Return-to-Office Is Failing - Here’s What HR Isn’t Saying...

People-first strategies are hitting roadblocks in most organizations — and the numbers prove it. HR leaders like the VP of People & Culture at Leapsome are on the front lines, navigating complex expectations from all sides while championing flexibility, inclusion, and a purpose behind policy. Leapsome’s 2025 HR Insights Report doesn’t just reveal the gap — it shows where HR needs to go next before talent walks out the door.

In this episode, we talk about HR insights, people-first strategies, return-to-office, workplace culture, and flexibility through the lens of Leapsome’s latest research. From broken DEI promises to the myth of productivity in the office, we unpack why HR is stuck — and what it’ll take to move forward.

Key Takeaways

➡ 92% of HR leaders face internal resistance on people-first strategies

➡ 56% feel pressure from executives to enforce return-to-office mandates

➡ 79% of employees say they’re more productive when choosing where they work

➡ 58% believe RTO policies hurt employees with disabilities

➡ One in three HR leaders expect DEI budget cuts in the next year

➡ Flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s now table stakes for engagement

➡ People-first initiatives only succeed when tied to business outcomes

➡ Return-to-office needs a clear, transparent rationale to gain support

➡ Designing work for engagement creates better employee experiences

➡ The future of HR depends on adaptability, inclusivity, and trust

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to People-First Strategies

03:22 – Understanding Internal Barriers in HR

06:19 – The Pressure of Return to Office Policies

09:16 – Designing Work for Employee Engagement

11:35 – The Importance of Intentionality in HR Policies

13:13 – Exploring Creativity Through Choice

13:15 – The Impact of Remote Work on Productivity

16:27 – Disability Inclusion in the Workplace

19:31 – The Evolution of Work and Learning

21:38 – The Future of DEI Initiatives

Connect with This Week’s Guest:

Luck Doochitra, VP People & Culture at Leapsome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luck-dookchitra/

Learn more about Leapsome here: https://www.leapsome.com/

Get access to the report here: https://hubs.li/Q03dFX0N0

Connect with Us Here:

William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/

Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/

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