[jethro_tell]

When I was in office, I had a lot of trouble working even though I am most productive while body doubling. The overhead lights, the random interruptions from people that know you or want something from you . . .. After I got to campus, I spend most days down at the coffee shop, or a local cafe or something of that nature.

Being around people, with distractions removed was the key for me. Just me, and my laptop.

As for how common it is? IDK, but I don't see RTO as being the key (might work for some people?).

When I was work from home, I was a lot more productive by myself, however when I found I had a really tough project that I was having trouble starting, a couple hours of body doubling at a local cafe tended to help. I.e., I'm going to the coffee shop for 2 hours to do this one task.

[MPSimmons]

Oh man, I work so well in a busy cafe. I'm not sure what quality it is, but being around a bunch of people who aren't bothering me with questions allows me to get into flow.

[jethro_tell]

The quality is probably pretty good. This is called body doubling and is exactly the concept here.

[kube-system]

Yeah, being in an office is only helpful if people you are working with understand and respect your desire to focus.