The article asserts it, yes, with not a single quantitative study actually supporting that. They have some tangentially related evidence around real estate and survey responses, and they assert - again, without direct evidence - that these are explained by corporate peacocking.

But perhaps corporate peacocking is not why they prefer it?

I like a day's worth of face time once a week or so. It's not because I like to show off to my colleagues or minions - most of my direct colleagues are not in the same country as me. I prefer it just because I'm the sort of person who prefers a little, but not a lot, of direct human contact when given the choice.

The managers get given the choice and may just prefer it innately. It's irritating that they elect to inflict it on others if it's not economically rational to do so.

"likely" as in vibes? Or is there actual backing evidence?