Eager to Return to a (Small) Office

Guess who’s back at the office full-time: employees of small companies. Indeed, workers at these firms are three times more likely to be working at the office than their peers at larger organizations. Korn Ferry examines why firm size might have a disproportionate impact on the return-to-office debate. Also, the latest Briefings Podcast delves into how cruise lines and other services have succeeded in making themselves exciting to young people who once shunned them. Plus, how to artfully switch bosses without leaving your current employer.

1) Return to Office: Big at Small Firms?

If you’re a leader who really wants your employees at the office full-time, there may be a new solution: Join a small firm.

According to new data, firms with fewer than 5,000 employees are nearly three times as likely (23% versus 8%) to require full-time attendance as firms with more than 25,000 employees. Experts say the figures suggest smaller firms can create such requirements because their return-to-office efforts—unlike those of larger firms—appear to be succeeding.

In particular, experts say, the data suggests that smaller firms do a better job of establishing a sense of common purpose. 

Read the full article here.

2) Briefings Podcast: A Brand-New Brand for Gen Z

In a remarkable branding shift, the cruise industry has found a way to attract Gen Zers, almost 70% of whom now express interest in sea travel. Two experts discuss how cruise lines and other businesses are changing to attract younger groups.

Watch the podcast here.

How to Switch Bosses: Five Ways

It’s a common tale: The company is great—the boss, less so. Some surveys say that this situation will eventually drive as many as six in ten people to quit.

Is there another way? Most employees assume that trying to leave might upset the boss, not to mention result in low employee review scores. But some coaches and HR experts say continuing to underperform is no answer.

This, they say, is a moment that calls for strategy. Here are five moves to consider.

Read the full article here.

 Other Must-Reads from Korn Ferry

How Much Is Too Much? - Dining costs are up 29% since 2019, but consumers keep paying. What corporate leaders can take from this “new normal” buying behavior. 

5 Clichés to Keep Off Your Résumé - With job searches becoming so difficult in this economy, experts say vague language won’t get past most firms’ candidate filters.

Listen, Learn, Then Lead - Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison says leaders need to be better active listeners.

Check out Briefings, our bimonthly national magazine, for in-depth and unusual looks at critical leadership issues.