I think you all are jumping to conclusions. The reasons are twofold. For many groups, bringing the workforce back to the office creates better communication, team building, learning, etc. Think of how much we complain about our kids being anti social and texting all the time. We want them to get out and interact with people. And on a personal level, that can only help us.
The other reason VPN is not a preferred method of work is the risk. To use VPN, you have to have a Bank issued laptop. The risk is the data that resides in the laptop, the lack of critical security updates the laptop gets if offline for a while, the support and costs associated with laptops, users having laptops as secondary devices and never using then or storing them in drawers for a rainy day. Etc etc... The solution is HVD, or virtual desktop. With this a user may remote into a centralized, secure virtual machine from any personal device they own, without risk to the Bank. And the data stays stored on the network, not off. It's all about risk and responsibility. And believe me I'm not drinking the Kool-aid. I just understand the reasons and agree. And if anyone feels this is an inconvenience, just remember, you are an at will employee and you have the right to leave and go where. Personally, I don't think elsewhere has it as good as we do. But I'm an optimist and I work hard and believe what I do today reflects on my professional outcome tomorrow. So just work hard and deliver. Or you can lay low, wait and be delivered.... Out. Your future. Your call.
Tend to agree with @XvT3PPT-4roz on this, Well said!