There are no one-size-fits-all strategies for staying productive, Monique Valcour writes. Consider focus as a work in progress and regularly reframe tasks depending on their value and urgency.

The majority of US job seekers are concerned about work colleagues finding out about their searches, and less than half of US workers say they would tell their significant other about a job search, according to an Indeed report. "People may avoid telling each other these details because they don't necessarily want to create conflict with each other while they figure it out," said Copeland Coaching CEO Angela Copeland.

The nature of company holiday parties might be changing in light of recent sexual harassment scandals, Shana Lebowitz writes. This year, 11% of companies will not host a holiday party -- up from 4% in 2016 -- and about half of all companies having parties plan to serve alcohol.

More companies are realizing a lack of sleep leads to a lack of productivity, among other issues, and are implementing ways for employees to rest and to disconnect from work. Google has introduced sleep pods; Nike has created sleep and meditation areas; and marketing agency Reboot has allocated office space to tired employees and has cut off after-hours work email.

Mental preparation before negotiations should include knowing each party's endgame and considering creative ways to satisfy everyone, according to a 32-point checklist used by Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation. The checklist helps keep negotiators focused rather than distracted by their emotions or arbitrary considerations.

Scientists have found the fossil of an amphibious dinosaur named Halszkaraptor escuilliei, a Velociraptor relative that has ducklike features. The fossil was likely found in southern Mongolia, according to experts.