> The best work environment is working in close proximity with other people who are all in the same time zone as you, who can tell by looking at you that you're too busy to bother at the moment.

I think that is a matter of personal preference. I - and my colleagues - hail from al over Europe and even though we miss seeing each other in person the productivity is up tremendously compared to pre-pandemic and the lack of travel, positive contribution to climate impact and extra time not wasted on travel have been an definite plus. But I fully appreciate that that is not for everybody.