Because if companies decide that in office is more productive or more reliable, remote options will dry up. And the fact most big tech companies are going back to office suggests they have the data to show it is more effective.
Cannot see any fault in this argument.
And no, the end result is not the same if in reality one is more productive then the other.
Could it not also suggest they have significant real estate holdings?
Edit: and return to office bas been used as a way to get rid of some people without having to terminate them.