The pandemic ushered in a softer leadership style, with companies offering maximum flexibility to help staff survive the crisis. Five years on, CEOs are charged with finding the new normal at work. Execs who once vulnerably delivered updates from kitchen tables—with pets and children in the background—are now mulling productivity and whether to summon workers back to the office.
Work-from-home policies aren’t the only tough decisions. Political shifts and economic headwinds are further muddying the waters. Many CEOs are considering whether to walk back DEI commitments, scale down cushy benefits, or trim down teams. Striking the right balance is tough: What’s best for productivity and the bottom line doesn’t always translate to higher employee morale and retention.
