Public health officials are recommending people stay home if they feel sick, but for many workers doing so would create a hardship, Amanda Mull writes. Many Americans -- particularly those in the gig and service industries -- have no or limited paid sick leave, or could risk losing their job if their absence creates problems for their employer, Mull writes.

Mental health issues -- including sleep deprivation, depression and heavy alcohol and drug abuse -- plaguing the restaurant industry has prompted the start of some programs specially designed to help its workers. Ben's Friends is a support group with chapters in 12 cities geared toward restaurant professionals who battle substance abuse.

Employers should be using up-to-date technology to manage benefits, especially considering how many generations are actively working. "Technology can be used to create a strategic dashboard that can help businesses monitor the objectives that support their benefits," says Mark Skinner, president and CEO of Retirement and Benefits Partners.

A report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found an increase in six-year college-completion rates, with California, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Ohio posting the biggest bumps, compared with the past five cohort years. Eight states reported decreases in community-college completion rates, while 33 states reported an increase.

Train yourself to ask questions and listen deeply when someone catches you off guard with criticism, writes Marlene Chism. "Their defenses will go way down as they view you as a collaborator instead of a competitor," she writes.