IBM has ordered its US sales teams to focus on locations nearer to their clients, while also mandating a return to office for cloud employees. This move has sparked debate over their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, with concerns that negative interpretations of these policies may lead to discrimination or layoffs under the guise of a 'DEI purge.' Analysts argue that the motivation behind these changes may primarily be cost-cutting rather than genuine operational improvements, especially given the challenges of remote work production. Comments indicate skepticism regarding the effectiveness of remote work and suggest that the emphasis on in-person meetings could be more beneficial for sales teams. Another significant aspect is the apparent trend towards increased hiring in India, indicating a shift in operational focus.