstract_17C7FE3180079A95A6B31686A50CC82B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNet_12E69391698A9048EB7D1686A50C0D97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1717A9FA9CF2F18F50D21686A50CDEB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7128C72B1BC15F5F6D261686A50C5EDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1717A9FA9CF2F18F50D21686A50CDEB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned_156C89C31AC59C63D4651686A50C6814" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1717A9FA9CF2F18F50D21686A50CDEB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned_156C89C31AC59C63D4651686A50C6814" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_839FEFBD02223550A5F61686A50C6E52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1717A9FA9CF2F18F50D21686A50CDEB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_839FEFBD02223550A5F61686A50C6E52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_GrossPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_eig_GrossPremiumsEarned_B441D5D771CDBAE40B211686A50C1C81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1717A9FA9CF2F18F50D21686A50CDEB8" xlink:to="loc_eig_GrossPremiumsEarned_B441D5D771CDBAE40B211686A50C1C81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_6A2EAA1F75FBE0413DF41686A50C9CBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1717A9FA9CF2F18F50D21686A50CDEB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_6A2EAA1F75FBE0413DF41686A50C9CBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty_4F9BE1530991187C03881686A50CC821" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1717A9FA9CF2F18F50D21686A50CDEB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetPropertyAndCasualty_4F9BE1530991187C03881686A50CC821" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_D052E75380A34B5DE8571686A50C31F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7128C72B1BC15F5F6D261686A50C5EDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_D052E75380A34B5DE8571686A50C31F5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ReinsuranceTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAbstract_DFB56BC5469E48FDD14D6264B7C6014A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_SupplementalScheduleOfReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_srt_SupplementalScheduleOfReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesTextBlock_981AB716533F7F7F86536264B7C65879" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAbstract_DFB56BC5469E48FDD14D6264B7C6014A" xlink:to="loc_srt_SupplementalScheduleOfReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesTextBlock_981AB716533F7F7F86536264B7C65879" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiBalanceSheetParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CondensedBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CondensedBalanceSheetAbstract_8969A1D14D010A9EF6162C05478506D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A2C4D44D8DBE3E0FC6EC2C0547869D60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CondensedBalanceSheetAbstract_8969A1D14D010A9EF6162C05478506D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A2C4D44D8DBE3E0FC6EC2C0547869D60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_821E658D5A25D0A8E6952C054786E4E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A2C4D44D8DBE3E0FC6EC2C0547869D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_821E658D5A25D0A8E6952C054786E4E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_37172DB8D8F089A2BCEC2C0547861DB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_821E658D5A25D0A8E6952C054786E4E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_37172DB8D8F089A2BCEC2C0547861DB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_A89CDF567D89CB5A36FC2C05478633DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_37172DB8D8F089A2BCEC2C0547861DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_A89CDF567D89CB5A36FC2C05478633DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_B2C52A965312E2437C772C054787D002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_37172DB8D8F089A2BCEC2C0547861DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_B2C52A965312E2437C772C054787D002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_9E6F0AE7D83355BA32DB2C054787E89C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_37172DB8D8F089A2BCEC2C0547861DB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_9E6F0AE7D83355BA32DB2C054787E89C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A692012738BA68DA480A2C054787185D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A2C4D44D8DBE3E0FC6EC2C0547869D60" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A692012738BA68DA480A2C054787185D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_CF173AAC4FBC65859E9C2C054787151C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A692012738BA68DA480A2C054787185D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_CF173AAC4FBC65859E9C2C054787151C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_D9FAFC5267EE08CE6C7B2C054788B885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_CF173AAC4FBC65859E9C2C054787151C" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_D9FAFC5267EE08CE6C7B2C054788B885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A2C4D44D8DBE3E0FC6EC2C0547869D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_40CD2C280DB28EECF22A2C0547884071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_40CD2C280DB28EECF22A2C0547884071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost_05017C3AE21F769177992C054788D8B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost_05017C3AE21F769177992C054788D8B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost" xlink:label="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost_49E5DF6C0DF986AD82542C054788BEB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_eig_TotalAvailableforsaleDebtSecuritiesandShortterminvestmentsCost_49E5DF6C0DF986AD82542C054788BEB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_1CE311B5D05FB8ED6EA62C054789C406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_1CE311B5D05FB8ED6EA62C054789C406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C270DA7AB1D53F4C437B2C0547891D65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C270DA7AB1D53F4C437B2C0547891D65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_BDE605ACF4C774A4001A2C0547893E29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_BDE605ACF4C774A4001A2C0547893E29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_90A7405E5DFD1FCA98CE2C054789A684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_90A7405E5DFD1FCA98CE2C054789A684" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_5DA488CF199D4AC1FF4B2C0547896D4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_5DA488CF199D4AC1FF4B2C0547896D4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A875632CC8D9B77EDBD42C0547891BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A875632CC8D9B77EDBD42C0547891BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_58F952F62628B3436FDE2C05478A228C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_58F952F62628B3436FDE2C05478A228C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_E1A2336311CB9FF7716D2C05478A9E66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_E1A2336311CB9FF7716D2C05478A9E66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_BA743C6757B49DC0C7F12C05478A6B46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_D2AF46CE04C541A70EFB2C054788BDC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_BA743C6757B49DC0C7F12C05478A6B46" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrant" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_NotesToCondensedFinancialStatmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_NotesToCondensedFinancialStatmentsAbstract_48A533E8DDC42C3BEA606264B843D612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialInformationOfParentCompanyOnlyDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialInformationOfParentCompanyOnlyDisclosureTextBlock_B2BD79F8F80874A5408F6264B843FF6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_NotesToCondensedFinancialStatmentsAbstract_48A533E8DDC42C3BEA606264B843D612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialInformationOfParentCompanyOnlyDisclosureTextBlock_B2BD79F8F80874A5408F6264B843FF6E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CondensedBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CondensedBalanceSheetAbstract_33A63556703AFF6CA026271D58C9B9BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B4ADB3A04C084ADB755F271D58C963A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CondensedBalanceSheetAbstract_33A63556703AFF6CA026271D58C9B9BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B4ADB3A04C084ADB755F271D58C963A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_65B6EEA857A558AA4C0F271D58C9BE23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B4ADB3A04C084ADB755F271D58C963A9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_65B6EEA857A558AA4C0F271D58C9BE23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_859ADF98D2F2B9757604271D58C92ED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_65B6EEA857A558AA4C0F271D58C9BE23" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_859ADF98D2F2B9757604271D58C92ED9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_4308AC9F929691A22CD4271D58C9A9D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_859ADF98D2F2B9757604271D58C92ED9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_4308AC9F929691A22CD4271D58C9A9D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6241A3BCCBBEA7CB1BF4271D58C98B83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B4ADB3A04C084ADB755F271D58C963A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6241A3BCCBBEA7CB1BF4271D58C98B83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6241A3BCCBBEA7CB1BF4271D58C98B83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_FD58A058251CE93A85B1271D58C933AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_FD58A058251CE93A85B1271D58C933AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_1D0431C71440D0A859A9271D58C9BE4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_FD58A058251CE93A85B1271D58C933AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmountOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries_1D0431C71440D0A859A9271D58C9BE4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_089213F8813E3A3F0082271D58C99F1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_FD58A058251CE93A85B1271D58C933AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_089213F8813E3A3F0082271D58C99F1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_6FCDB2A095780EC50AB5271D58C98362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_FD58A058251CE93A85B1271D58C933AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_6FCDB2A095780EC50AB5271D58C98362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_D2652931A25F0B30C29A271D58C98F01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_FD58A058251CE93A85B1271D58C933AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_D2652931A25F0B30C29A271D58C98F01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_88A5E27DC27D6406EE25271D58C9F626" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_FD58A058251CE93A85B1271D58C933AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_88A5E27DC27D6406EE25271D58C9F626" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_91