The expectations of mutual commitment that once anchored work have frayed, as employers offer less long-term stability and employees change jobs more often. Flexibility is key to both sides: Workers want more control over when, where and how they work, while companies seek the best ways to weather volatile markets, rapid technology changes and soaring benefit costs. Our exploration asks what happens when both sides are redefining how work fits their needs — and defines pathways for organizations based on models that work. How are employers restructuring work to add value to the bottom line as well as attract and retain talent, from recent graduates to seasoned executives?
The Kenan Institute’s annual Grand Challenge is a concerted yearlong effort to examine and drive solutions to the most pressing issues facing business and the economy. Explorations of these topics deliver insights that shape policy, strengthen America’s workforce and promote business growth.
The Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellows, appointed on an annual basis, comprise an exemplary set of global scholars committed to leveraging their individual expertise, thought leadership, research and networks to further the institute’s efforts to examine – and drive solutions to – the most complex and timely issues facing business and the economy today. The 2026 Distinguished Fellows work to support the Kenan Institute’s exploration of balancing workplace demands.
The Kenan Institute’s annual Grand Challenge is a concerted yearlong effort to examine and drive solutions to the most pressing issues facing business and the economy.
Explorations of these topics deliver insights that shape policy, strengthen America’s workforce and promote business growth.
