> Isn't this mutually beneficial for the employer and employee?

Employers don’t want mutually beneficial, they want control. Working from home gives people the ability to work while handling other priorities as well. I’m sure the employer time tracking plays a role, but they’ve always had the ability to do that, the pandemic didn’t create that.

I think it’s because companies love to push their corporate propaganda in person, upper level management loves to feel that they’re making a meaningful impact on team morale, but it just sucks when done over zoom.