| If you start to type the words "new normal" into the Google search bar, it offers to auto-populate with "new normal covid," "new normal life," "new normal 2021," to name a few. As headlines this week shifted to coverage of the Omicron variant from the Delta variant of COVID-19, employer vaccine mandates have again come into question with New York City announcing a rollout while the Senate symbolically voted to overturn the Biden administration's mandate. While this political fighting (also a "new normal"?) goes on, remote or hybrid work continues for many as a "new normal," as does the question around how employers can best support employees in that environment. This week's Top Reads dive into all of the above and more. Be well! –Kacey Larsen, Workplace Wellness Insider Editor TOP READS More articles. Visit our website for additional trend stories, research, case studies and more. STAT OF THE WEEK 
The latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index, reporting findings from a survey of 500 employers from companies with two to 10,000 employees across a span of industries, shows employee benefits continue to be critical in both recruitment and retention. Childcare support made its first appearance as an additional key benefit tool for employee attraction.
RESOURCES OF THE WEEK The Role of the Communicator. In the fall of 2021, Ragan Communications partnered with research consultancy HarrisX to conduct the CEO-Communicators Competencies survey. The findings reveal how CEOs and Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) view the other's role and responsibilities plus what they value most in their interactions. The full report shows where these leaders align and differ.
Ragan's Top Case Studies in Employee Communications & Culture. The case studies Ragan Communications has compiled in this book run the gamut of communications challenges in the year of the COVID-19 pandemic—from staying in touch via intranet and email in the age of working from home, to championing diversity and empowerment in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and the unrest that followed. You’ll discover how dozens of organizations took on unique challenges and thrived. UPCOMING How to Improve Your Organization's Mental Health Initiatives & Outcomes
On Demand - In partnership with Virgin Pulse The Virtual Cultural Dilemma: Are Your Managers Ready to Shape & Reshape Culture in a Hybrid World?
On Demand - In partnership with Peppercomm | 
