CEOs Donald Keough and Jamie Dimon agree that a strong corporate culture relies on employees physically present in the office. In 1981, Keough made it his mission to get to know his employees by walking their halls and asking about their role in selling Coca-Cola products. This approach fostered a sense of community and collaboration.
Fast forward to last week, when Dimon expressed frustration with remote work policies that allow employees to work from home without strict guidelines. Dimon believes that employees’ scattered presence hampers the company’s growth and culture.
Keough’s philosophy resonates with Dimon’s stance. Great companies need a headquarters where employees can interact and see what their colleagues are doing. This, in turn, drives innovation, productivity, and growth. In contrast, remote work without face-to-face interactions may lead to complacency and decreased performance.
The success of J.P. Morgan under Dimon’s leadership is a prime example of the importance of a strong corporate culture. The company’s high returns are attributed to collaboration and supervision, not individual productivity.
Coca-Cola’s headquarters still buzzes with energetic employees who passionately promote their products. This corporate culture is essential for driving business growth and shareholder value. By putting in the effort to have employees physically present, companies can foster a community that leads to exponential growth and success.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johntamny/2025/02/23/jamie-dimon-is-right-remote-work-is-a-waste-of-time-and-talent