[1propionyl]

Yes, specifically when it comes to open-ended research or development, collocation is non-negotiable. There are greater than linear benefits in creativity of approach, agility in adapting to new intermediate discoveries, etc that you get by putting a number of talented people who get along in the same space who form a community of practice.

Remote work and flattening communication down to what digital media (Slack, Zoom, etc) afford strangle the beneficial network effects.

[throwaway0123_5]

I think they were talking about total time spent working rather than remote vs. in-person. I've seen more than a few studies over the years showing that going from 40 to 35 or 30 hours/wk has minimal or positive impacts on productivity. Idk if that would apply to all work environments though, and I don't recall any of the studies being about research productivity specifically.

[hdjrudni]

> I think they were talking about total time spent working rather than remote vs. in-person.

I was, yes. I should have omitted the "in office" part but I was referencing the "work more hours in America than France"

[distortionfield]

You’re being downvoted but you’re right. The number of people who act like a web cam reproduces the in person experience perfectly, for good and bad, is hilarious to me.

[alienbaby]

I think the mistake people make is believing that one approach is best for all. Diffferent people work most effectively in different ways.

[jama211]

Well said. If you make me commute to an office I’m far far far less productive, simple as that.