D0C6A91CD0893671AF271D58C92A55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_91D0C6A91CD0893671AF271D58C92A55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_2B296BF0D882470A55DE271D58C90ACE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_2B296BF0D882470A55DE271D58C90ACE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_F6E25A0A2A08C1C3FD77271D58C92A53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_F6E25A0A2A08C1C3FD77271D58C92A53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_9FDBE8D6BCA5E415A272271D58C9E4EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_9FDBE8D6BCA5E415A272271D58C9E4EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_C0169F0CF31467A47671271D58C994C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_C0169F0CF31467A47671271D58C994C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_FC833C24EB873C48AFAE271D58C9F62B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_FC833C24EB873C48AFAE271D58C9F62B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_12E9945C490C84875FF8271D58C9E9DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_38323FB237B32471B8DC271D58C99E8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_12E9945C490C84875FF8271D58C9E9DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6241A3BCCBBEA7CB1BF4271D58C98B83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_3B5C0338F2C843FF2629271D58C94C36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_3B5C0338F2C843FF2629271D58C94C36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_685C9594B8D34CC0AF5D271D58C996CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_685C9594B8D34CC0AF5D271D58C996CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_F72F864AD0C181B937B8271D58C96FF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_F72F864AD0C181B937B8271D58C96FF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_BBC067702789521C6924271D58C9C891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_BBC067702789521C6924271D58C9C891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_BDD1339D2268F4DBABFD271D58C9020D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_BDD1339D2268F4DBABFD271D58C9020D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_27BFA147675E12590499271D58C99D61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_27BFA147675E12590499271D58C99D61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_F974E59CB3D0CAAFF749271D58C90A92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValueOutstanding_F974E59CB3D0CAAFF749271D58C90A92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_7911C5414FE7CE4F218C271D58C904F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_7911C5414FE7CE4F218C271D58C904F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8F55D6091C4F363986E1271D58C90070" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_8F55D6091C4F363986E1271D58C90070" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_93D5FB360CBF193512FB271D58C93C4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_93D5FB360CBF193512FB271D58C93C4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_CDE446D2FBFDD355A6B3271D58C9B131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_CDE446D2FBFDD355A6B3271D58C9B131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_1C662688511E9588B342271D58C9DE21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_01966512A607CE5418C1271D58C9EAD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_1C662688511E9588B342271D58C9DE21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_E37C71BF2B6EE2584D0F271D58C9615F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_6E2225B18F070A4947E7271D58C9DFB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_E37C71BF2B6EE2584D0F271D58C9615F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_NotesToCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_NotesToCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract_BA51650836E726F295CD1686A3B5A784" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9059AAA028A8145FADB01686A3B5BBD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_NotesToCondensedFinancialStatementsAbstract_BA51650836E726F295CD1686A3B5A784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9059AAA028A8145FADB01686A3B5BBD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_12A370BD311114CAB29E1686A3C44A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9059AAA028A8145FADB01686A3B5BBD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_12A370BD311114CAB29E1686A3C44A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C0201EC152E0B74F8C661686A3C47163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_12A370BD311114CAB29E1686A3C44A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C0201EC152E0B74F8C661686A3C47163" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E0F39CD275A71BDBD5071686A3C47CB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C0201EC152E0B74F8C661686A3C47163" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_E0F39CD275A71BDBD5071686A3C47CB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_04F88DBEFA5AA37C7B5D168D906DF6EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C0201EC152E0B74F8C661686A3C47163" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_04F88DBEFA5AA37C7B5D168D906DF6EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_891F6556B3ED56F9238A1686A3D4308E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9059AAA028A8145FADB01686A3B5BBD5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_891F6556B3ED56F9238A1686A3D4308E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_CC1DAEDF750B6DDBD6CB1686A3D4CB7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_891F6556B3ED56F9238A1686A3D4308E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_CC1DAEDF750B6DDBD6CB1686A3D4CB7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_D26C46EE86755896F8CF1686A3D4BBED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_CC1DAEDF750B6DDBD6CB1686A3D4CB7B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_D26C46EE86755896F8CF1686A3D4BBED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_9059AAA028A8145FADB01686A3B5BBD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_B3D9249441BE6DDA0E091686A3D4DBC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_B3D9249441BE6DDA0E091686A3D4DBC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_DEDDB3B1EE40FDB57B971686A3D40B4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_DEDDB3B1EE40FDB57B971686A3D40B4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_77F00070A1E207F213921686A3D447D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_77F00070A1E207F213921686A3D447D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_6B7AFC9688A9E2241AC01686A3D4CC81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_6B7AFC9688A9E2241AC01686A3D4CC81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2BD4594F369AE9BD432C1686A3D49834" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2BD4594F369AE9BD432C1686A3D49834" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_0E478691F64D0FBDED061686A3D40E82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_0E478691F64D0FBDED061686A3D40E82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_629F453EF1380CBA6C3E1686A3D4FE3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_629F453EF1380CBA6C3E1686A3D4FE3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_36556FCCEB00C393E3C71686A3D42E2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_36556FCCEB00C393E3C71686A3D42E2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_96219214DD7CDECA21CE1686A3D43A74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_248E3104D54B12CC6B5B1686A3D4C2F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_96219214DD7CDECA21CE1686A3D43A74" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract_6DE35BCB7ACC112672DFCA0C961DEDDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C340198D8F238C32ACA3CA0C961DCA60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsAbstract_6DE35BCB7ACC112672DFCA0C961DEDDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C340198D8F238C32ACA3CA0C961DCA60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_79179F4D974319C928E7CA0C962D7A1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C340198D8F238C32ACA3CA0C961DCA60" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_79179F4D974319C928E7CA0C962D7A1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_10CDD2D54F10C147556ECA0C962D0CDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_79179F4D974319C928E7CA0C962D7A1C" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_10CDD2D54F10C147556ECA0C962D0CDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_57FAE8E8834A6755CBB5CA0C962D5648" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_10CDD2D54F10C147556ECA0C962D0CDB" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_57FAE8E8834A6755CBB5CA0C962D5648" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C340198D8F238C32ACA3CA0C961DCA60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_787AA59F9489DB23A2CACA0C962D29AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_787AA59F9489DB23A2CACA0C962D29AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_2CFDFC0AF3CD19D49AE8CA0C962D3A6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_787AA59F9489DB23A2CACA0C962D29AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_2CFDFC0AF3CD19D49AE8CA0C962D3A6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F02BE13A3DE8039083A9CA0C962D1B3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_787AA59F9489DB23A2CACA0C962D29AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F02BE13A3DE8039083A9CA0C962D1B3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions_2DF7292B0074977DA490CA0C962D4BE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F02BE13A3DE8039083A9CA0C962D1B3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions_2DF7292B0074977DA490CA0C962D4BE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_FDA84102CF24B7DB84D4CA0C962DCCCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F02BE13A3DE8039083A9CA0C962D1B3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_FDA84102CF24B7DB84D4CA0C962DCCCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_7B1B74937605823B592ACA0C962D8D5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F02BE13A3DE8039083A9CA0C962D1B3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_7B1B74937605823B592ACA0C962D8D5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_CB24663487332FD3E811CA0C962D1664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F02BE13A3DE8039083A9CA0C962D1B3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_CB24663487332FD3E811CA0C962D1664" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5000A2A360F1E0E03430CA0C962D0665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_F02BE13A3DE8039083A9CA0C962D1B3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5000A2A360F1E0E03430CA0C962D0665" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_D5A1AF70A1D004C02B8DCA0C962D4EC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_787AA59F9489DB23A2CACA0C962D29AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_D5A1AF70A1D004C02B8DCA0C962D4EC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_87B4CC08905025D8FB72CA0C962DFF60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_D5A1AF70A1D004C02B8DCA0C962D4EC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_87B4CC08905025D8FB72CA0C962DFF60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_D122A8C3D1D8783E685BCA0C962DD433