Many businesses are starting to alert employees that it soon will be time to return to the office, and Kastle Systems data shows that office occupancy has moved upward after dipping in January. Many companies are reopening with some level of flexibility or remote work for employees.

Empathy and encouragement should guide return-to-office communication to mitigate tension in the transition, business professor Adam Galinsky says. Describe safety protocols or ventilation improvements, acknowledge that it won't be an overnight change and emphasize social and career benefits, Galinsky recommends.

Companies are realizing that hiring and retention are not just about the skills people have, but the skills they're willing to develop -- and paying for their continuing education has become a savvy employer investment. Employees who develop a broader range of skills have more opportunities for advancement, and Mary Elizabeth Elkordy, president of PR firm Elkordy Global Strategies, says "facilitat[ing] a passion ... can help your bottom line."

Struggling or uncreative teams are likely that way because leadership is micromanaging and won't set priorities, much less welcome direct and genuine feedback, writes Art Petty. "You need near-real-time input from people who trust you enough to tell you when your behaviors are shoving people into coping mode," Petty writes.

Thanks to a hashtag created by Andrea Guzman Mesa, a Ph.D. candidate in astrophysics, women in STEM were trending on Twitter in Colombia for several days. Using #spamdecientificas -- meaning female scientist spam -- women in STEM shared photos of themselves and their work to boost visibility and call attention to issues of representation in STEM fields.

I’m sitting at the table on my deck, editing this brief and listening to the water in my pond and watching the ducks swim. Next to me is my breakfast -- an omelet stuffed with baby bell peppers, diced tomatoes and onions, topped with avocado and paired with slices of baguette grilled with olive oil. A jar of kimchi is here too. It’s peaceful.

But I’m very aware that on the other side of the world, life is anything but peaceful right now. Like many of you, I’ve been watching the Russia-Ukraine crisis as it unfolds. My spirit aches for what’s happening. I close my eyes to say grace for my breakfast and add a quick petition for an end to the conflict and courage for the citizens of those countries.

I’ll continue watching and praying throughout the weekend. Until Monday, dear readers, be safe and enjoy your families and loved ones. Aloha!

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