Remote work policies are often judged by productivity metrics, but after managing a hybrid team for three years, I've noticed the real cost is in mentoring junior staff. When new hires sit alone at home, they miss the casual problem-solving that happens at an office whiteboard. Companies pushing for full return-to-office may be right, not because of output, but because we're failing to build the next generation of leaders remotely. Should we accept that in-person presence is necessary for career growth even if the work itself doesn't require it?