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/
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