Why Has the Return to Offices Become a Priority for Companies?

In recent years, many organizations have revised their remote and hybrid work strategies, concluding that returning to offices significantly improves efficiency and teamwork. CEOs and managers point to the need for more interpersonal interactions, faster decision-making, and the development of a company culture based on physical presence. Being in the office is seen as a tool for monitoring performance, fostering team integration, and strengthening employee loyalty. Companies are seeking a balance between flexibility and productivity, and the return to offices allows them to better observe team dynamics and identify areas requiring support.

Efficiency vs. Flexibility — Challenges for Teams

On the one hand, employees expect freedom, the possibility of remote work, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. On the other, organizations emphasize results, deadlines, and productivity. This tension has become a major challenge during the return to offices, as different groups of employees react differently. Younger generations value transparency and flexibility, while older employees prefer stability and clear attendance rules. Successfully combining these needs requires a strategy that integrates diverse working styles and preferences.

Challenges and Barriers in Returning to Offices and the Role of DEI in Overcoming Them

Continuing, let’s imagine a new project is introduced in an organization. The leader is responsible for building the team. What role do diversity and inclusiveness play in this case? What challenges might arise?

DEI tools and daily practices that increase team effectiveness

Companies implement a range of tools and practices that support the return to the office and enhance team effectiveness:

  • Inclusivity training and cross-cultural, intergenerational communication workshops
  • Reverse – Mentoring to foster employee development and integrate diverse perspectives
  • Employee resource groups supporting parents, people with disabilities, and minority groups
  • Daily feedback practices that include different perspectives, both in one-on-one meetings and team retrospectives, ensuring every voice is heard
  • Standardized evaluation and reporting procedures that eliminate bias and increase the sense of fairness

These practices enable faster adaptation to office environments, boost morale, improve collaboration, and support achieving business goals in a conscious and sustainable way.

Essential Managerial Skills for Leveraging DEI to Drive Efficiency

  • Strong communication skills and empathy — effectively listening to and understanding employee needs
  • Awareness of diversity and inclusion — identifying biases and promoting fair decision-making
  • Ability to provide constructive feedback that respects diverse perspectives
  • Flexibility in team management — balancing office presence with flexible work arrangements
  • Coaching and mentoring competencies to support employee development and team integration

Managers with these skills increase team efficiency and foster an organizational culture based on trust, motivation, and employee loyalty.

Summary and Practical Recommendations for Companies

The return to offices, combined with a growing emphasis on efficiency, requires a strategy that considers both business objectives and employee needs. DEI enhances efficiency, integrates teams, and reduces conflicts. Companies should implement DEI policies that include training, mentoring, employee resource groups, and effective intercultural communication tools.

Clear communication of office attendance expectations, combined with promoting collaboration quality, a culture of teamwork, and mutual respect, is key. Striking a balance between mandatory presence and flexibility, providing psychological support, and encouraging authenticity increase employee satisfaction, improve team performance, and strengthen competitive advantage.
Organizations that recognize the synergistic potential of DEI and office strategies gain more engaged, integrated, and productive teams, which translates into sustainable growth and organizational stability in an evolving world of work.

 

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