Laptops increasingly have eliminated the boundaries between work and home -- even more than smartphones -- turning "many people's whole life into an office," Amanda Mull writes. Mull acknowledges that laptops are not inherently bad, but she notes the near-ubiquitous use of them has created a culture of hyperconnectedness that can affect personal lives and, in some cases, lead to burnout.

To avoid legal or reputational risks of hiring an employee of a competitor, clarify the desired traits of a new hire and know the relevant laws, experts say. Ask applicants about legal agreements with their current employers and why they want to leave, says Adrienne Cooper, chief people officer at FitSmallBusiness.com.

Coaching works best when it is personalized, and when coaches listen carefully to those they are leading, writes communication skills consultant Anne Teutschel. Martha Higgins, former Boston Private Bank chief HR officer, says, "Coaching is about helping people to be self-generating and self-correcting, cultivating habits and practices that make an impact and create change for a greater purpose."

EmployersRx, a group representing more than 500 employers, is advocating for prescription drug price reform, including increasing competition, placing drug price caps and improving price transparency. The group also is advocating for the use of generics and biosimilars, which they project could save more than $150 billion over 10 years.

With expanding marijuana legalization nationwide, employers should review and evaluate drug-testing programs, and supervisors should be trained to recognize impaired employees, asserts labor and employment attorney Richard Alaniz. A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that employees who tested positive for marijuana had 75% higher rates of absenteeism and had 85% more injuries.