Yup. I think this is at least 80% about the real estate value. It’s not so much about getting warm bodies into the office.
It’s also about whether or not the employee is actually working. Some do well in the at-home environment while others treat it like a welfare payment as they strive to do as little as possible.
There’s also the aspect of being part of a “team”. And there is some collaboration that occasionally needs to take place.
My opinion, as one that had to go to work throughout the plandemic, is that I should receive extra pay over and above the stay-at-home workers to cover the expense of travel time and the use of a vehicle. Wear and tear on the car, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and the mental anguish associated with dealing with other buttheads on the road.
“It’s not so much about getting warm bodies into the office.”
I wish I knew. I get to work at home one day a week. I do a job that can be tracked electronically, and there’s no great reason why I need to be at the office.
A plus is that it reduces traffic and commute cost and time spent.
So for me coming to work is not what it used to be 10 years ago. You’re more isolated when you don’t come to work.