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_D5A1AF70A1D004C02B8DCA0C962D4EC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_D122A8C3D1D8783E685BCA0C962DD433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_9128603F14D9BF055768CA0C962DA077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_D5A1AF70A1D004C02B8DCA0C962D4EC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_9128603F14D9BF055768CA0C962DA077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IntercompanyPayableReceivableForOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_eig_IntercompanyPayableReceivableForOperatingActivities_47022F8C38697B6E1428CA0C962DC70D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_D5A1AF70A1D004C02B8DCA0C962D4EC3" xlink:to="loc_eig_IntercompanyPayableReceivableForOperatingActivities_47022F8C38697B6E1428CA0C962DC70D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_25C960890653E4815477CA0C962D3E22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_D5A1AF70A1D004C02B8DCA0C962D4EC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_25C960890653E4815477CA0C962D3E22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_95540EAF7B7B84185E25CA0C962D5635" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_787AA59F9489DB23A2CACA0C962D29AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_95540EAF7B7B84185E25CA0C962D5635" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_8B5547F4AE27C49478F3CA0C962D3698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_8B5547F4AE27C49478F3CA0C962D3698" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_918C6D7A3F6158408C1ECA0C962DCF29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_918C6D7A3F6158408C1ECA0C962DCF29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments_DEBAB553446526998C4ECA0C962D116B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestments_DEBAB553446526998C4ECA0C962D116B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_D4A1F257767FE0A0DE30CA0C962DC26C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_D4A1F257767FE0A0DE30CA0C962DC26C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_4E24212DB4649C732C02CA0C962D4CC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_4E24212DB4649C732C02CA0C962D4CC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_4BD1D81D42BC2BAA24E1CA0C962D8595" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_4BD1D81D42BC2BAA24E1CA0C962D8595" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IncreaseDecreaseInUnsettledAccountsReceivablAndAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_eig_IncreaseDecreaseInUnsettledAccountsReceivablAndAccountsPayable_58EE46EA006D017249C3CA67A32A2F15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_eig_IncreaseDecreaseInUnsettledAccountsReceivablAndAccountsPayable_58EE46EA006D017249C3CA67A32A2F15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CapitalContributionsToSubsidiary" xlink:label="loc_eig_CapitalContributionsToSubsidiary_47E8279FF887F6E5F2D2CA0C962D82C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_eig_CapitalContributionsToSubsidiary_47E8279FF887F6E5F2D2CA0C962D82C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_D7695C61EDAFFA885446CA0C962DBE7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4F5AFB8BCB5492FB6A2BCA0C962DBD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_D7695C61EDAFFA885446CA0C962DBE7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_160118724AC7B3A1C85ECA0C962D5F5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_160118724AC7B3A1C85ECA0C962D5F5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_5000A65134BB3210D42CCA0C962D5CD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_160118724AC7B3A1C85ECA0C962D5F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_5000A65134BB3210D42CCA0C962D5CD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CashTransactionsRelatedToStockBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_eig_CashTransactionsRelatedToStockBasedCompensation_8955DBF366C53F6C71A0CA0C962D734D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_160118724AC7B3A1C85ECA0C962D5F5F" xlink:to="loc_eig_CashTransactionsRelatedToStockBasedCompensation_8955DBF366C53F6C71A0CA0C962D734D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_883F51DD5875494A2CF7CA0C962D7728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_160118724AC7B3A1C85ECA0C962D5F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_883F51DD5875494A2CF7CA0C962D7728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_E19755FC61C5ABCE3B93CA0C962D5977" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_160118724AC7B3A1C85ECA0C962D5F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_E19755FC61C5ABCE3B93CA0C962D5977" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_EA55B606BDBF72A51926CA0C962DD56C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_EA55B606BDBF72A51926CA0C962DD56C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9A003BA53CC170C0B619CA0C962D2E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9A003BA53CC170C0B619CA0C962D2E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4E0EB404692E22C76D2FCA0C962D8C9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EED9DB57E02782774B8CCA0C962D8A85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4E0EB404692E22C76D2FCA0C962D8C9A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/ScheduleIiCondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_CondensedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_CondensedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract_6D207602E742EBED8531CA0C965C8A73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63BB9D92DE7B31D22CECCA0C965C5D16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_CondensedStatementsOfIncomeAbstract_6D207602E742EBED8531CA0C965C8A73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63BB9D92DE7B31D22CECCA0C965C5D16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_B1885E12179671B3BFCFCA0C965C9B23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63BB9D92DE7B31D22CECCA0C965C5D16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_B1885E12179671B3BFCFCA0C965C9B23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EB185D0E7EA2917C1004CA0C965CCF7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_B1885E12179671B3BFCFCA0C965C9B23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EB185D0E7EA2917C1004CA0C965CCF7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AA5BDFF2FF1C2F5FBFA2CA0C966BAFBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63BB9D92DE7B31D22CECCA0C965C5D16" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AA5BDFF2FF1C2F5FBFA2CA0C966BAFBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_0548431349C1E2E0BDB5CA0C966B6FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AA5BDFF2FF1C2F5FBFA2CA0C966BAFBC" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_0548431349C1E2E0BDB5CA0C966B6FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_B6FDC0F9C764C21064D9CA0C966B17C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_0548431349C1E2E0BDB5CA0C966B6FFE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_B6FDC0F9C764C21064D9CA0C966B17C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63BB9D92DE7B31D22CECCA0C965C5D16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_5FADC52648A392A24867CA0C966BF7C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_5FADC52648A392A24867CA0C966BF7C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_E7A702C1FA53678B438DCA0C966B8AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_5FADC52648A392A24867CA0C966BF7C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_E7A702C1FA53678B438DCA0C966B8AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_36A8519D158B2F171FCECA0C966B0D06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_5FADC52648A392A24867CA0C966BF7C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_36A8519D158B2F171FCECA0C966B0D06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_473EA04739FF6A7AC460CA0C966BC415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_5FADC52648A392A24867CA0C966BF7C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_473EA04739FF6A7AC460CA0C966BC415" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_62AD032C04E58664FD45CA0C966BA75F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_62AD032C04E58664FD45CA0C966BA75F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_B18590FE0FC0E073AE35CA0C966BA200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_62AD032C04E58664FD45CA0C966BA75F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_B18590FE0FC0E073AE35CA0C966BA200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_0EF20F25841DD1B76006CA0C966B85B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_62AD032C04E58664FD45CA0C966BA75F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_0EF20F25841DD1B76006CA0C966B85B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_0507B29DC82B7E6A0C6DCA0C966BCAC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_0507B29DC82B7E6A0C6DCA0C966BCAC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4657635CFBD9A632997FCA0C966B3117" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4657635CFBD9A632997FCA0C966B3117" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_8024ED8135632F78824FCA0C966BB7EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations_8024ED8135632F78824FCA0C966BB7EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_93E8775AF0F8E7A57443CA0C966BB2D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_93E8775AF0F8E7A57443CA0C966BB2D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_AD0ADB546035665C7FD1CA0C966BD3D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_AD0ADB546035665C7FD1CA0C966BD3D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_D0505D482111FD88CE5CCA0C966B4939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_D0505D482111FD88CE5CCA0C966B4939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_37A07AFC20E875A83620CA0C966BFF99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_D0505D482111FD88CE5CCA0C966B4939" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_37A07AFC20E875A83620CA0C966BFF99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_1FB67212590FA7880E53CA0C966BE3FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_D0505D482111FD88CE5CCA0C966B4939" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_1FB67212590FA7880E53CA0C966BE3FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_83F309E972E9443C2154CA0C966B67E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1888D168BC54933B7CE4CA0C966B1588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_83F309E972E9443C2154CA0C966B67E2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialData" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract_8C13DB80FCF1182A29956264B8523154" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_E5426B7A8DA86F19C1F46264B852BF02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract_8C13DB80FCF1182A29956264B8523154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_E5426B7A8DA86F19C1F46264B852BF02" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataSelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract_140F43B116349C88CFE5E42319F03A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEFEBD99E9B916BB586E42319F01D2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract_140F43B116349C88CFE5E42319F03A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEFEBD99E9B916BB586E42319F01D2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A9244F5C284AEA4D23C6E42319F0A395" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEFEBD99E9B916BB586E42319F01D2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A9244F5C284AEA4D23C6E42319F0A395" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0FF0BF65A0F7F0E33182E42319F0C0E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A9244F5C284AEA4D23C6E42319F0A395" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0FF0BF65A0F7F0E33182E42319F0C0E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ABEFEBD99E9B916BB586E42319F01D2F" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_1305B93EA7A11D210995E42319F074B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_1305B93EA7A11D210995E42319F074B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_96A29567475678667266E42319F0220A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_96A29567475678667266E42319F0220A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_F1CF369212A7170E70E3E42319F0754B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_F1CF369212A7170E70E3E42319F0754B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceCommissions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissions_F015CAAE5BAD51EE4557E42319F0DAC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissions_F015CAAE5BAD51EE4557E42319F0DAC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense_D6465FD89D27A5E465C8E42319F0F788" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense_D6465FD89D27A5E465C8E42319F0F788" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_E76F58F7889B4B7DC4A6E42319F0C406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_E76F58F7889B4B7DC4A6E42319F0C406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_E5A36B58E6EABFC1F798E42319F0FC8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_E5A36B58E6EABFC1F798E42319F0FC8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_29054F0221679E7AE564E42319F0A83F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_29054F0221679E7AE564E42319F0A83F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_FB4817230F17632288B7E42319F06401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_00C4177BD7AD748734FAE42319F090DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_FB4817230F17632288B7E42319F06401" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_FD677B20C9B0060533FDE42319F01C9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_FB4817230F17632288B7E42319F06401" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_FD677B20C9B0060533FDE42319F01C9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_1DE6D9198C955C8CEC98E42319F0166C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_FB4817230F17632288B7E42319F06401" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_1DE6D9198C955C8CEC98E42319F0166C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataSignificantQuarterlyAdjustmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SignificantQuarterlyAdjustmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SignificantQuarterlyAdjustmentsAbstract_2F35CDDE2BA78A63C2E0E4255EFA527C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F03A7661F41D5F6A4A31E4255EFA6405" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SignificantQuarterlyAdjustmentsAbstract_2F35CDDE2BA78A63C2E0E4255EFA527C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F03A7661F41D5F6A4A31E4255EFA6405" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_6512DD4DEF67A1B2C1C2E42B8659A6CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F03A7661F41D5F6A4A31E4255EFA6405" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_6512DD4DEF67A1B2C1C2E42B8659A6CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_9D55FB2C7D4AFFC9BBCFE42B88504A8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis_6512DD4DEF67A1B2C1C2E42B8659A6CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_9D55FB2C7D4AFFC9BBCFE42B88504A8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_D2AC1EB6CE7C47AC1B98E42C1361DF4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_9D55FB2C7D4AFFC9BBCFE42B88504A8B" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeDueToEstimatedReservesCededUnderLptAgreementMember_D2AC1EB6CE7C47AC1B98E42C1361DF4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_577D00920853992BB8AEE42B869785EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateTypeDomain_9D55FB2C7D4AFFC9BBCFE42B88504A8B" xlink:to="loc_eig_ChangeToContingentProfitCommissionMember_577D00920853992BB8AEE42B869785EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_55A4218873BFE919FBB2E4255EFA85C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F03A7661F41D5F6A4A31E4255EFA6405" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_55A4218873BFE919FBB2E4255EFA85C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_532B2727830C4CCA97A6E4255EFA94AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_55A4218873BFE919FBB2E4255EFA85C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_532B2727830C4CCA97A6E4255EFA94AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RelatedtoVoluntaryRiskBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_RelatedtoVoluntaryRiskBusinessMember_78E34CB4D1359477F82EE4255EFA3A15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_532B2727830C4CCA97A6E4255EFA94AB" xlink:to="loc_eig_RelatedtoVoluntaryRiskBusinessMember_78E34CB4D1359477F82EE4255EFA3A15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RelatedtoInvoluntaryAssignedRiskBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_RelatedtoInvoluntaryAssignedRiskBusinessMember_50940736D148F4929082E4255EFA2BDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_532B2727830C4CCA97A6E4255EFA94AB" xlink:to="loc_eig_RelatedtoInvoluntaryAssignedRiskBusinessMember_50940736D148F4929082E4255EFA2BDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1BD327DA5C2E76DE1726E4255EFAC6C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F03A7661F41D5F6A4A31E4255EFA6405" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1BD327DA5C2E76DE1726E4255EFAC6C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA573829712B98D080CE4255EFA6A09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1BD327DA5C2E76DE1726E4255EFAC6C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA573829712B98D080CE4255EFA6A09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IconsSurpulsNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_IconsSurpulsNoteMember_AD8923EDD71D5204D99FE4255EFA896C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFA573829712B98D080CE4255EFA6A09" xlink:to="loc_eig_IconsSurpulsNoteMember_AD8923EDD71D5204D99FE4255EFA896C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_F03A7661F41D5F6A4A31E4255EFA6405" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersPriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersPriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_B805A9D6F5C84B67AC22E4255EFA1012" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersPriorYearClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_B805A9D6F5C84B67AC22E4255EFA1012" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss_9AC5C172134F8E43FD51E42DEE18E9EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss_9AC5C172134F8E43FD51E42DEE18E9EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C4BEC10FF17F67D385ECE4292FC0E0BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_C4BEC10FF17F67D385ECE4292FC0E0BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_2D67985B96E1EF21E3ABE4255EFADBBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_2D67985B96E1EF21E3ABE4255EFADBBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_63E47B941E957DB9C747E4255EFA099A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_63E47B941E957DB9C747E4255EFA099A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_6B349B1397375D4D473AE4255EFAB963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_6B349B1397375D4D473AE4255EFAB963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReductioninCurrentAccidentYearLossesandLAEDueProvisionRate" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReductioninCurrentAccidentYearLossesandLAEDueProvisionRate_848D06EE512D632DB8AEE4255EFA65CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReductioninCurrentAccidentYearLossesandLAEDueProvisionRate_848D06EE512D632DB8AEE4255EFA65CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_A02D892F216BBB4799B8E4255EFA0FE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_06CE62DB47FAB12E6F9AE4255EFABBA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_A02D892F216BBB4799B8E4255EFA0FE8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract_69448B741C9564DE15946264B74941EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_0C14E5E641559632DBC26264B7494E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SelecledQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedAbstract_69448B741C9564DE15946264B74941EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_0C14E5E641559632DBC26264B7494E26" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StatutoryMatters" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StautoryMattersAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StautoryMattersAbstract_FFD5FB37D243A4BF9EA76264B8720501" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StatutoryFinancialDataDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eig_StatutoryFinancialDataDisclosureTextBlock_E27E53E855E17FE978576264B8729BE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StautoryMattersAbstract_FFD5FB37D243A4BF9EA76264B8720501" xlink:to="loc_eig_StatutoryFinancialDataDisclosureTextBlock_E27E53E855E17FE978576264B8729BE5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StatutoryMattersStatutoryMattersDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StautoryMattersAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StautoryMattersAbstract_50806917D5B79FF49915E41DDBA2F644" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E82E522A82F71F174DAFE41DDBA56E71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StautoryMattersAbstract_50806917D5B79FF49915E41DDBA2F644" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E82E522A82F71F174DAFE41DDBA56E71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_930D29214D16708EB278E41DDBA782F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E82E522A82F71F174DAFE41DDBA56E71" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_930D29214D16708EB278E41DDBA782F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05A0D44180A345785183E41DDBA74510" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_930D29214D16708EB278E41DDBA782F4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05A0D44180A345785183E41DDBA74510" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersInsuranceCompanyOfNevadaMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersInsuranceCompanyOfNevadaMember_BBBFDDDE9FA6A4368B7AE41DDBA7089F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05A0D44180A345785183E41DDBA74510" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersInsuranceCompanyOfNevadaMember_BBBFDDDE9FA6A4368B7AE41DDBA7089F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersPreferredInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersPreferredInsuranceCompanyMember_455A51C274899FC90CB9E41DDBA8B0BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05A0D44180A345785183E41DDBA74510" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersPreferredInsuranceCompanyMember_455A51C274899FC90CB9E41DDBA8B0BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersAssuranceCompanyDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersAssuranceCompanyDomain_A1759A18555FCECBE27AE41DDBA83338" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05A0D44180A345785183E41DDBA74510" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersAssuranceCompanyDomain_A1759A18555FCECBE27AE41DDBA83338" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersCompensationInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersCompensationInsuranceCompanyMember_3A6C994259A6DBE84E14E41DDBA80EB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05A0D44180A345785183E41DDBA74510" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersCompensationInsuranceCompanyMember_3A6C994259A6DBE84E14E41DDBA80EB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_EmployersAssuranceAndEmployersPreferredMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_EmployersAssuranceAndEmployersPreferredMember_08BDEA8EDE7FA6597F60E41DDBA8FB94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05A0D44180A345785183E41DDBA74510" xlink:to="loc_eig_EmployersAssuranceAndEmployersPreferredMember_08BDEA8EDE7FA6597F60E41DDBA8FB94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_461AE774E31173AA96CAE41DDBA81292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E82E522A82F71F174DAFE41DDBA56E71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_461AE774E31173AA96CAE41DDBA81292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B77069C8682A8A99573DE41DDBA95CAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_461AE774E31173AA96CAE41DDBA81292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B77069C8682A8A99573DE41DDBA95CAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_59DDD7AFC91CDC62C767E41DDBA9F0F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B77069C8682A8A99573DE41DDBA95CAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_59DDD7AFC91CDC62C767E41DDBA9F0F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E82E522A82F71F174DAFE41DDBA56E71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_F2C4382F73D9330E2F17E41DDBA9ADDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_F2C4382F73D9330E2F17E41DDBA9ADDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_39CEE9951700305E75E3E41DDBAAD15F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_39CEE9951700305E75E3E41DDBAAD15F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SurplusNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SurplusNotes_4725ED6B9D10B425AF1BE41DDBAF597F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SurplusNotes_4725ED6B9D10B425AF1BE41DDBAF597F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusRequired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusRequired_534BED70E4515DCF6D52E41DDBAFEBF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusRequired_534BED70E4515DCF6D52E41DDBAFEBF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_FD757BE0E67EABAF74D3E41DDBAF3B2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_FD757BE0E67EABAF74D3E41DDBAF3B2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_912B710D959EFF0AC08CE41DDBAFA1DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_912B710D959EFF0AC08CE41DDBAFA1DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ExtraordinaryDividendsNevadaCommissionerOfInsuranceResponseTimeInDays" xlink:label="loc_eig_ExtraordinaryDividendsNevadaCommissionerOfInsuranceResponseTimeInDays_652C1F303F542B910A6BE41DDBB08DEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_ExtraordinaryDividendsNevadaCommissionerOfInsuranceResponseTimeInDays_652C1F303F542B910A6BE41DDBB08DEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StatutorySurplusPercentageOf" xlink:label="loc_eig_StatutorySurplusPercentageOf_015699D8EBCB3F3BA940E41DDBB054BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_StatutorySurplusPercentageOf_015699D8EBCB3F3BA940E41DDBB054BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PercentageOfSurplus" xlink:label="loc_eig_PercentageOfSurplus_2BEB2C2CFFE54D187C64E41DDBB062BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PercentageOfSurplus_2BEB2C2CFFE54D187C64E41DDBB062BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PercentageOfSurplus2" xlink:label="loc_eig_PercentageOfSurplus2_AFB9B59440B97A2BF0C7E41DDBB065B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PercentageOfSurplus2_AFB9B59440B97A2BF0C7E41DDBB065B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PercentageOfSurplus3" xlink:label="loc_eig_PercentageOfSurplus3_D90259834A1699DCAFE3E41DDBB05DAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PercentageOfSurplus3_D90259834A1699DCAFE3E41DDBB05DAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PercentageOfUnassignedGains" xlink:label="loc_eig_PercentageOfUnassignedGains_4BA87327FC0515181595E41DDBB05B62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PercentageOfUnassignedGains_4BA87327FC0515181595E41DDBB05B62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PercentageOfUnassignedGains2" xlink:label="loc_eig_PercentageOfUnassignedGains2_C52EF66862D06CBC2D24E41DDBB1D1B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PercentageOfUnassignedGains2_C52EF66862D06CBC2D24E41DDBB1D1B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithRegulatoryApproval" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithRegulatoryApproval_58C7E2BE2CD096694BC1E41DDBB1F939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithRegulatoryApproval_58C7E2BE2CD096694BC1E41DDBB1F939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PremiumToPolicyholderSurplusRatio1" xlink:label="loc_eig_PremiumToPolicyholderSurplusRatio1_6EF4AA74FBE69D4EA6CEE41DDBB1CEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PremiumToPolicyholderSurplusRatio1_6EF4AA74FBE69D4EA6CEE41DDBB1CEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PremiumToPolicyholderSurplusRatio2" xlink:label="loc_eig_PremiumToPolicyholderSurplusRatio2_FF48015F829B5C49A904E41DDBB16730" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PremiumToPolicyholderSurplusRatio2_FF48015F829B5C49A904E41DDBB16730" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PolicyholderSurplusDecrease" xlink:label="loc_eig_PolicyholderSurplusDecrease_D78998C4D788AFE8F6BAE41DDBB193C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PolicyholderSurplusDecrease_D78998C4D788AFE8F6BAE41DDBB193C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RiskBasedCapitalMinimum" xlink:label="loc_eig_RiskBasedCapitalMinimum_8841A8FFCEA043056AF6E41DDBB199B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_RiskBasedCapitalMinimum_8841A8FFCEA043056AF6E41DDBB199B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PercentageOfTotalLiabiltiesMaintainMinimumOfCapitalAndSurplus" xlink:label="loc_eig_PercentageOfTotalLiabiltiesMaintainMinimumOfCapitalAndSurplus_B5B4073EE9374E910A21E41DDBB25D7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_PercentageOfTotalLiabiltiesMaintainMinimumOfCapitalAndSurplus_B5B4073EE9374E910A21E41DDBB25D7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_UsedToCalculateRatioOfWrittenPremiumToSurplus" xlink:label="loc_eig_UsedToCalculateRatioOfWrittenPremiumToSurplus_0F341D43AB55CB586FA9E41DDBB20356" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_UsedToCalculateRatioOfWrittenPremiumToSurplus_0F341D43AB55CB586FA9E41DDBB20356" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_GrossWrittenPremiumsToSurplusRatio" xlink:label="loc_eig_GrossWrittenPremiumsToSurplusRatio_94980B58578972CB9C79E41DDBB273E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_GrossWrittenPremiumsToSurplusRatio_94980B58578972CB9C79E41DDBB273E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_NetWrittenPremiumsToSurplusRatio" xlink:label="loc_eig_NetWrittenPremiumsToSurplusRatio_E557E1D1FC508B4F1B13E41DDBB2C660" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_eig_NetWrittenPremiumsToSurplusRatio_E557E1D1FC508B4F1B13E41DDBB2C660" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompany" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompany_6CEF00AEB67A33E1E9D9E41DDBB29F6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompany_6CEF00AEB67A33E1E9D9E41DDBB29F6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithoutRegulatoryApproval" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithoutRegulatoryApproval_9F4ECE62FB86478CA9E0E41DDBB2BBA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_E0EA74A02BCA71E513C0E41DDBA9392F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithoutRegulatoryApproval_9F4ECE62FB86478CA9E0E41DDBB2BBA9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StatutoryMattersTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StautoryMattersAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StautoryMattersAbstract_B9ABDA0A56F10EB019DF6264B7D6B5FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDisclosureTextBlock_A81D6A934644583B190C6264B7D66514" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StautoryMattersAbstract_B9ABDA0A56F10EB019DF6264B7D6B5FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesDisclosureTextBlock_A81D6A934644583B190C6264B7D66514" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_82F4F4AC34CCA2B3771A6264B852CC03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_EB1E04EA00519B551D8E6264B852FB97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_82F4F4AC34CCA2B3771A6264B852CC03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_EB1E04EA00519B551D8E6264B852FB97" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationChangesInOutstandingStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ChangesInOutstandingStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_ChangesInOutstandingStockOptionsAbstract_55BBC60990EE72269D98E2F5FC5C8A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3FF0D3F0F663AB644661E2F5FC5C9014" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ChangesInOutstandingStockOptionsAbstract_55BBC60990EE72269D98E2F5FC5C8A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3FF0D3F0F663AB644661E2F5FC5C9014" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0D4FC15EB97DA46BCF23E2F5FC5C2E49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3FF0D3F0F663AB644661E2F5FC5C9014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0D4FC15EB97DA46BCF23E2F5FC5C2E49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D12B23CE4676BE403226E2F5FC5C8831" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0D4FC15EB97DA46BCF23E2F5FC5C2E49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D12B23CE4676BE403226E2F5FC5C8831" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_AFC17EF942942C1EBE49E2F5FC5CFEDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D12B23CE4676BE403226E2F5FC5C8831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_AFC17EF942942C1EBE49E2F5FC5CFEDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StockOptionsGrantedDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_StockOptionsGrantedDomain_B8448FE533F97016D67AE2F5FC5C5CA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_AFC17EF942942C1EBE49E2F5FC5CFEDA" xlink:to="loc_eig_StockOptionsGrantedDomain_B8448FE533F97016D67AE2F5FC5C5CA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StockOptionsExercisableDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_StockOptionsExercisableDomain_F8D5BA0816025E4CF2AFE2F5FC5C90BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_AFC17EF942942C1EBE49E2F5FC5CFEDA" xlink:to="loc_eig_StockOptionsExercisableDomain_F8D5BA0816025E4CF2AFE2F5FC5C90BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