I was a government recruiter for IT specialists and intelligence analysts, as well as UX designers for the last couple years. I began before the pandemic and worked In office about half the time I was employed until I left late last year for personal reasons. There are several reasons it makes sense you’re not given the option to work from home like others. Who knows, maybe you’re better at your job than anyone else and your boss just really wants you around more, or the opposite; maybe you suck at your job, idk (I definitely don’t assume that of you). Some people it’s because they need a government clearance or certification and that kind of clearance cannot be used outside of a government building. Maybe the CEO simply paid for the space already and would rather see it being used rather than breaking the contract. Could be a lot of things.

I am surprised your work made such exceptions pre Covid. Regardless of industry, I’ve never worked anywhere that gave much of a shit if you had kids or a long commute. I’ve had some good bosses that worked with people but policies in general can be quite unforgiving.