Jamie Dimon, chief executive of multinational financial services firm JPMorgan Chase, has criticised employees for checking texts and emails during meetings, calling the behaviour “disrespectful” and a “waste of time”.
In his annual letter to shareholders, Dimon urged staff to give meetings their full attention and to “make meetings count”.
The CEO said he consistently gives discussions “100 percent” of his attention and expects the same from others. Dimon wrote, “I see people in meetings all the time who are getting notifications and personal texts or who are reading emails. This has to stop.”
His comments are part of a growing concern among business leaders about productivity and professionalism in meetings, particularly as hybrid and remote working models have reshaped employee behaviour and expectations. Earlier this year, JPMorgan made headlines when it ordered its UK staff to return to work in-office full time.
The return to office-based work has prompted a reassessment of workplace norms, including how time is used during meetings. The shift from virtual to in-person interactions has brought with it a need to re-establish expectations around focus and engagement.
Employers urged to set clear expectations for meeting conduct
Kate Palmer, employment services director at consultancy firm Peninsula, said that evolving working patterns may explain the change in meeting behaviours.
“The shift to remote working and virtual meetings could be attributed to a change in the previously held ‘norms’ of meeting etiquette. When employees were not physically in the same room they may have found it easier to multi-task and complete other work whilst in a meeting,” she told HR Review.
She added that as office attendance increases, some employees may be struggling to adjust, while others may have no prior experience of in-person meetings. In both virtual and physical settings, employers want time to be used as effectively as possible.
Palmer said businesses should be proactive in setting out behavioural standards.
“To combat poor meeting etiquette, employers should set clear rules on what they expect. For virtual meetings, this could be a requirement for all cameras to be on, while for in-person meetings you could implement a ‘no phones’ policy.”
She added that any failure to comply should be addressed through existing company procedures.
Effective meeting management key to engagement
Palmer said that employers need to carefully consider how meetings are scheduled and who is required to attend.
“Employers should ensure that meetings are scheduled effectively, bearing in mind workload and are relevant to the participant. Having a culture of ‘meetings for everything’ may see attendees lose engagement and feel their time could be best used elsewhere.”
She said achieving a balance is essential, but well-structured meetings with clear expectations can improve productivity and reduce frustration. Clear communication of meeting goals, combined with guidance on participation, can help align employee behaviour with organisational priorities.
Dimon’s comments arrive as employers across sectors continue to reassess office culture and team dynamics. As many businesses return to face-to-face interactions after prolonged remote working, there is growing interest in how to maintain focus and efficiency in both hybrid and physical settings.
