Even if the data was there. Is it worth it if employees are much happier with remote work? It should really not be a binary question whether the productivity is higher or lower.
I guess the somewhat cynical question-answer to that question is: As a business, is their mission to be productive and make great products, or to make employees happy to the detriment of the company’s productivity?
Is it productive to cut out an entire swath of talent that will never work in the office again?
Can you product be great if you’re cycling employees due to burnout in your shitty company?
I’d argue since everything revolves around people at the end of the day, taking care of your people in an absurdly generous way is the best possible business strategy.
Sure, if you are only using thinking shortsighted. I doubt they consider what effect remote has on retention and company reputation and how those factors could affect productivity.