[j7]

Exactly. I think it's somewhat unhealthy for both the employee and employer (even if they're the same person) for the employee to seek non-work-related interaction on even a weekly basis. I'm talking about the "birthday drinks", ping-pong tables, etc mentioned in the article. It just seems distracting.

If you want to hang out with people then do it, but not when you're trying to get work done.

[biot]

A combination sounds good: soundproof office for when you really need intense focus, but leave the door open or step out and mingle when you feel like socializing with colleagues.