Fair enough, but I believe we can do a little better than "different people/teams thrive in different environments".

If its within team communication, and with slack/trello/github/standups and the team members are not speaking except every few days then thats an issue.

If its with external teams, then perhaps its an opportunity for self service api's or automation? I.e. let me query your api instead of having to meet with you. Understood that most cultures don't function this way but is there argument with the ideal?

I think coordination is the key. If someone with authority isn't willing to step up and make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing, things will definitely slow to a crawl and people won't communicate until it's too late. And that team will do better colocated. But a good PM can make a remote team work just as well as a colocated team, in my experience. If you don't have that person, you're just leaving your efficiency up to chance (does the team get along; do they feel like working that day) no matter the work environment you choose.

Edit: I'm not sure "is willing to" is the right phrase. You have to have a brilliant PM, period. I've worked with bad PMs, no PM, and a few great PMs, and it really is night and day. A talented PM can make an organization sing.

As somebody that remote works most of the time, I will stick my head out and agree that working side by side tends to be my most productive times with co-workers.

Working remotely is great for ones health. Co-working is best for synergy and communication.

It's all about the balance.

> who ARE more productive when forced

The key word there is "forced".

Yep. Some people default-to-productive, and others need guidance, coaching, "forcing", whatever you want to call it. It's almost as if different people have different motivations, work habits and communication styles!