The Federal Reserve says the employment cost index climbed 0.6% in the second quarter compared with the past three months, a slowing rate of increase that could suggest little inflation risk. Wage growth is flat, meaning employers have restrained labor costs.

Companies that wish to promote work-life balance have to create the right atmosphere at work, not only offer perks that employees use when they are away from the office.

Employers can help workers manage their medical bills and debt by showing them how to get the most out of their insurance benefits and offering support services and voluntary benefits, said PinnacleCare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Miles Varn. Offering health savings and flexible spending accounts can help employees budget for expenses, Varn said, and second opinion services and billing advocates can provide additional support.

The rush to open-office workplace designs is slowing, write Susan Hogan, John Lucker, Robbie Robertson and Flavie Schafer, citing research that employees do not care for it and it has not improved collaboration or productivity. The authors discuss new trends in office design and three pitfalls organizations should avoid when planning their workspaces.

Cybersecurity risks are on the rise, in part because of flexible and remote working arrangements and internet of things technology, and HR must have a hand in security processes, advises Ralf Sydekum. "HR teams have a vital part to play in ensuring all employees are engaged, that they have bought into the importance of securing the business's IT infrastructures and that they understand the consequences of not complying with security protocols," he writes.