This is not an argument for RTO/on site work. Having been remote for more than a baker's dozen of years, remote can be successful but things like slack and tea

This is not an argument for RTO/on site work. Having been remote for more than a baker's dozen of years, remote can be successful but things like slack and teams are not a drop in replacement for "on site" either. That said, any sizeable company there is a likelihood you are working with people across timezones. My last couple of roles, I dealt with timezones around the world - AUS, CET, IST, across the US, etc. When working with others that aren't in the same office, there is no need for "on site". Management and infrastructure has to cater to it. Now, face time with quarterly/etc meetings for planning and design could be useful.