libraries and the home office are my favorite study and work spaces

I agree it might be part of it. But the practical value in time gained by ditching the commute is 80% in my opinion.

Those demanding a return to the office need to read Peopleware.

I'm the same way. I forgot what neuroscientist said it, but it was more/less "people who have difficulty 'filtering' the external world from their internal thoughts typically have 'hot' (i.e. - very active) TPJs (temporoparietal junction)."

that sortof sells people short. I like wfh for almost this exact reason. the one job I had in my career where I had a closing office door by my self I worked from home maybe 5% of the time even though i had the option. I loathe open plan offices

my optimal schedule has always been one that's slightly out of phase so that i may make contact, participate and work-socialize, but then have quiet time to do work. when i'm really focusing, i don't even want other humans nearby and get distracted by even sharing a room quietly.

Home is only quiet if one doesn’t have children or pets…

1/2 “The mind is sharper and keener in seclusion and uninterrupted solitude. No big laboratory is needed in which to think. Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind…

An open plan office would kill me