I couldn't agree more with what you're saying here - already I've a fair few friends who've decided to move on to 'remote first' companies rather than obey a mandatory 'return to office'.

The benefits of remote working, especially for those of us who find intense social situations both difficult and distracting, far outweigh any supposed benefits return to office.

What really rankles is HR framing any return as something done in the name 'collaboration' or 'creativity' as if it's done for the good of employees.

Perhaps some, people but definitely not all.

I'm personally so very tired of being slotted into any kind of spreadsheet by people who don't take the trouble to understand me or how I work most effectively.