The pandemic is accelerating alcohol and drug addiction with one-third of employees since March admitting to using drugs or alcohol while working, according to alcohol.org, and over 40 states report increased death rates because of opioid abuse. American Addiction Centers says addiction costs employers $740 billion each year in health care expenses and lost productivity, and Standard Insurance Company's Dan Jolivet offers advice on how employers can spot and help workers who might be struggling.

US employers can legally require workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with some exceptions on religious or medical grounds, but companies are likely to choose a voluntary route. "Companies could theoretically issue a mandate, but in the current political climate it is very unlikely they will do so," says Peter Meyers, a professor at George Washington University Law School.

The National Labor Relations Board has filed a complaint against Alphabet's Google, accusing the company of flouting labor laws by "interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights guaranteed in Section 7 of the Act." The complaint comes after a yearlong investigation prompted by fired employees, and a hearing will be held on April 12.

Some employers are replacing uncomfortable in-person training exercises with virtual reality -- and spurring enthusiasm for more training in the process, writes Lee Clifford. A human simulation specialist is behind the avatars of several characters who react in different ways as the employee tries to diffuse or redirect conflicts, and after the exercise, the human-as-avatar offers feedback and specific suggestions.

Good leaders have hard and soft skills, with the latter including creativity, persuasion and collaboration. This article discusses how leaders can nurture these and other critical skills.