Playing all these games is such a waste of time and energy for both employer and employee. God know what the financial costs of the tools are, let alone the cost of disengaged employees. Don't get me wrong, I know this is a complex topic, the whole work from home/hybrid/remote thing. It's not easy. Although I chose many, many years ago not to work for a corporate, I did for four years in my early career. I understand the complexity is multiplied in line with the headcount.

But does anyone seriously think that an obvious mistrust of employees is conducive to a positive and productive employee/employer relationship?!  If you want people in the office more, make it useful and make the benefits to the employee obvious. Don't make it a ‘because I said so’ argument. 

If there is a benefit to the business and the employee to being in the office explain it. Think about how you use that office time, and how often it's mandatory.  Most of all, trust your employees (don't hire ones you don't trust!) because if you don't the ones that can leave will, and then you are left with the rest!!!

Culture is king. Doesn't it eat strategy for breakfast, I'm sure someone said that once!! 

Mistrust and pointless rules do not breed a good culture.