Two in five office workers intend to resign and seek new roles as a result of how their employer has managed the pandemic, according to a December survey from SilkRoad Technology and OnePoll. The survey found 86% of executives said their employer had shown commitment to employees during 2020, compared with more than half of workers who wanted more support.

Just 19% of American workers are highly resilient, according to an ADP Research Institute study, which shows such employees feel they are trusted and able to work independently. Employers can encourage resiliency by focusing more on outcomes over hours worked, matching employees to tasks they love doing and building trust with leadership through weekly check-ins.

Female executives should be given the opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of female leaders, especially during the pandemic, when employees are feeling more anxious and isolated and they lack traditional workplace support systems, writes Alper Portfolio Group President Patty Alper. Employers can create project-based mentoring programs during the pandemic to enable women executives to share "best practices and encouragement in a non-judgmental and safe environment," Alper suggests.

Forty-five percent of US adults have thought about seeking treatment for mental health because of the pandemic, and 88% report mental health symptoms, such as difficulty with sleeping or feelings of hopelessness, according to a Vida Health survey. "As a company leader, if you hear that your employee is struggling, then try to strategize with them -- move a timeline, redelegate some work," says Inspire Human Resources' Jaime Klein.

Companies can improve workplace culture through a renovation program that builds on their history and values, instead of attempting a total transformation, writes i4cp co-founder and CEO Kevin Oakes. Oakes outlines five key steps for successful culture renovation, including analyzing workforce sentiment, identifying employee ambassadors and empowering employees to be part of the process.

A Hawaii girl -- raised on poi, kalua pig and the Makaha Sons -- covering the workforce and K-20 education.

Role players. Often operating in the shadows of their superstar counterparts, these high-output individuals help drive championships. Their work is solid and consistent; they make excellent teammates; and they are comfortable standing back and letting others shine. "A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player," said John Wooden, legendary UCLA men's basketball head coach.

How are you supporting the role players on your team? What are you doing to keep them engaged and growing? Let me know. Drop me a line at kanoe.namahoe@futurenet.com.