Some businesses may have to classify certain workers as employees instead of independent contractors under new rules being issued by the Department of Labor, and that could result in providing them benefits, writes Gene Marks, a CPA and owner of The Marks Group. To check whether a business' classification is on the right track, consider whether independent contractors are self-directed, do work that is outside the usual performed by employees, and typically work for another business or in their trade.

As employers warm to the idea of a hybrid workplace, possible uses of the metaverse are coming to the forefront, but Harold Li of ExpressVPN points out there are challenges. "Employees are concerned about what this means for their privacy, primarily the surveillance of their real-time location, screen monitoring and even eye tracking," Li said.

Fifty-eight percent of eligible employees are taking part in 401(k) plans, but most contributed less than $5,000 in 2021, according to Bank of America research. Millennials are less likely than their older counterparts to take part in these plans and tend to contribute less when they do participate.

To address a skills shortage, cybersecurity companies around the globe will partner with four universities to create a platform that will include practical training on technology. The Cyber Talent Hub, to be launched at year's end, will allow companies to train students on specific technologies that they will see during their tech careers.

Building and maintaining a company culture is the largest concern of HR professionals, with almost 60% of respondents citing it as a problem in the 2022 Identity of HR survey. The survey also found that empathy from managers is important because workers "don't leave companies -- they leave managers," says Lynne Oldham, chief people officer at Stash.