What we’re watching this week: 3/15/21

The vaccine rollout and the anniversary of the start of the pandemic continue to dominate the news. As the United States passes the 100-million-vaccine marker, here’s what else we’re keeping tabs on this week:

Office opinions

Now that all Americans will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by May 1, companies are doubling down on their approaches to how, when, and in what capacity they should reopen their offices. But the crux of the issue may be whether employees really want to return—and what companies should do about that dilemma:

– A Fortune poll found that 4 in 10 people would prefer a hybrid model that mixes remote work and office face time.

– Korn Ferry takes a look at the long road corporate leaders may have in convincing their employees to come back to the office.

– As early as last fall, BCG was making the case for a hybrid work model.

One year in

Late last week marked the one-year anniversary of the pandemic in the United States. Many businesses have taken a moment to pause and reflect on lessons learned:

– McKinsey & Company investigates the four acts of the 2020 stock market saga and what may happen in capital markets going forward.

– Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison discusses why, a year in, he and others are feeling an unexpected emotion: joy.

– CNBC examines how 15 American workers are coping with the pandemic one year later.

When pop culture resonates

Part of the reason many of us are still buzzing about the Oprah interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—in which Meghan Markle spoke candidly about her suicidal thoughts and the institutional racism she experienced from the British monarchy—is that it drove home the point that these large issues affect people of all walks of life: even those who live in castles and have long, complicated histories:

The New York Times highlights how Markle’s decision to speak about her suicidal thoughts has already changed the conversation around suicide.

Slate writers Julia Craven and Rachelle Hampton dissect the imperial legacy of institutions and the limits of representation.

– The BBC considers the art of the TV interview and how Oprah’s deft navigation upended expectations.

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