In this episode of the HR in Review Podcast, we explore why companies are asking for their employees to return to the office and also discuss how organisations can encourage a better work-life balance.Kate also stresses the importance of ensuring all employees have equal opportunities for advancement, despite working a 4 or 5-day working week.Guest: Kate PalmerIs a thought leader in HR and employment law; and a Director of HR Advice and Consultancy at global employment law consultancy, Peninsula.She joined Peninsula in 2009 from a worldwide facility services company where she was Senior HR Manager. Her exploits included providing HR & employment law support to over 30 UK hospitals and dealing with high-profile NHS union cases—expertise she now brings to Peninsula clients.Today, she is involved in all aspects of HR and employment law advice and continues to develop Peninsula’s expert law advisors and ensures each client gets the answers they need every time they call.As an industry opinion leader, her expertise is sought after frequently. Her authoritative HR and employment law commentary is regularly featured on BBC TV and radio channels as well as in major publications such as The Times.Questions for Kate include:How do you think flexible working contributes to things like employee satisfaction and retention?How can policymakers support the widespread adoption of flexible working policies, whilst also advocating for work-life balance initiatives?How do you think a 4-day working week impacts company culture and things like team dynamics?Can you give examples of industries that might work better with a 4-day work week and some that might not work so well?Is there is a correlation between reduced working hours and improved mental health?Do you think a 4-day week would impact productivity? If so do you have any strategies that managers could employ to effectively measure and manage productivity?About HR in ReviewHR in Review is a podcast produced by the leading UK HR website www.hrreview.co.uk.HRreview provides news and advice on HR strategy and practice plus a host or related topics like recruitment, training, diversity, employment law, reward and wellbeing.Discover More Great HR Content at HRreviewSubscribe to HRreview’s Daily email newletter here: https://www.hrreview.co.uk/signupDiscover our online training courses for HR and more here: https://www.hrreview.co.uk/hrtrainingEnjoy more HR content from Inside HR, our exclusive webinar channel here: https://www.hrreview.co.uk/free-webinarsJoin Us on Social MediaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2061371/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HRreviewUKTwitter: https://twitter.com/hrreviewPinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/hrreview/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HrreviewCoUkGet in TouchTo provide feedback, suggest a speaker or find out about sponsoring a podcast, please email podcast@hrreview.co.uk