>I have emails from the CEO personally thanking me for my commitment in going way over what was expected when basically saving the institution during lockdown
It's a business not a skate park, tell your CEO that you appreciate the positive feedback but that if he really means what he is saying: he should put his money where his mouth is and give you a sizable raise or a considerable bonus.
Agreed -- this is the kind of feedback that is actionable and, given OP's description of multiple employees feeling uncomfortable with the new hybrid arrangement, the kind of feedback that could improve the company's future.
Money makes them think about value. When I took my current job in 2016 I wanted more than they could pay, they wanted me to be based in an office (Oh it would only be officially we dont mind you working from home)
We compromised, my contract says I work from home and they pay me for my time and travel if I go somewhere, and they can afford me.
Can they justify paying you an extra $50k a year (or $10k, or $100k) just to have you in an office?
You can just start looking at offers and applying to them "purely as a hobby". What do you have to lose? What do you fear could happen if you got a new job? And why do you fear it? (After answering, try repeating the last question a few times to go deeper.) The answer to those questions could help you understand why the current job maybe is important to you, or alternatively that your fear is not really something you want to be afraid of, and thus can go and start the adventure of applying!
It's a business not a skate park, tell your CEO that you appreciate the positive feedback but that if he really means what he is saying: he should put his money where his mouth is and give you a sizable raise or a considerable bonus.