The average workday increased during the pandemic’s early weeks (2020)

For some people. What's the average including the people who were running errands, walking their dogs, watching their kids, sleeping, etc during work hours?

God forbid someone does something gasp necessary for life on work time.

Having happy workers is, obviously, worse for the company than literal days of useless chit chats and coffee breaks.

I think you're confusing that with the people that slacked off the entire time.