Jamie Dimon’s Take on Return to Office
By: Jason Branin
Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has never been shy about his views on returning to the office. As one of the most outspoken executives on the topic, he has doubled down on the importance of in-person work, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and culture-building as key reasons for his stance. While many companies have embraced hybrid work models, JPMorgan Chase has taken a more hardline approach, requiring managing directors and other senior staff to be in the office five days a week.
In a recent town hall meeting in Columbus, Ohio, Dimon directly addressed employee concerns regarding the firm’s strict return-to-office (RTO) policy. Over 1,000 employees had signed a petition advocating for continued flexibility, but Dimon dismissed the effort outright, stating, "Don't waste time on it. I don't care how many people sign that petition." His blunt response made it clear that JPMorgan Chase is not budging on its policy.
Dimon’s philosophy is straightforward: while he acknowledges that remote work has its place, he believes it is not suitable for the majority of roles within JPMorgan Chase. He has long argued that in-person work fosters better decision-making, collaboration, and mentorship, particularly for younger employees who are still developing their professional skills. "The young generation is being damaged by this. They are being left behind," he remarked during the same town hall meeting.
One of Dimon’s biggest concerns is that remote work hinders spontaneous interactions—the kind of informal conversations and brainstorming sessions that lead to creative problem-solving. He has consistently stated that when employees work together in the same physical space, ideas flow more freely, relationships strengthen, and overall productivity increases. "It doesn't work for an apprenticeship culture," he has said, referencing the way JPMorgan Chase develops talent internally.
To support this push for in-office work, JPMorgan Chase is investing heavily in creating a compelling workplace experience. The firm is building a massive new $3 billion headquarters on Park Avenue in New York City, designed to be a state-of-the-art workspace that encourages collaboration. The 60-story skyscraper will include an on-site yoga studio, physical therapy facilities, and a 19-restaurant food hall—perks aimed at making the office a more attractive place to be.
Despite these investments, some employees remain resistant to the RTO mandate. Many have pointed out that remote work has allowed them to maintain better work-life balance while still delivering results. Some JPMorgan employees argue that productivity has not suffered, and that forcing a five-day return to office is more about control than business necessity. The petition signed by 1,300 employees reflects this sentiment, but Dimon has shown no signs of reconsidering the policy.
JPMorgan Chase’s stance is emblematic of a broader trend among major corporations. Other financial giants, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, have also been vocal about wanting employees back in the office full-time. Meanwhile, consulting firms like Deloitte have tied office attendance to performance evaluations and bonuses, signaling that the shift back to in-person work is not just about policy but also about career progression. Dimon’s argument aligns with this movement, reinforcing the idea that those who embrace the office culture will be the ones who advance within the company.
The divide over remote work is not just a JPMorgan Chase issue—it is a broader debate that continues to unfold across industries. While some companies are taking a flexible approach, others are digging in their heels, insisting that full-time office work is necessary for long-term success. Dimon, for his part, has made it clear where he stands: "You don't have to work at JPMorgan. If you don't like it, you can leave."
As the future of work continues to evolve, JPMorgan Chase’s unwavering commitment to office-based work underscores Dimon’s belief in its critical role in maintaining the company’s productivity, culture, and long-term success. The question remains: will employees ultimately adapt, or will firms be forced to rethink their stance as talent priorities shift? For now, JPMorgan Chase is making its expectations clear—show up, or find work elsewhere.