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3mo ago

Dropbox CEO Slams Return-to-Office Mandates as Unproductive Relic

He says remote work requires a trust-based approach to evolve beyond pandemic-era models

In a new podcast interview, Dropbox CEO Drew Houston criticized return-to-office mandates, likening them to reviving outdated institutions like malls and movie theaters. 
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon speaks during the Global Markets Conference in Paris, France, on May 15, 2025. Dimon has faced criticism from employees after he insisted on a five-day office week, dismissing remote work as ineffective for collaboration and mentorship. 
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Overview

  • On Fortune’s Leadership Next podcast, Drew Houston compared forcing staff back to offices to trying to revive malls and movie theaters in a changed world
  • Houston cautioned that replicating in-office routines on Zoom undermines productivity and urged companies to develop smarter remote collaboration methods
  • Dropbox has operated under a virtual-first policy since October 2020 and now follows a 90/10 model with employees working remotely 90% of the time
  • Major firms such as JPMorgan Chase, Amazon and Uber maintain strict in-office mandates, with JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon arguing that remote work hinders mentorship and learning
  • A Pew Research Center survey found nearly half of employees who sometimes work from home would consider leaving their jobs if remote flexibility were revoked