The risk of drug and alcohol addiction among women has spiked 65% since September and their risk of sleep apnea also has increased 126% over the past 10 months, according to the latest Mental Health Index from Total Brain. The report also shows that, for workers overall, the risk of depression is up 66% since the beginning of the pandemic, and Total Brain CEO Louis Gagnon advises employers to invest in both the physical and mental well-being of their workforce.

The Department of Labor on Wednesday announced a final rule, taking effect in March, regarding the definition of independent contractors. The rule covers two core factors for employers to consider, with three backup factors available should those not apply.

The Department of Labor reported on Thursday that first-time unemployment claims totaled 787,000 for the week ending Jan. 2, a decrease from the 790,000 filed for the previous week. Data showed the number of people in all unemployment compensation programs decreased to 19.2 million.

Constant change at work and the continuing uncertainty of the pandemic are causing stress, burnout and lost productivity, which means HR and other leaders need to encourage trust and peer bonding along with traditional steps like employee assistance programs. "We also want to ensure that people are open and don't feel scared about saying that 'this is too much' or 'I'm overwhelmed,' " says Armaan Seth, HR head at Syngenta Asia Pacific.

Two old chairs disappeared from the driveway of two New Mexico college students just before the holidays, but it turns out they weren't stolen, just borrowed by an unknown party to add a paint job and new seats. The chairs were returned with a note extolling the virtues of good deeds, says student Conrad Duran.

I'm a girl from Maui -- with a weakness for chocolate, pinot noir and sports -- covering the latest news and trends in the workforce and K-20 education.

Success in an organization isn't a matter of luck. It's the product of consistency and intentional work. NBA champion Kevin Garnett said it best: "I don't play to sweat, I play to win."

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