The issue with RTO is a lack of consideration for how people are spread out and where it makes sense for people to go into the office.
I am alone in the office. I sit on teams calls all day like I did at home. The only collaboration I have is chatting with people around me. I get no benefits from being in an office. However. Right now with 3 days a week and then being flexible, it's working for me so I'm not going to be screaming. This does not mean that that I don't understand why people are fighting it still. Spending two hours commuting isn't good for productivity, plain and simple. It just isn't. And it shouldn't have to be the reality people are facing. Her saying 'nonsense' and laughing about it is beyond tone deaf and laughs at the real struggles the people who keep her company going face as a result of the policies.
Moral IS low. It is low because of layoffs, RTO, and many other things depending on your role and management structure. To laugh it off and say it isn't, is not good leadership. She should have paused and taken a moment and not just dismissed. That was atrocious, and showcased that she's not a leader that leads thoughtfully. She doesn't respect her employees at all. She just doesn't.
RTO was the beginning of time deaf policies and them going back on the promises that they made to employees. It broke foundational trust and now people are rightfully pi---d. If USB was smart they could attract top talent that took a bit of a pay cut to work a more flexible schedule like is currently in place. But nah they'll decide to keep up with the Joneses and force everyone back 5 days a week and then wonder why nobody bothers to fill out surveys. The beatings will continue until morale improves I suppose. Or the market gets better and all the good talent leaves for places that have better work policies and then all their sh-t breaks because they don't have anyone with skill sets and knowledge left.
Reposting from @ab+1jtny7v1a, well said.