> This makes sense when you consider that all of these big companies are run by leaders who talk in similar networks and listen to the same consultants (McKinsey, BCG, etc

Yes, it certainly does! I'm sure they also talk to Pinkerton :)

> decent lag between the peak of equity nonsense and RTO

Just about the amount of time it would take for management to (1) realize what was happening and what it meant for their power over labor; and (2) align on a policy.

> Company I was went from 1 quarter talking about the increases in productivity WFH brought to the next quarter town hall talking about RTO for the culture and productivity.

Yes, exactly. That's how you know anything about "productivity" is all a load of shit.