_97DBCFCF3E1959739C1CE2F5FC5C762F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D12B23CE4676BE403226E2F5FC5C8831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_97DBCFCF3E1959739C1CE2F5FC5C762F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_RestrictedStockUnitsVestedButUnsettledMember" xlink:label="loc_eig_RestrictedStockUnitsVestedButUnsettledMember_EB81D89618B158BDDC8BE2F5FC5CAC5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_97DBCFCF3E1959739C1CE2F5FC5C762F" xlink:to="loc_eig_RestrictedStockUnitsVestedButUnsettledMember_EB81D89618B158BDDC8BE2F5FC5CAC5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3FF0D3F0F663AB644661E2F5FC5C9014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_840F61CA258E1BA7A7AEE2F5FC5CD179" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_840F61CA258E1BA7A7AEE2F5FC5CD179" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_D60B3C21EA1FEE65A6DAE2F5FC5C3AF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_D60B3C21EA1FEE65A6DAE2F5FC5C3AF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_5D3AD649D848FAC0DEB8E2F5FC5CC429" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_5D3AD649D848FAC0DEB8E2F5FC5CC429" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_8AEF9D73FCC6D5CF6AF1E2F5FC5C5E65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_8AEF9D73FCC6D5CF6AF1E2F5FC5C5E65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_895435AD60D5B7D382A2E2F5FC5C921C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_895435AD60D5B7D382A2E2F5FC5C921C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_36592E1C3ED8952B9586E2F5FC6CB6F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_36592E1C3ED8952B9586E2F5FC6CB6F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_AAE405E96007EB271A48E2F5FC6C32F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_AAE405E96007EB271A48E2F5FC6C32F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E3889E841D772F884D96E2F5FC6C2A93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E3889E841D772F884D96E2F5FC6C2A93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1EAE4AFFDC44D0AB45D5E2F5FC6C7B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1EAE4AFFDC44D0AB45D5E2F5FC6C7B03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_24C99D4BB0CC95A748DFE2F5FC6C7A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_24C99D4BB0CC95A748DFE2F5FC6C7A7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_67F4EBC8FCB7D5A19BB5E2F5FC6C3CD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_67F4EBC8FCB7D5A19BB5E2F5FC6C3CD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_D8BCB85E3ADDF187F4C8E2F5FC6CD1A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_D8BCB85E3ADDF187F4C8E2F5FC6CD1A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E45FDCCA0ED88B8EB515E2F5FC6C0743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_E45FDCCA0ED88B8EB515E2F5FC6C0743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_58371E0161457FF3A4B3E3ABD62DC67E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_58371E0161457FF3A4B3E3ABD62DC67E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_82D9FF30281D9C70D199E2F5FC6C4E98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_82D9FF30281D9C70D199E2F5FC6C4E98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_38F05164C68190CAE54BE2F5FC6CB5CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_38F05164C68190CAE54BE2F5FC6CB5CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_B69443152CD7FA0666A1E2F5FC6C75ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_B69443152CD7FA0666A1E2F5FC6C75ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_2EB4643EACC4526D3C70E2F5FC6C4F7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_2EB4643EACC4526D3C70E2F5FC6C4F7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_AD1EBD02BD3D5537807AE2F5FC6C611B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_AD1EBD02BD3D5537807AE2F5FC6C611B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_D74DC178FA363A390946E2F5FC5C3223" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_D74DC178FA363A390946E2F5FC5C3223" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights_6161F1321D24E0E5D648E2F5FC5CAAAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights_6161F1321D24E0E5D648E2F5FC5CAAAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_132122AD45393B79D6DDE2F5FC6C0825" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_132122AD45393B79D6DDE2F5FC6C0825" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_3B681CFAFF67FF43E5A8E2F5FC6CA9E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_3B681CFAFF67FF43E5A8E2F5FC6CA9E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_D743DB9E25B9AC32A556E2F5FC6C1435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB4151ACA92FD2C65CC1E2F5FC5CDA95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_D743DB9E25B9AC32A556E2F5FC6C1435" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_68B33F32B3DFBE78F2C0E2F5FC6CF270" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1B87AD61261F656B5486E2F5FC6CBE72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_68B33F32B3DFBE78F2C0E2F5FC6CF270" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1B87AD61261F656B5486E2F5FC6CBE72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_95E4BBD1B9835BBB5593E2F5FC6C5410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1B87AD61261F656B5486E2F5FC6CBE72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_95E4BBD1B9835BBB5593E2F5FC6C5410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_771662043FF7FF7062B8E2F5FC6C351D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_95E4BBD1B9835BBB5593E2F5FC6C5410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_771662043FF7FF7062B8E2F5FC6C351D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_C22956BE73A5D72CE042E2F5FC6CCF8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_771662043FF7FF7062B8E2F5FC6C351D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_C22956BE73A5D72CE042E2F5FC6CCF8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_33D49A5859C2430D153FE2F5FC6C54EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1B87AD61261F656B5486E2F5FC6CBE72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_33D49A5859C2430D153FE2F5FC6C54EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F4537210EE458414B2B5E2F5FC6C7B8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_33D49A5859C2430D153FE2F5FC6C54EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F4537210EE458414B2B5E2F5FC6C7B8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_92FEC8F452321B304605E2F5FC6C4DD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F4537210EE458414B2B5E2F5FC6C7B8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_92FEC8F452321B304605E2F5FC6C4DD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_48310347E61DB64F6925E2F5FC6C6C8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F4537210EE458414B2B5E2F5FC6C7B8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_48310347E61DB64F6925E2F5FC6C6C8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_BED203BA196D88395B50E2F5FC6C74A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F4537210EE458414B2B5E2F5FC6C7B8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_BED203BA196D88395B50E2F5FC6C74A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB0410E669C05BD747E0E2F5FC6C1BA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1B87AD61261F656B5486E2F5FC6CBE72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB0410E669C05BD747E0E2F5FC6C1BA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_86237F4B02461C48186BE2F5FC6C9F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB0410E669C05BD747E0E2F5FC6C1BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_86237F4B02461C48186BE2F5FC6C9F62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StockBasedCompensationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationExpenseAbstract_0E54EEB630DD80CD7230E2F5FC7B13D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EB0410E669C05BD747E0E2F5FC6C1BA9" xlink:to="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationExpenseAbstract_0E54EEB630DD80CD7230E2F5FC7B13D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_B67CB6C168090167783CE2F5FC7B2951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationExpenseAbstract_0E54EEB630DD80CD7230E2F5FC7B13D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_B67CB6C168090167783CE2F5FC7B2951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_C36127EE5C8FF1EA72A0E2F5FC7BB018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationExpenseAbstract_0E54EEB630DD80CD7230E2F5FC7B13D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_C36127EE5C8FF1EA72A0E2F5FC7BB018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax_02223C188561A5690DF9E2F5FC7B0C4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationExpenseAbstract_0E54EEB630DD80CD7230E2F5FC7B13D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax_02223C188561A5690DF9E2F5FC7B0C4C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationFairMarketValueOfStockOptionsGrantedCalculatedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FairMarketValueOfStockOptionsGrantedCalculatedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_FairMarketValueOfStockOptionsGrantedCalculatedAbstract_A5FF20610BEA752FFD41E3CBB23C9CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_40A65E58A4928210FC49E3CBB23DF862" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_FairMarketValueOfStockOptionsGrantedCalculatedAbstract_A5FF20610BEA752FFD41E3CBB23C9CDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_40A65E58A4928210FC49E3CBB23DF862" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_C4D281C9E14AF2EA2FA3E3CBB23DBBF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_40A65E58A4928210FC49E3CBB23DF862" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_C4D281C9E14AF2EA2FA3E3CBB23DBBF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FDDB1211484EF7072E2BE3CBB23D3795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_C4D281C9E14AF2EA2FA3E3CBB23DBBF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FDDB1211484EF7072E2BE3CBB23D3795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_ED7086E435C8F5E6772EE3CBB23E6C92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FDDB1211484EF7072E2BE3CBB23D3795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_ED7086E435C8F5E6772EE3CBB23E6C92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D53F8A1AC03137311AD8E3D6D97B0A97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_40A65E58A4928210FC49E3CBB23DF862" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D53F8A1AC03137311AD8E3D6D97B0A97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_81E28C45EE6F42CE87AFE3D4D50397BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D53F8A1AC03137311AD8E3D6D97B0A97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_81E28C45EE6F42CE87AFE3D4D50397BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_8BAE8AE3A51C532ABEA1E3CBB23F0577" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D53F8A1AC03137311AD8E3D6D97B0A97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_8BAE8AE3A51C532ABEA1E3CBB23F0577" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_BD8139E5459B46EB9D0DE3CBB23FE236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D53F8A1AC03137311AD8E3D6D97B0A97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_BD8139E5459B46EB9D0DE3CBB23FE236" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_23D53EF2A96AF