Return to Office Mandates: What does this mean for DE&I?

By Fabienne Zigrit, Senior Associate at Wilton & Bain

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, we have witnessed the rise and normalisation of remote working and the impact this has had on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. However, with the world returning to pre-pandemic “normal” and more organisations announcing return to office mandates, it is important to acknowledge the positive correlation between flexible working and employers’ ability to hire and retain diverse talent. We wanted to explore the implications of returning to the office, and the potential concerns about erasing DE&I progress in relation to these policies.

Flexible working has revolutionised the workforce and contributed significantly to DE&I progress over the last few years, by removing obstacles typically faced in an office setting and creating opportunities for those who tend to be underrepresented and overlooked in hiring processes. From removing geographical barriers and accessibility challenges, to granting newfound flexibility and reducing bias, saving commuting costs; it is undeniable that flexible working has been a game-changer for employees with 40% of working adults in the UK adopting a hybrid model (source). So, what are the implications of returning to the office?



Firstly, it is important to note that implications don’t necessarily have to be negative; returning to the office can promote interpersonal relationships, boost engagement and collaborative working, and create a sense of belonging within an organisation. With 81% of working adults aged 18-24 in the US and UK reporting increased feelings of isolation and 67% experiencing hardships in maintaining relationships with colleagues (source), it seems that returning to the office could alleviate these pressure points.



Although there are clear benefits to office working, it is important to recognise the repercussions these working policies will have on the recent advancements made for DE&I.