It's been a year since I got the email informing me that it was time to return to the office, to which I replied “No thanks” and what a ride it's been.
First HR told me it wasn't optional, I was to come back immediately and in a few months they might be able to make me a temporary 2 day a week WFH arrangement and I said “If I have nothing to do in the office, I won't be coming in”.
Then they started with the threats, “This doesn't reflect well on you”, “Team players are willing to work with us”, “You have to give us something”, before they went for the big one and said that “Your contract may not be renewed” if I didn't start coming in. I called their bluff of course.
Contract renewal time came around and I got myself a nice 50% raise plus 5% bonus, guess HR didn't have very sharp teeth after all.
Now they're starting to falter, they recently announced they're allowing everyone to WFH 3 days a week permanently with your choice of days and no restrictions. Willing to bet within a year that'll be WFH whenever you want with no restrictions.
Remember to stand up for yourself and don't accept their excuses.