Private payrolls for January dropped by 301,000 jobs, according to ADP, well below the Dow Jones estimate of a 200,000 job gain. The last time there was a net job loss was in December 2020, according to ADP's data.

Firms could take several steps to encourage workers to stay, including implementing strategies for training older employees and ensuring managers are more proactive, consultants say.

A report by Guardian Life Insurance indicates a gap between employers' beliefs about their well-being programs and how workers feel about them. "Employers have a real opportunity to close the perception gap by revisiting how they support employee well-being and helping their workers more fully utilize the benefits they already provide," says Chris Smith of Guardian's group benefits unit.

There is a misconception that good tech jobs are only for people with advanced STEM careers, and it discourages many aspiring tech professionals from pushing forward, explains CompTIA President and CEO Todd Thibodeaux. To close this so-called "confidence gap," Thibodeaux says employers need "to open the door to more candidates with nontraditional backgrounds, and ... parents and role models [need] to encourage all young people to look at opportunities in tech when they think about their career options."

Organizational progress on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is everyone's job, but that doesn't negate HR's crucial role in employee engagement and rewriting processes for hiring, development and promotions, writes Robinhood executive Cynthia Owyoung. "If C-suite leaders truly believe that people are their most valuable asset, it's ironic that HR is notorious for being under-resourced," Owyoung writes.

It was Senior Night, the final game our seniors would play for their high school. The starting five were all seniors, including Ethan, a student with special needs. When the ball tipped off, I watched him -- nervous but determined -- drop back into the three position to defend his goal. His teammates tried to get him the ball to shoot but to no avail. Finally after about 4-5 minutes, Ethan was subbed out.

But his night wasn’t over. With four minutes left on the clock, Ethan got back in. We were down but the boys were determined that their teammate would get a chance to score. They found every way to get the ball to him so he could shoot. In the stands, rows of students had their phones up ready to capture the big moment. Ethan's first two shots hit rim but bounced off. The crowd groaned for him.

But then that third shot – SWISH! A beautiful, perfect arc from the three-point line caught net. The gym explodes in cheers. Students were on their feet shouting and clapping. I shot out of my seat, screaming. At the bottom of the bleachers, Ethan’s mother was jumping and flapping her arms.

And then he did it again -- another three pointer. The crowd loses it and I’m in tears (ugly tears, folks. My mask was soaked.). The clock ticks down the final seconds and it’s over. The bench clears as all the players rush their teammate. Ethan is all smiles as they surround him, roaring and clapping his back.

Belonging matters, as discussed in today’s HR Leader story. It changes team culture. When people know they belong, they can “contribute their best selves" and "fulfill their potential” as Cynthia Owyoung writes. Ethan knows he belongs. I’ve watched this team all season. He has authentic relationships with his teammates. And knowing he belongs helps him play his heart out when he gets in.

How are you supporting belonging in your organization? Let me know! And huge thanks to those of you who write me to offer ideas and encouragement. I’m truly honored.