At work there tend to be other inefficiencies. A lot of "spontaneous collaboration" that people claim happens in the office is people talking to pretty/handsome people in other departments, without necessarily adding to the bottom line.

In person collaboration is definitely worth it, but this needs to be planned. It doesn't happen automagically if you are being forced to sit at a desk.

I can see why middle management's hates it thought. You can no longer tap on someone shoulder and pester them in prioritising your work above others. You need to make a business case rather than bullying a poor Engineer.