A Global lens on returning to the office
At Global Innovators Alliance, we spend a lot of time listening. Across our events and tours, one topic keeps coming up: how to approach office presence in a global context. While some leaders are calling people back to the office full time, others are still fully remote. In between is a growing number of companies trying to strike a meaningful balance.
In the US, some major players are pushing for a full return. In London, hybrid remains the norm. In parts of Asia, office culture never left. For international teams, these regional differences can create tension and confusion.
Our perspective is simple. The way we work should reflect the way we build relationships. We have seen first-hand how two or three days in the same room can unlock faster decision-making, stronger trust, and more meaningful collaboration. But it has to be purposeful. Time together should be worth the travel.
Rather than mandating blanket returns, we’re hearing companies talk about in-person moments with clear intent. That might be onboarding, strategy sprints, creative planning, or customer immersion. The physical office is no longer a place to sit all day, it has evolved into a tool to support moments of clarity and connection.
If you’re building a hybrid model, consider this: one-size office mandates often miss local culture. In the UK, workers may expect flexibility. In the U.S., in-person presence may be seen as a commitment. In Asia, face-to-face mentorship may remain vital. Leaders should tailor their policies and clarify why office days matter, what success looks like, and how it plays out regionally.
A thoughtful hybrid strategy might include:
A reduced number of required days that still supports team connection and mentorship
Clear communication about why these days matter as well as training, culture, collaboration
Local variation that honours your global values while matching market expectations
Global teams thrive not because they mirror each other but because they respect what each region values. A nuanced return-to-office policy can boost productivity, solidify culture, and avoid unintended employee loss.
