One of the main reasons you’re being told to go back to the office is because middle-aged men don’t get on with their wives.
I wish I was joking. I worked for one of the Big Four during the pandemic, and toward the end we did research into who actually wanted to return.
It wasn’t the juniors, it wasn’t the women. It was overwhelmingly senior, male partners. And the reason became pretty clear: at home, they weren’t getting the royal treatment anymore.
Instead of being bowed to and obeyed, they were being asked to load the dishwasher, have a real conversation, or take the cat to the vet. Meanwhile, in the office, people practically lined up to stroke their egos. Suits, titles, orders barked, heads nodded. A tiny kingdom where they were still important.
So they needed the office back, because that’s where they get worshipped. And you’re expected to be there too, because in their play, someone has to play the role of the worshipper.