28188CEE3CBB23FE1C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D53F8A1AC03137311AD8E3D6D97B0A97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_23D53EF2A96AF28188CEE3CBB23FE1C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8BADA539C87A1169581AE3D4D514DCD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_D53F8A1AC03137311AD8E3D6D97B0A97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_8BADA539C87A1169581AE3D4D514DCD3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationPerformanceShareAwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PerformanceShareAwardsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_PerformanceShareAwardsAbstract_28348959F8141ACA589FE2F5FC5C5184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_50E0F9F62B5E027EF385E2F5FC5C7826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_PerformanceShareAwardsAbstract_28348959F8141ACA589FE2F5FC5C5184" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_50E0F9F62B5E027EF385E2F5FC5C7826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9EC36D06D642718C9928E2F5FC5CDD0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_50E0F9F62B5E027EF385E2F5FC5C7826" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9EC36D06D642718C9928E2F5FC5CDD0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B20D3302604FD80EC986E2F5FC5C1658" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_9EC36D06D642718C9928E2F5FC5CDD0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B20D3302604FD80EC986E2F5FC5C1658" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_1F8199AF603EA9D5E793E2F5FC5C5A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B20D3302604FD80EC986E2F5FC5C1658" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_1F8199AF603EA9D5E793E2F5FC5C5A5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_50E0F9F62B5E027EF385E2F5FC5C7826" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_12679AA68FDDA40BB5E3E2F5FC5C017D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_12679AA68FDDA40BB5E3E2F5FC5C017D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_86ADF1C5A41CD832C668E2F5FC5CB02B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_86ADF1C5A41CD832C668E2F5FC5CB02B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_435048C716453CD9600EE2F5FC5CAD61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_435048C716453CD9600EE2F5FC5CAD61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardGrantsAtGrantDateTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_eig_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardGrantsAtGrantDateTotalFairValue_6C705DB0DBFD1B4FFFF5E2F5FC5C8969" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_eig_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardGrantsAtGrantDateTotalFairValue_6C705DB0DBFD1B4FFFF5E2F5FC5C8969" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PerformanceShareAwardsMinimumPayout" xlink:label="loc_eig_PerformanceShareAwardsMinimumPayout_1AFC06E8210C9504170EE2F5FC5C9EE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_eig_PerformanceShareAwardsMinimumPayout_1AFC06E8210C9504170EE2F5FC5C9EE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PerformaneShareAwardsMaximumPayout" xlink:label="loc_eig_PerformaneShareAwardsMaximumPayout_7F1C44BE960B51995EFFE2F5FC5C7900" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_eig_PerformaneShareAwardsMaximumPayout_7F1C44BE960B51995EFFE2F5FC5C7900" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_CF72984311296CF76878E2F5FC5C79F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_CF72984311296CF76878E2F5FC5C79F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_DF60A7DFA7FC0D71FBBFE2F5FC5C9042" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_DF60A7DFA7FC0D71FBBFE2F5FC5C9042" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_Performanceshareawardsexpectedtarget" xlink:label="loc_eig_Performanceshareawardsexpectedtarget_F9006B5ECD4ADC19C90EE2F5FC5C2B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_eig_Performanceshareawardsexpectedtarget_F9006B5ECD4ADC19C90EE2F5FC5C2B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_Performanceshareawardsultimatepayout" xlink:label="loc_eig_Performanceshareawardsultimatepayout_F5B96E93F02CB35D05E6E2F5FC5C92C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_06164F40EB743C6A36D1E2F5FC5CDFC0" xlink:to="loc_eig_Performanceshareawardsultimatepayout_F5B96E93F02CB35D05E6E2F5FC5C92C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_B2C014A6B26D400860A56264B8439456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock_B2C014A6B26D400860A56264B8439456" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_5308AC70A80BA245AD556264B843F637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_5308AC70A80BA245AD556264B843F637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingTableTextBlock_CAAB20E5A41EA1269EC86264B843348D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingTableTextBlock_CAAB20E5A41EA1269EC86264B843348D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ScheduleOfFairValueOfOptionsVestedAndInstrinsicValueOfOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eig_ScheduleOfFairValueOfOptionsVestedAndInstrinsicValueOfOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsTableTextBlock_CA69C448B3683FFC483C6264B8431127" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:to="loc_eig_ScheduleOfFairValueOfOptionsVestedAndInstrinsicValueOfOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsTableTextBlock_CA69C448B3683FFC483C6264B8431127" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_665D2142D04F74485C906264B8433B75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_665D2142D04F74485C906264B8433B75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ScheduleOfFairValueOfRsusVestedAndInstrinsicValueOfOutstandingAndVestedRsusTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eig_ScheduleOfFairValueOfRsusVestedAndInstrinsicValueOfOutstandingAndVestedRsusTableTextBlock_6F0D5093641D69F56A256264B843E436" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:to="loc_eig_ScheduleOfFairValueOfRsusVestedAndInstrinsicValueOfOutstandingAndVestedRsusTableTextBlock_6F0D5093641D69F56A256264B843E436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PsusAwardedToCertainOfficersTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_eig_PsusAwardedToCertainOfficersTableTextBlock_785B250A243C3862A1306264B84368E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_StockBasedCompensationAbstract_D758E29778DD09EB4EA56264B8431905" xlink:to="loc_eig_PsusAwardedToCertainOfficersTableTextBlock_785B250A243C3862A1306264B84368E9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_F82B8ECFFFB9A7AD6F046264B6FB72B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockTextBlock_8A9DF4B890F23BD3436A6264B6FBEDC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_F82B8ECFFFB9A7AD6F046264B6FB72B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockTextBlock_8A9DF4B890F23BD3436A6264B6FBEDC5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5943807EB66F23DB182F5E35E9A96049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable_18A7275BFD94842A92825E35E9A92687" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5943807EB66F23DB182F5E35E9A96049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable_18A7275BFD94842A92825E35E9A92687" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis_3F11C1E94709AB6E97315E35E9A9284E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable_18A7275BFD94842A92825E35E9A92687" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis_3F11C1E94709AB6E97315E35E9A9284E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain_EDC56E9038FF294E96F75E35E9A97D78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateAxis_3F11C1E94709AB6E97315E35E9A9284E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesDateDomain_EDC56E9038FF294E96F75E35E9A97D78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_0F686B5E099654CC1DAF5E35E9A97ECC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable_18A7275BFD94842A92825E35E9A92687" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_0F686B5E099654CC1DAF5E35E9A97ECC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_BC2FFA04CFC04056AE805E35E9A927D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_0F686B5E099654CC1DAF5E35E9A97ECC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_BC2FFA04CFC04056AE805E35E9A927D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_5FFF5925CADB472808095E35E9A9CA0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_0F686B5E099654CC1DAF5E35E9A97ECC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_5FFF5925CADB472808095E35E9A9CA0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesFinalPricePaidPerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesFinalPricePaidPerShare_A8A751DA732A12E5000F5E35E9A9F26B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_0F686B5E099654CC1DAF5E35E9A97ECC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesFinalPricePaidPerShare_A8A751DA732A12E5000F5E35E9A9F26B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_16088D2C310369FD53EB5E35E9A9FFC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_0F686B5E099654CC1DAF5E35E9A97ECC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_16088D2C310369FD53EB5E35E9A9FFC3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_B62A4631CB785EF9311B6264B75944F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_E850E356E4ECF676FBBD6264B75926F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_B62A4631CB785EF9311B6264B75944F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_E850E356E4ECF676FBBD6264B75926F2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_6DA26DD123B0215BA72EE8DB82EEA66E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_6DA26DD123B0215BA72EE8DB82EEA66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_A0B93096CE8C0C550B4CE8DB82EE99D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_A0B93096CE8C0C550B4CE8DB82EE99D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_5C3C8617FF9FB3741E02E8DB82EF928C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_A0B93096CE8C0C550B4CE8DB82EE99D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_5C3C8617FF9FB3741E02E8DB82EF928C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_C9F5BB85EE694A566DEDE8DB82EF431D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_5C3C8617FF9FB3741E02E8DB82EF928C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_C9F5BB85EE694A566DEDE8DB82EF431D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9092CF8E881FA89FE72CE8DB82EF9279" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9092CF8E881FA89FE72CE8DB82EF9279" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_543C29CAF8B380707DAEE8DB82EFF31A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9092CF8E881FA89FE72CE8DB82EF9279" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_543C29CAF8B380707DAEE8DB82EFF31A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_FAEDB3FCF7483C3B2B5EE8DB82F02CA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_FAEDB3FCF7483C3B2B5EE8DB82F02CA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0909D3D5D9EAF4CCEF11E8DB82F09D50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_FAEDB3FCF7483C3B2B5EE8DB82F02CA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0909D3D5D9EAF4CCEF11E8DB82F09D50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember_840653A724E00FD4E605E8DB82F04CA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0909D3D5D9EAF4CCEF11E8DB82F09D50