The four-day workweek is back in the spotlight. Microsoft Japan last week announced that its experiment with the arrangement boosted productivity, according to Bloomberg. Shake Shack, likewise, announced in an earnings call Monday an expansion of its four-day workweek program — an effort to improve retention.

While the four-day workweek may not be realistic for most employers today, workers are increasingly expecting some form of flexibility, whether that's compressed workweeks or telecommuting opportunities. The stories below delve into how these benefits already have impacted employment, and what HR needs to think about to stay ahead of the curve.