Laws on medical-marijuana use are influencing court decisions on workplace drug policies. A panel of lawyers has outlined four points employers should know, including that more courts are ruling in favor of medical-marijuana users who sue employers after being fired for failing a drug test.

Millennial employees are encouraging leaders to look beyond filling diversity quotas and instead focus on involving minorities in meaningful roles within the organization. Asking for employee feedback about inclusion efforts also can ensure the company is moving in the right direction regarding diversity.

Full-time and part-time employees with diabetes cost US employers $20.4 billion annually through unplanned missed workdays, according to a report released by Gallup and Sharecare to coincide with World Diabetes Day this week. Sharecare Vice President Sheila Holcomb said employers can partner with the medical community to offer diabetes education and training for employees.

Companies have many HR technology options, though oftentimes the product is driving processes rather than the other way around, says Brian Kropp, HR practice leader at Gartner. "I think the most interesting thing in this space is companies trying to get a better understanding and sentiment about their employees that doesn't come from a survey," Kropp says.

The National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will soon issue guidance aimed at helping employers maintain open workplace communication without being accused of unlawful harassment and bias.