I continually see articles stating that companies are requiring in-office work because employees are less productive when WFH. Yet I never see anything indicating what productivity metrics are being used.
If the work is getting done, on time and within the required quality parameters, then where is the problem? I can't imagine being in office is changing those parameters or the deadlines. So what productivity standards aren't being met when working from home vs. working in an office?
My personal opinion: I'm assuming the “productivity” phrase is just corporate BS to hide the fact that management has a vested interested, i.e. financial investments in corporate real estate, to keep offices filled. They're probably also getting kickbacks or other political shenanigans by cities to keep the downtown “alive”. Plus, middle managers are fighting to justify their existence.