An average of 1.5 million Americans were absent from work each month in 2020 because of illness -- 45% higher than usual over the past two decades -- and absence because of child care issues soared 250%, according to an analysis of federal labor market survey data. The monthly average last year of employees missing work for unspecified reasons was 2.5 million, up from the 20-year average of 1.27 million.

New hires brought on during the pandemic miss out on hands-on training, in-person immersion and other experiences, but they can benefit from HR technology and being paired with a peer mentor in their first weeks. Augmented reality is being used by more companies, including Chobani, which is building a library of educational content for ongoing use.

Among President Joe Biden's first 17 executive actions were issues that affect employers, including increased COVID-19 protections such as testing and mask-wearing, and speeding up the vaccination rollout. Also, workplace discrimination protections have been strengthened regarding gender identity and sexual orientation.

A Moodbeam wristband that tracks the emotional well-being of workers is being tested by some employers in the UK to help them identify and support struggling remote employees. Other tech firms offering well-being solutions include San Francisco-based Modern Health, which connects workers to mental health resources and services via an app.

Leaders can lift up employees when they provide changes for connection, show them empathy and seek optimism, even within difficult situations, writes Scott Eblin. "Optimism grounded in rational analysis and a belief that good people working together can solve problems is a big thing that all teams will need from their leaders this year," Eblin writes.