Google informed employees in the San Francisco Bay Area that it's easing rules related to testing, vaccines, social distancing and mask-wearing as it prepares to welcome staff back to offices three days per week. The company also is restoring on-site perks and amenities, and has dropped its vaccine mandate.

Leaders can employ "conversational currency" to retain employees and improve culture by making authentic dialogue with individuals a regular practice, writes Ragan Consulting Group's Kristin Graham. "Respect can't be found on an intranet page. It can only be delivered and received in a personal way," Graham writes.

Companies resuming business travel should determine what trips are necessary, understand other countries' restrictions, determine which employees have the least chance of contracting the illness and have a plan for when traveling employees get sick or have to quarantine, write Willis Towers Watson's Dr. Jeff Levin-Scherz, Dr. Patricia Toro and Dr. Siupo Becker. "Employees should initiate a business trip only if they are feeling well," they write.

Pre-pandemic workforce management systems were aimed at tasks such as scheduling and reporting, but post-pandemic tools will need to meet the needs of hybrid workforces, flexible schedules and remote training. "Right now, people are stitching things together here and there," says IDC executive Ritu Jyoti.

Candidates interviewing for senior roles in an organization should be able to clearly articulate their vision, name three leaders they've coached or mentored, and describe how they'll lead in a changing environment, writes Michael Useem, director of the Wharton Center for Leadership and Change Management. It's also worth questioning board directors, as well as managers who know the finalists, Useem writes.

“Are we there yet?”

That question echoed in my head as I read today’s lead story about Google’s return-to-office plans. The search engine giant is bringing back massages, reopening its fitness center and informal spaces, and restoring its shuttle service for commuting employees, among other amenities. It’s also dropping its vaccination mandate and relaxing its mask policies.

I find this encouraging. Are we back to pre-pandemic norms? No. But we are much further along than we were a year ago or even six months ago. We’re emerging from our homes and masks and starting to live again – exchanging hugs, traveling and attending conferences. And planning return to offices.

That’s progress. I like it.

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