Letting employees watch the NCAA Tournament can improve worker attitudes, according to a survey by Randstad US. Eighty-nine percent of workers say participating in workplace activities related to March Madness improves morale, and 73% of workers say they enjoy work more during the tournament.

Companies can get a better handle on employee attitudes and gauge when valued workers are contemplating leaving by taking advantage of data that are easily available. Anne Loehr explains how it's done by looking for telltale signs in things such as hours worked and changes in LinkedIn profiles.

Mental health issues among employees or their family members cost US employers almost $200 billion yearly in lost earnings, but some companies still do not include mental wellness in their health programs, said Kevin Fischer, executive director of the Michigan Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Fischer said part of the problem is the stigma surrounding mental health, but he thinks mental illness and wellness should be discussed at every company and home.

Innovation and agility are more likely in a work environment where employees know they can express opposing views, new ideas and even mistakes without fear of retaliation, writes Julie Winkle Giulioni. "The more opportunities others have to contribute their thoughts, the more opportunities they have to learn that it's safe -- and maybe even fun and productive," she writes.