In this case, if those working from home got a 40% raise after joining, the others who came to office on their own might start getting ideas! They may also cons

In this case, if those working from home got a 40% raise after joining, the others who came to office on their own might start getting ideas! They may also consider working from home in future and then try to negotiate their "office coming" in lieu of additional compensation. Companies and their HR must have realized this. Personally, I think additional compensation or an allowance is totally fair and deserving for candidates who join office. After all, they do have to make sacrifices like travel expense, time spent on travelling to office (opportunity cost), time spent away from the family, relocation to a place near office (if needed), etc.