Leaders who hire a coach should be clear on their goals, be willing to explore new possibilities and try new things, and speak up if they need more than the coach is giving, writes executive coach Elisabeth Hayes, who offers advice from several other coaches. "The real work of coaching happens between sessions and a commitment to reflection solidifies that learning," says Anna Alvarez Boyd of Executive Horizons.

Negativity in the workplace can be a source of burnout and attrition if not handled by leaders, who need to check if they could be the source of gossip or even "toxic positivity" that sweeps problems under the rug, writes Britney Cole. "You can flip this dynamic on its head by asking people how they are doing, what problems they are facing, what's their biggest challenge," Cole writes.

From world-class athletes and artists to everyday folks tackling a task at work or on the home front, experts have long argued that experiencing "flow" can enhance a person's performance. However, how to achieve "flow" or get "in the zone" has long been a mystery ... until now. Researchers at Yale have developed a mathematical theory of flow that, with the tweaking of a few variables here and there, can be used to boost performance in almost any task.

The six small-business winners of a national health plan innovation award successfully reconfigured their health insurance offerings to be more flexible, expand care access and reduce patient costs. Implementing ideas such as relationship-based direct primary care and direct contracts with local hospital systems also allowed employers to lower their own costs.

Understanding workplace demographic data and shaping benefits programs accordingly with perks such as floating holidays can boost inclusivity, according to WoMENAIT CEO Sepideh Nasiri. Education opportunities like conferences and external mentorships as well as investment in mental health care can also improve work culture.

Badge swipes and desk reservation software are being used by large organizations to track attendance, especially as companies try to get employees back into offices. "I've been on the circuit with a bunch of HR professionals, and one of the questions they always ask is, 'How can we confirm people are working when they're not in the office?'" says Zach Dunn of hybrid work platform Robin.

The joy of pickleball is so contagious that stories about local governments using American Rescue Plan Act funds to build new courts have gone viral!