Sixty percent of employers have told workers about the benefits of vaccines, 35% have created vaccination policies and 23% will facilitate vaccine administration, according to a Willis Towers Watson survey. In addition, 2 in 10 employers are incentivizing vaccines, predominantly via leave, and 23% are either considering or planning to mandate vaccines for those returning to workplaces.

Walmart is making more of its workforce full time and said 66% of its US store hourly jobs will be full time, up from 53% five years ago, by Jan. 31. The move is in response to improved worker retention as well as the lower need for staffing at odd hours due to higher at-home deliveries.

Many Americans were stressed by their finances before the pandemic, and the past year has increased the pressure for some, which can affect mental and physical health, says licensed clinical social worker Angie Radford. "You want to think of ways that these economic challenges can really motivate you to find healthier ways to deal with this stress," Radford says.

Working from home comes with distinct stressors, particularly when technology doesn't work as it should. Licensed social worker Melanie Shmois offers several suggestions to relieve stress, including planning the day while leaving room for flexibility in case of unforeseen events and blocking off time to respond to messages rather than replying immediately.

SmartBrief has compiled a list of resources to help employers tackle worker burnout, which spans burnout in the workplace, mental health and wellness, and content specifically addressing the health care sector. The resources "sum up what burnout looks like at work, why it's bad for people and organizations, and what some of the remedies are," editor James daSilva explains.

I have a heart for student-athletes, in particular those with difficult home lives. I’ve worked with some helping them in school or getting ready for college. My struggle, though, in every case is knowing how to temper my compassion. My empathy for them can run so deep that it clouds my judgment and makes it hard for me to deliver stern direction -- the one thing they need from me.

I understand Mary in today’s Leadership & Development story about strength and compassion. I’m her. Laila Tarraf offers wise counsel when she outlines the four components of blended leadership. I have room to grow in each.

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