Wages and benefits had the largest quarterly growth since December 2007 in the first quarter, according to the Labor Department's Employment Cost Index. Companies have had to increase wages for employees with skills in high demand, according to the Federal Reserve.

AARP has launched an online job board for professionals over the age of 50. The board "could be a really valuable tool for older job seekers and those looking to add workers with years, if not decades of experience," writes Rick Bell.

A Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce study found businesses in the Tennessee city lose some $500 million a year in productivity due to employees with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Barge Waggoner CEO Bob Higgins said people often spend more time at work than at home so company officials should create an office culture that improves employees' lives.

ING switched from individual revenue targets to giving sales staff a "wellness quotient," encouraging them to track their own fitness and get their clients to do the same. The company believes healthy workers get sick less and produce better sales results, and that wellness also can build customer loyalty.

Creating a more balanced workplace and distributing power more evenly can help leaders leverage the innate skills of all their employees, writes Naphtali Hoff. Other benefits include higher engagement levels, morale and overall performance.