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2d ago

Dropbox’s Drew Houston Dismisses Return-to-Office Mandates as ‘Like Forcing People Into Malls’

He argues that a trust-based remote-first model boosts productivity by embracing post-pandemic work culture shifts.

In a new podcast interview, Dropbox CEO Drew Houston criticized return-to-office mandates, likening them to reviving outdated institutions like malls and movie theaters.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, Houston said forcing employees back to the office is unproductive and comparable to trying to get people back into malls and movie theaters.
  • Dropbox adopted a virtual-first work policy in 2020 and enforces a 90/10 rule that keeps staff remote 90% of the time with occasional in-person off-sites.
  • Houston warned that simply copying office routines onto Zoom is inefficient and urged companies to develop new virtual collaboration methods.
  • He emphasized replacing surveillance with trust under a new social contract, saying employees will perform when treated like adults.
  • His stance differs from peers such as JPMorgan Chase, Amazon and Uber requiring in-office work as layoffs at Google, Microsoft and Cruise underscore broader industry shifts.