As the world reaches the grim milestone of more than 1 million coronavirus fatalities, empathy is a critical skill for pandemic-era leaders -- and the rest of us as well. A lack of empathy is what leads us to dismiss risks and problems we feel only apply to others (like minority communities and the elderly, or in the case of leaders, staff members) as unimportant. Exercises that increase empathy can not only increase your understanding of others' experiences, but help prepare you for future challenges as well.

There's a difference between declaring your beliefs and being so reckless on social media that you alienate customers, employees and the public -- and harm your employer or business in the process -- writes Inspire PR Group founder Hinda Mitchell. "Any post that at face value is insensitive to a vulnerable population right now or to the public's conflicted feelings about major social issues is an unnecessary and inappropriate risk," she writes.

One in five working mothers are thinking about leaving their jobs, at least on a temporary basis, compared to 11% of working fathers, according to the "2020 Women in the Workplace" study by Lean In and McKinsey & Company. Some 15% of women say they're considering downshifting their careers and Lean In's Rachel Thomas says the pandemic might take the progress made in gender equality and "wipe it out in a single year."

The open-plan office might become a thing of the past as the pandemic spurs a complete rethink of workplaces and employers move toward greater flexibility, remote working and spaces that afford social-distancing options. Nationwide is introducing temporary "hoteling" workspaces and REI is selling its flagship Seattle headquarters before it's ever been used in favor of flexibility and satellite locations.

Airline employees are making it personal as time runs out for Congress to extend payroll support that would keep them on the job, appearing in media interviews and saying tearful goodbyes to passengers. "There's a lot of innocent people whose lives are being held in the balance and we're all on the precipice right now," said Annette Hala, a United Airlines flight attendant.

Lawsuits against employers are emerging from employees who claim they contracted the coronavirus at work and brought it home, spreading it to their families. The cases follow precedents set by "take home" asbestos suits, and risk analysis firm Praedicat estimates that if US deaths during the pandemic reach 300,000, the cost of such lawsuits could be up to $21 billion.

Most people associate Airbnb with traveling and booking accommodation, but the site has long allowed users to book experiences. Airbnb has now upped its game when it comes to virtual Field Trips. There is a cost associated with most of these experiences, but some of them seem like a great deal (A one-hour walking tour of Pompeii with an archaeologist for $18 ain't bad). The Bill Nye Field Trip is already sold out, but don't be surprised of Airbnb offers another one.