macos apps launch in background

When I am already using an app and launch another one, one would expect it to appear "on top" of the one I am currently using, though it does not - it appears "under" all other open apps. Recently, for a while, this fixed itself, but now again new apps are nowhere to be seen until I view all open apps one way or another.

Is there a way to ensure new apps appear "on top" of existing apps?

Thanks! MMM