Links You Can Use: October 1-5

Is "a few weeks" too short a time for maternity leave? Does the convenience of mobile devices outweigh their possible security risks? When it comes to violent workplace incidents, are there always warning signs or do people "just snap?" All these questions—plus more—get addressed in this week's Links You Can Use.

Yahoo's CEO Marissa Mayer announced she would take only a few weeks of maternity leave, and one blogger weighs in on whether this level of commitment would set unrealistic expectations for working mothers. (Slate Blog)

Employees bringing their own mobile devices to work may be convenient, but the practice comes with certain security risks. This article outlines the pros and cons. (BusinessWeek)

The average number of doctor visits per year has gone down in the past decade, which can be attributed to population trends and access to health insurance. (New York Times)

Workplace violence has become a growing concern due to a recent flurry of incidents involving disgruntled employees. Check out this interview with a psychiatrist on the subject, as well as our own expert opinion about identifying early warning signs for disturbing or inappropriate behavior at work. (CBS News)

Interested in improving your communication skills? Here are three great tips for "managing transactions, developing relationships, and handling crises." (Sustainable Business Forum)

* The opinions expressed at these linked websites do not reflect the opinions of Harris, Rothenberg International, Inc. (HRI). HRI is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information reflected on these sites.