The pandemic and remote working are fueling a trend in asynchronous working, where people can work at times that best suit their own personal productivity instead of traditional business hours. "The pandemic has awakened everyone to the idea that there are 24 hours in the day and not all humans work to their optimal best at the same time," says Joanna Howes, a leadership coach.

With more organizations deciding whether to return to the office or maintain flexible work protocols, leaders are voicing concern that indefinite flexibility means they or their organizations will lose control, culture, collaboration, contribution and connection. This article outlines how smart planning can keep all five intact.

Health insurers' growing embrace of digital technology may be improving member engagement and satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's annual Commercial Member Health Plan Study, which found 36% of commercial plan members had used telehealth services and 32% had engaged with their plan in the past year using the web, a mobile app or text messaging. "The past year has proven without a doubt that effective use of digital channels has the power to increase customer engagement, build trust and promote brand advocacy," said James Beem, J.D. Power's managing director of global health care intelligence.

NASA's CONNECT approach is designed to help astronauts handle the mental stress of space and to reconnect and recover after they return to Earth -- an approach that could help millions of people returning to offices after time in isolation, writes Michael Lee Stallard, who explains the method. "The need for connection is not a one-time or short-term thing; connection should be the ongoing reality of how a team functions together," Stallard writes.