JPMorgan’s return-to-office mandate creates chaos amid desk shortages
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — JPMorgan Chase’s full return-to-office (RTO) policy is facing challenges, with employees across the United States reporting a range of issues, including desk shortages, unreliable Wi-Fi, and concerns about sick colleagues in crowded offices.
Adjustment brings tension and complaints
The nation’s largest bank began enforcing its five-day RTO mandate in March, requiring thousands of employees to abandon hybrid schedules and work on-site full time.
However, staffers say they are struggling to find available desks, with some sites relying on malfunctioning reservation systems or a “first-come, first-served” policy.
“There definitely aren’t enough desks for everyone so people have to hope others are taking PTO that day to get a seat,” one East Coast employee told Fortune.
Teams have been forced to split up or relocate when their usual spaces are occupied, undermining the teamwork CEO Jamie Dimon has promoted as a key benefit of in-person work.
To secure a spot, some employees arrive at the office an hour early, while others use personal items or makeshift “paper tents” to unofficially reserve desks. Even these tactics don’t always work, leaving many to wander in search of a place to work.
Similarly, federal employees who were ordered by President Donald Trump to return to office are encountering shortages of basic necessities like desks, Wi-Fi, and even toilet paper.
Noisy offices and health concerns
Workers also complain about noisy, crowded environments. Open office layouts and a shortage of meeting rooms have led to a cacophony of phone calls and Zoom meetings at desks, prompting some to wear noise-cancelling headphones.
“People don’t know how loud they are on Zooms and, of course, if you have a dozen people Zooming then you’re going to hear all of that,” an employee located in the Midwest said.
Technical issues compound the frustration. Sporadic or nonfunctional Wi-Fi has forced some teams to return home midday, wasting valuable work hours.
Health concerns are also mounting. Employees report that sick colleagues are coming to work, often without masks, and risk spreading illness. “I sat next to someone who stayed in the office despite coughing and sneezing all day long,” one worker said.
Pushback and management’s response
The RTO mandate has sparked internal resistance, including a petition urging Dimon to retain the hybrid model. Dimon, however, has dismissed the movement, stating, “I don’t care how many people sign that f—ing petition.”
Some staff fear the strict attendance policy could be used to terminate employees without severance, but a JPMorgan spokesperson denied this, insisting the policy is a strategic decision for the company’s long-term prospects.
