Long before the pandemic struck, many work environments were becoming increasingly harder to navigate due to higher densities, smaller workspaces, more noise, and less space per person. Given the correlation between workspace and job satisfaction and employee performance businesses should strive to define a new era of people-centric workplaces that produce greater business competitiveness through improved collaboration, culture, innovation, and individual excellence.

Two years ago Ram Kapur's most valuable employee quit and decamped to a rival firm. Now he wants his job back. In this fictional case study, Kapur, the founder and CEO of a sustainable living and design firm based in Gurgaon, India, contemplates whether he should rehire his former star. After the unexpected departure, Kapur had struggled to keep the business afloat, but now he was on strong footing again. Two of his remaining staff had stepped up and filled the void and he was considering expanding into the Middle East. Having his top performer back would make growing the business easier--but was it the right move? Could he get over his hurt and anger? And could the rest of the staff?

Two years ago Ram Kapur's most valuable employee quit and decamped to a rival firm. Now he wants his job back. In this fictional case study, Kapur, the founder and CEO of a sustainable living and design firm based in Gurgaon, India, contemplates whether he should rehire his former star. After the unexpected departure, Kapur had struggled to keep the business afloat, but now he was on strong footing again. Two of his remaining staff had stepped up and filled the void and he was considering expanding into the Middle East. Having his top performer back would make growing the business easier--but was it the right move? Could he get over his hurt and anger? And could the rest of the staff?