An ADP report released Wednesday showed private payrolls rose 117,000 in February, compared with 195,000 jobs recorded for January. "The labor market continues to post a sluggish recovery across the board," said ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson.

Fifty-two percent of workers are in favor of vaccines being made compulsory by employers, up from 49% in December, and 57% support vaccine incentives, according to an Eagle Hill Consulting study. The research found increasing support among workers for mandatory safety policies by employers, such as masks, testing, social distancing and temperature checks.

Robert Hicks writes that a recent global survey of HR leaders showed employees want benefits that are relevant to their changing needs, not just perks such as parties and giveaways. "Employees need holistic and well-rounded well-being support now more than ever, and HR teams must respond to these needs, whether in the form of physical and mental wellness resources, social justice initiatives or opportunities for human connection," Hicks writes.

HR teams should look for technology options that promote transparent communication, ongoing learning, "easy access to information and streamlined tools for getting things done," says Paylocity CEO Steve Beauchamp. "People make the difference in how well companies survive and thrive, and technology can play a big role in creating a positive work experience and giving leaders keen insights into what is really happening with their people," he says.

Quality listening takes time and practice to perfect, but it is an essential skill for leaders, asserts Megan Collins, former teacher and current educational consultant. In this commentary, Collins offers several suggestions, such as shifting from a reactive stance to a more receptive frame of mind and "[f]ocusing attention in the moment."

My granddaughter, Kalei, 7, is very sharp. She can tell if I’m distracted and not truly listening to her when she’s talking to me. She’ll stop talking and just stare at me until I look at her and she knows she has my full attention.

Being a good listener goes a long way toward building relationships, as we see in today’s HR Leader story. When we train our focus on the other person -- asking questions and holding back on giving our own perspective -- we convey that we’re locked in to what they’re saying. And this builds trust for the long term.

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