JPMorgan Chase CEO Dimon Apologizes for Profanity in Office Mandate Debate

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has issued an apology following an incident where he used explicit language regarding a petition to maintain hybrid work policies during a recent town hall meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Despite the backlash, Dimon remains firm in his stance that the company will require most employees to return to the office full-time.

Two weeks ago, during the town hall, an employee asked Dimon about a petition signed by over 1,000 employees advocating for the continuation of a hybrid work model. Dimon, reportedly frustrated, responded with, ‘Don’t waste time on it. I don’t care how many people sign that f***ing petition,’ emphasizing his preference for in-person work.

In a follow-up interview with CNBC on Monday, Dimon acknowledged his emotional response, stating, ‘I should never curse, ever… and I shouldn’t get angry and stuff like that.’ Despite his regrets about the language he used, he stood by the company’s decision to mandate in-office attendance. ‘They should respect that the company is going to decide what’s good for the clients, the company, etc., not an individual,’ Dimon added.

JPMorgan Chase’s return-to-office mandate has upset many employees who had relocated during the pandemic or found better work-life balance through flexibility. However, other major corporations, including Amazon and Disney, have enforced similar policies, insisting on full-time office work alongside JPMorgan.

Dimon reported that the new mandate, transitioning from a three-day in-office requirement to five days, is in the best interest of both JPMorgan and its clients. ‘I completely respect people that don’t want to go to the office all five days a week,’ he said. ‘But they can get a job elsewhere.’ Dimon emphasized that the bank currently has about 10% of its jobs operating fully remotely, but he believes that in-person interactions are essential for the majority of roles.

As of now, 60% of JPMorgan’s workforce is already in the office five days a week, primarily impacting back-office employees who currently work on a hybrid schedule. The petition calling for a continuation of hybrid work has gained significant traction, reportedly accumulating 1,803 signatures as employees voice their concerns.

The controversy at JPMorgan resonates with similar moves by the U.S. government. Elon Musk, under the Trump administration, is pushing for a mandate requiring federal employees to return to the office five days a week, with severe repercussions for noncompliance.

Amidst the ongoing transition, Dimon highlighted that the company aims to balance operational effectiveness with employee needs but remains resolute about the expectation for employees to work from the office.