Working in the office is something I have always wanted as a frequent remote employee. I think it is great for communication and for the culture.

This specifically is very heavy handed. IBM apparently had a culture that supports this, so it is probably more akin to a layoff than a policy change. It says 30 days to conform-- not nearly enough time to make such a decision nor have this properly aligned culturally.

This may be good for morale among those disallowed remote work, feeling the company now provides "fairness" across all departments. I still think this looks like a layoff/ageism as they are comitted to hiring 25k more employees and married folks with children likely to be less mobile.

I like on site teams. I think remote work has a place, especially for those who have absorbed a companies culture, but this doesnt seem like the way to do it.