Flexible work is now a core benefit as burnout and RTO resistance rise

By Alyssa Place, This is my expertise

Published February 5, 2026 2:30 PM EST Updated February 5, 2026 6:06 PM EST 4 Min Read

Key Insight: Discover how workplace flexibility has become a core retention and mental-health benefit.
What’s at Stake: Rigid return-to-office rules risk mass attrition and unequal impacts across workforce.
Supporting Data: 61% of workers would consider changing jobs if forced back to the office full-time.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

Editor-in-chief

Alyssa Place is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News and has been with the team since 2019. Her work covers mental health, DEI, women at work, financial wellness, retirement and workplace … Read full bio

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.

Workplace management Employee benefits

Benefits Think A major cause of burnout is hiding in plain sight

The CEO of Kolbe Corp. explains why burnout is an instinctive strengths mismatch, not a benefits problem.

September 3

David Kolbe

Kolbe Corp

Benefits Think The mental health agenda has changed, most benefits systems haven’t

Today's complex stressors require clearer access pathways and a company-wide commitment to mental health support.

September 2

Deb Smolensky

NFP

Employee benefits

Childcare is a growing workplace problem. Here’s what employers can do

Childcare issues are putting pressure on working parents and employers alike. Here's what benefit leaders should know about costs, tax credits and care.

By Jimmy Nesbitt

Reporter

Employee Benefits News

August 28

Young teacher and toddlers playing meals using plastic food and cutlery toy at kindergarten.

Diversity and equality

The compliance risks to watch out for this back-to-school season

Establishing policies that help with stressors like commuting logistics and finding after-school care can avoid disruption of in-office expectations.

By Paola Peralta

Associate Editor

Employee Benefit News

August 25

Workforce management

Q&A: Aflac’s Matthew Owenby is watching burnout closely

The 2026 Excellence in Benefits winner is leading the insurance company's efforts to close the preventative care gap and personalize the employee experience.

By Danielle Lee

Editor-in-Chief