The pandemic has accelerated interest in four-day workweeks, but careful planning must go into these models for them to succeed for companies and workers. There are different models to consider, and employees must get used to a different rhythm of working.

A new Center for Retirement Research of Boston College paper found that a strong economy does slightly boost the number of retired people returning to the workforce, but it's not enough to solve the current labor shortage. The paper estimated the economic boom will draw 300,000 retirees back into the workforce, well short of the 4 million worker shortage.

On average, women have 30% less saved than men when they retire, according to TIAA data. Employers can help women overcome that shortfall by giving them the option of rolling their 401(k) balances into an annuity that will help them spread out their savings and manage their expenses, says Shelly Ann Eweka, senior director of financial planning at TIAA.

HR departments should invest in technology with "a clear and concise strategy" that matches business strategy and values, writes Dan Staley of PwC. Both Staley and WorkTech founder George LaRocque advise companies to be careful about vendor selection, with LaRocque urging leaders to ask their networks for input, request product demos and explore "the vendor's approach to solving problems and specifically who you'll be dealing with after the contract is signed."

Leaders must recognize whether they are dealing with an interdependent, aligned team or with a group of people chasing independent goals -- a distinction that can sometimes change based on context, writes Susan Fowler. "If you think you're leading a team, but it's a group of individuals, you could be neglecting the one-to-one leadership individuals in the group need from you," Fowler writes.

I like reading biographies of people from all cultural and political backgrounds. Years ago, I read Condoleezza Rice’s biography and was fascinated by her relationship with Madeleine Albright (Albright’s father had been Rice’s professor and mentor when she was a student at the University of Denver). The two women sat on opposite sides of the political table but were friends and had a deep respect for one another. I enjoyed the story Rice told of the time when Albright called her to ask her to join Michael Dukakis’ presidential campaign. Rice’s response was classic.

"Madeleine, I don't know how to tell you this," Rice answered. "I'm a Republican."

Ms. Albright passed away yesterday. People will remember her for different accomplishments -- first female Secretary of State, escaping war-torn Europe as a child -- but what I remember is how she was able to have relationships with people who had a different worldview from her. She could see them as people and not simply political rivals. If there was ever a time in history when we need this skill, it’s now.

Rest in peace, Ms. Albright. And thank you.

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