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember_840653A724E00FD4E605E8DB82F04CA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_49DF0E022D92F7AEA1D1E8DB82F0F35C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0909D3D5D9EAF4CCEF11E8DB82F09D50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_49DF0E022D92F7AEA1D1E8DB82F0F35C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C1CF62EAF1B295B88C55E8DB82F028D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C1CF62EAF1B295B88C55E8DB82F028D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_65FD8C8E84E49961B102E8DB82F1898A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C1CF62EAF1B295B88C55E8DB82F028D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_65FD8C8E84E49961B102E8DB82F1898A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_702CADF0AE99BA660699E8DB82F160C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_65FD8C8E84E49961B102E8DB82F1898A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_702CADF0AE99BA660699E8DB82F160C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_49FEDCE8B3BD7929B929E8DB82F1EAEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_65FD8C8E84E49961B102E8DB82F1898A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_49FEDCE8B3BD7929B929E8DB82F1EAEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_80FACD0ADD05B873DDF6E8DB82F1BDBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_80FACD0ADD05B873DDF6E8DB82F1BDBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_D7D462112A39FC90644DE8DB82F1069E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementAxis_80FACD0ADD05B873DDF6E8DB82F1BDBF" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_D7D462112A39FC90644DE8DB82F1069E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_FundsHeldInTrustReinsuranceAgreementDomain" xlink:label="loc_eig_FundsHeldInTrustReinsuranceAgreementDomain_516AD94E5AA69B63B2B3E8DB82F25C05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_ReinsuranceAgreementNameDomain_D7D462112A39FC90644DE8DB82F1069E" xlink:to="loc_eig_FundsHeldInTrustReinsuranceAgreementDomain_516AD94E5AA69B63B2B3E8DB82F25C05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7D12C6AD21D6DE1611E5E8DB82EE93C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAsset_E6A1AB635E91B77C3C63E8DB82F2DAA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAsset_E6A1AB635E91B77C3C63E8DB82F2DAA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_4B8AE7ABD29136FCF63FE8DB82F2ADBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_4B8AE7ABD29136FCF63FE8DB82F2ADBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PremiumsReceivableFromPolicyholdersForFinalAudit" xlink:label="loc_eig_PremiumsReceivableFromPolicyholdersForFinalAudit_7CA2F3E74401D9F36473E8DB82F3272E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_PremiumsReceivableFromPolicyholdersForFinalAudit_7CA2F3E74401D9F36473E8DB82F3272E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables_D7B1E00F7FE14C17CD14E8DB82F312B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables_D7B1E00F7FE14C17CD14E8DB82F312B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_C6E68251CCF4E4C169C9E8DB82F30747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_C6E68251CCF4E4C169C9E8DB82F30747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_2C31D23E42C895FF2CA8E8DB82F37CC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_2C31D23E42C895FF2CA8E8DB82F37CC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_PremiumDeficiency" xlink:label="loc_eig_PremiumDeficiency_846FFFD0FF61C2F50F17E8DB82F3B36A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_PremiumDeficiency_846FFFD0FF61C2F50F17E8DB82F3B36A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance" xlink:label="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance_B50B17EB4CB890EBB1A6E8DB82F338D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_ReinsuranceRecoverableUnpaidLossesLessAllowance_B50B17EB4CB890EBB1A6E8DB82F338D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LptAgreementPercentangeOfLossExpenseToTotalLosses" xlink:label="loc_eig_LptAgreementPercentangeOfLossExpenseToTotalLosses_F8479ED8745DE8F9A340E8DB82F46FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_LptAgreementPercentangeOfLossExpenseToTotalLosses_F8479ED8745DE8F9A340E8DB82F46FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LptFavorableUnfavorableDifferencePercentage" xlink:label="loc_eig_LptFavorableUnfavorableDifferencePercentage_E710C5C8FE2868212646E8DB82F428B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_LptFavorableUnfavorableDifferencePercentage_E710C5C8FE2868212646E8DB82F428B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LptAgreementCalculationOfContingentCommissionPeriod" xlink:label="loc_eig_LptAgreementCalculationOfContingentCommissionPeriod_FB4B73D7991AEDE9DE01E8DB82F4D386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_LptAgreementCalculationOfContingentCommissionPeriod_FB4B73D7991AEDE9DE01E8DB82F4D386" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LptAgreementCalculationOfContingentCommissionExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_eig_LptAgreementCalculationOfContingentCommissionExpirationPeriod_8F0C12BC10ECF891B155E8DB82F44AE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_LptAgreementCalculationOfContingentCommissionExpirationPeriod_8F0C12BC10ECF891B155E8DB82F44AE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationMethod_5C9FFDE2A8775A55ECB8E8DB82F4E95E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationMethod_5C9FFDE2A8775A55ECB8E8DB82F4E95E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsLiability_0DD89F93BC312B4844D5E8DB82F4A4A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsLiability_0DD89F93BC312B4844D5E8DB82F4A4A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_LptCollateralHeldInTrustAccount" xlink:label="loc_eig_LptCollateralHeldInTrustAccount_14735842B220C08004D8E8DB82F4FA61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_eig_LptCollateralHeldInTrustAccount_14735842B220C08004D8E8DB82F4FA61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment_1FAA6409522D7A13608CE941E34E41D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment_1FAA6409522D7A13608CE941E34E41D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_852BC354A62F03A02274E8DB82F52490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_852BC354A62F03A02274E8DB82F52490" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_IntangibleAssetsGrossCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_eig_IntangibleAssetsGrossCarryingAmount_697740ACD48B728069E5E8DB82F5E691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_852BC354A62F03A02274E8DB82F52490" xlink:to="loc_eig_IntangibleAssetsGrossCarryingAmount_697740ACD48B728069E5E8DB82F5E691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_F560BF75D3C167DED37DE8DB82F5C524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_852BC354A62F03A02274E8DB82F52490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_F560BF75D3C167DED37DE8DB82F5C524" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_DEFC1D3DCBE468CEB0A6E8DB82F52B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract_852BC354A62F03A02274E8DB82F52490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_DEFC1D3DCBE468CEB0A6E8DB82F52B80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_29E6768C671901D5832EE8DB82F5829E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FEF0EC2157DDCAA53698E8DB82F2D0F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_29E6768C671901D5832EE8DB82F5829E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_079213F37C7134D47C9E62DAFFD89E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_079213F37C7134D47C9E62DAFFD89E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_D771F7474B6CC71A9EA862DAFFD92A2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_D771F7474B6CC71A9EA862DAFFD92A2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock_FD95B7D175D6E9FBA49462DAFFD95115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock_FD95B7D175D6E9FBA49462DAFFD95115" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_1BAA0555A3941917E54E62DAFFD925CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_1BAA0555A3941917E54E62DAFFD925CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationOfDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationOfDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsPolicy_ADE64F904D9C853DD68162DAFFD95C28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationOfDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsPolicy_ADE64F904D9C853DD68162DAFFD95C28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy_BBE6D1A71D1C03E26C8862DAFFDA2A37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnpaidPolicyClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpensePolicy_BBE6D1A71D1C03E26C8862DAFFDA2A37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceAccountingPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceAccountingPolicy_6BAD5373B7C7CAD78AF862DAFFDABD41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceAccountingPolicy_6BAD5373B7C7CAD78AF862DAFFDABD41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_9E76C639511A1B9DB8EB62DAFFDA2EF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_9E76C639511A1B9DB8EB62DAFFDA2EF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchDevelopmentAndComputerSoftwarePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchDevelopmentAndComputerSoftwarePolicyTextBlock_5D7E8D138292C65916EF62DAFFDA03EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchDevelopmentAndComputerSoftwarePolicyTextBlock_5D7E8D138292C65916EF62DAFFDA03EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_20AFB0F1F05C028FADDE62DAFFDAE5AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_20AFB0F1F05C028FADDE62DAFFDAE5AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_B06757D92B5A6E134AB562DAFFDB8A53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_B06757D92B5A6E134AB562DAFFDB8A53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditExposurePolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditExposurePolicyPolicyTextBlock_56B94B50DEED828152FD62DAFFDBEABD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditExposurePolicyPolicyTextBlock_56B94B50DEED828152FD62DAFFDBEABD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_6B746219A28FC3ADE6F862DAFFDB88BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_6B746219A28FC3ADE6F862DAFFDB88BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_1F2F2B75770F641FEE0762DAFFDB28D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_1F2F2B75770F641FEE0762DAFFDB28D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_4C0AAB9B2AF70AF34BC462DAFFDB091B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_8658187881C8248CD03F62DAFFD8F6A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_4C0AAB9B2AF70AF34BC462DAFFDB091B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.employers.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="eig-20181231.xsd#eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_9507DD04489D49572DD5C956317183E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTableTextBlock_AE1D5612FEACC8C10795C9563176B7DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_eig_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract_9507DD04489D49572DD5C956317183E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTableTextBlock_AE1D5612FEACC8C10795C9563176B7DD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>





