The "return to the office" move is largely management/extrovert bias. Managers collaborate all day long, it's what they do, whilst "workers" tend to be overwhelmed by the many meetings. Further, extroverts get energy out of being around people.
Another factor is that some (many) managers frankly have no idea what their employees do. Physical presence management is the coping strategy.
That being said, I do agree that in-person collaboration is richer and things can spontaneously be invented in ways virtual work will not allow for.
My advise: don't let perfect be the enemy of good. Coming in 2 days per week or so does have benefits, but there's also this other thing:
"It doesn’t matter where you work, as long as you get the work done."
I don't think everybody comprehends the consequences of this, which are not only positive. It's an open invitation to move your position to the lowest cost country that outputs quality that is acceptable. Flexibility goes both ways.
Another factor is that some (many) managers frankly have no idea what their employees do. Physical presence management is the coping strategy.
That being said, I do agree that in-person collaboration is richer and things can spontaneously be invented in ways virtual work will not allow for.
My advise: don't let perfect be the enemy of good. Coming in 2 days per week or so does have benefits, but there's also this other thing:
"It doesn’t matter where you work, as long as you get the work done."
I don't think everybody comprehends the consequences of this, which are not only positive. It's an open invitation to move your position to the lowest cost country that outputs quality that is acceptable. Flexibility goes both ways.