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

People-first strategies are hitting roadblocks in most orgs — and the numbers prove it. HR leaders like Luck Dookchitra, 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/ Connect with us on Social Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices