Many employers have instructed employees to return to the office, either full time or for a specified number of days per week. Despite employers’ efforts, many employees have refused to return to in-office work. In fact, numerous organizations, including large corporations like Amazon, Apple and Twitter, are currently struggling with workers refusing to follow return-to-office (RTO) orders. Employee refusals have caused some organizations to change course and soften RTO orders, while others have doubled down on their efforts to have employees return, threatening to terminate those who don’t.

The concept of a four-day workweek isn’t new, but it’s gained traction as the COVID-19 pandemic caused increasing numbers of employees to work remotely some or all the time. A 2022 survey by professional services company Ernst & Young found that nearly half (40%) of surveyed companies had or were in the process of implementing a four-day workweek.

Employee engagement is the commitment an employee has to an organization and its’ goals. Employee engagement is crucial for an organization to perform at peak productivity and keep employees satisfied. Prioritizing employee engagement can help employers facilitate organizational growth and meet workers’ ever-changing desires to attract and retain employees.

Employee handbooks are important tools for establishing employee expectations, addressing workplace issues and defending against potential lawsuits. Failing to update employee handbooks regularly can make employers vulnerable to legal risks and liabilities, resulting in costly fines, penalties and attorneys’ fees. Employment laws are often complicated, and employers need to be aware of any new regulatory developments that may impact their organizations and workforce.