Remote work is better for productivity

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Remote work is better for productivity". Your opponent's style: The Economist

Remote work clearly boosts productivity. No commute means more work hours.

That's the surface argument—and it falls apart the moment you ask where all that "productivity" actually goes. Sure, you save an hour commuting, but studies show remote workers report *more* distractions at home: kids, laundry, Netflix, the couch calling your name. The commute isn't lost time—it's a mental transition that primes your brain for work. You arrive ready. Meanwhile, spontaneous collaboration dies. The accidental hallway conversation that sparks innovation? Gone. Mentoring junior staff? Infinitely harder on Zoom. You're measuring hours at the desk, not quality of output. So here's the real question: if remote work genuinely boosted productivity, why are companies quietly calling people back to offices?