I wish people would move away from the will be downvoted for this statement before saying something. It's just meaningless votes, and message is stronger without it than giving the impression of caring about karma or a willingness to stand by it regardless of reaction by not even acknowledging it.

Upvoted because you've definitely touched on a very real problem that needs to be addressed.

But you're completely wrong about the cause. The problem is companies with a bad culture. @Max_P@lemmy.max-p.me said it brilliantly in a comment further up the thread, and I did my best (less elegant) job of explaining it above that. The company needs to take steps to encourage a good relationships between people, for example with casual and non-work-related chats in the chat app of choice, or by having people frequently working on problems in pairs instead of solo, especially when first starting out.

I had better relationships with my coworkers fully remotely at my last job than I do at my current job despite being in the office frequently. And that's all down to how the company manages its culture.

You're not wrong, but it's a process that can be improved. I will 100% say that we've had better results in person for newbies, BUT it is not a valid reason as an overall rule. In my mind, the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Fuck the office (not the show, it's amazing)

Yes I worked the last two years at University and the offices were empty almost constantly. I just didn't get any connections to anyone and didn't even know if the people could help my cause, since everyone had different projects and you just didn't know what they are actually working on

Remote-only companies existed before, during, and continue existing after COVID. And those companies have new people as well. Perhaps you're right and that it's harder to ask questions on slack as a newbie (although I believe it's completely up to personal taste) but is that worth all the benefits of remote work?

I believe it's not.