Companies such as Uber and Amazon, and industry groups including the National Waste & Recycling Association and the Consumer Brands Association, are lobbying for their workers to quickly receive COVID-19 vaccinations and have expressed concern about a piecemeal approach from federal and state lawmakers. "We ask that you continue to provide federal leadership to state and local leaders and reinforce the need to provide early vaccine access for essential critical infrastructure workers, including rideshare drivers and delivery people," wrote Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi to President-elect Joe Biden.

Parents going back to work after a new baby face a unique set of challenges including child care, productivity and professional development gaps. Benefits like paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, virtual school assistance, coaching and other support can make the transition easier and help employers retain talent.

Some states are creating policies to require most employers to provide retirement plans, and a group of researchers is pushing for a nationwide policy, all in an effort to boost employee financial wellness. "There's a significant gap in access to workplace retirement plans because employers in the United States are not required to offer a retirement savings plan to their employees, and we know that they are much more likely to save if they have that access -- as much as 15 times more likely," said researcher Angela Antonellli.

Workshops for Warriors has partnered with companies like Ford, Boeing and General Dynamics in a successful program that has placed thousands of former military personnel into meaningful jobs. To help fill a growing number of manufacturing jobs, the program offers an accredited STEM program and industry-related skills.

Increase your influence as a leader by creating a strategic vision and making decisions that move it forward while forming relationships needed for success, writes Joel Garfinkle. "Conviction, even enthusiasm, signals to others that you are setting out on the right path; you give people the ability to embrace change when you first embrace it yourself," he writes.