Managers want to see people working. It makes them feel better.
I worked a place that had full office cubes, 8 foot walls, and enclosed but the entrance. It was glorious. I felt good and I was extremely productive. It reduced my stress greatly.
I worked at a shop where one developer committed suicide, 2 other developers had mental breakdowns, and another tech manager developed serious medical issues. Some other suffered silently from alcohol and drug addiction. I can't tell you home many marriages went under.
To say we have to consider and appreciate the lives and well being of technical professionals is an understatement.