The problem is that the physical layout of most offices do not support an environment in which knowledge workers (especially in tech/professional services) kan

The problem is that the physical layout of most offices do not support an environment in which knowledge workers (especially in tech/professional services) kan thrive. Open office spaces are killing for focussed work so what you'll need is a choice. When you need to focus, retreat to a small room without distractions, if you need mentoring, go to a somewhat bigger room with a white board, if you want to collaborate, use the traditional open office adjacent to the coffee machine. The reason is that in some point in time companies and realtors decide that an open office space is the most efficient way to use square meters (or feet in freedom units.) and as such optimizes revenue. If offices were more optimized returning to an office for a few days a week can actually improve productivity. That said, it very much depends on the role if 100 % WFH, hybrid or full office work makes sense. IMHO is that informal relations (the "coffee machine chat") provides a certain advantage in _some_ roles. This aspect (providing some nuance..) seems to be missing from most discussions.