I found a lot of people treat being in the office as the job. They can walk around, socialize, and not really do anything useful, but they are “at work”, so it’s ok.
Meanwhile, people at home feel like they need to prove their worth and make sure their impact is being felt, so they work harder.
My co-workers now do remote standup, travel to the office to get in around 10:30, and leave at 3 to make it home for 4 and log out at 5. So much more efficient than just... staying home and working the entire day.
That is what I plan to do when I have to start going back into the office 2 days a week in Summer 2025. Or just find another job that is full-time remote.
Meanwhile, people at home feel like they need to prove their worth and make sure their impact is being felt, so they work harder.