People who make decisions about these things collaborate continuously from the beginning to the end of every workday. They do not ever put their heads down pers

People who make decisions about these things collaborate continuously from the beginning to the end of every workday. They do not ever put their heads down personally. They know on some level that their subordinates need to do it, but usually position themselves against it, instead looking to make connections and generate new meetings to displace focus-work time. They live every day absolutely terrified that two of their subordinates might be toiling alone on related problems instead of meeting with each other about them, and do everything possible to prevent this kind of tragedy by strongly encouraging every meeting that might add any value. It's "maker's schedule, manager's schedule" - you don't need power-hungriness or real estate cost calculation to explain why management types prefer the office, it's just inherent to their worldview and the kind of work they do. Don't like it? Try to build a company whose managers do not come from the management community, and try to prevent them from developing this kind of mindset even as circumstances make it optimal for them. Good luck.