Jamie Dimon Defends RTO Policy Amid Employee Backlash

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has reiterated his stance on the bank's return-to-office (RTO) policy, asserting that only 'people in the middle,' specifically corporate office workers, are pushing back against the mandate requiring most of the bank's 300,000 employees to work in-person five days a week. He emphasized that remote work 'doesn't work' for the business and claimed that younger workers are missing out on valuable in-person interactions and mentorship opportunities, which could hinder their career development. Dimon cited Pew Research, stating that 60% of the U.S. workforce is required to be onsite, highlighting the essential roles of many frontline workers during the pandemic. He acknowledged that while employees have the right to express their preferences, the company will operate based on what it deems best for its culture and clients. Dimon's comments, made during an interview at Stanford Graduate School of Business, reflect his commitment to a traditional office environment despite internal resistance, including a petition from over 1,900 employees for a hybrid work model. He has stated that those unhappy with the RTO policy are free to seek employment elsewhere.