I’ve lived long enough where I definitely see this as the reason.
It starts with one person saying “hey wait, if we do this thing we waste a little less!”. Good intentions and idea. It grows and catches on. Companies see that and see the triple hitter: they can
- reduce overhead costs by not doing the wasteful thing
- go on a PR blitz making it look like they’re doing amazing things, people clapping all the way
- continue charging the same amount.
Happens all the time. Tipping is the best example. You feel bad for the driver or server so you tip a little more. Companies see this and make it easier for you to tip, saying they really value their workers and want to let you tell them. Meanwhile they do nothing for actual pay, screwing you and the employees at the same time.