Tech Titans Clash Over Meeting Phone Policy

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon have differing views on whether employees should check their phones or laptops during meetings. According to a CNN interview in October 2025, Krishna makes a distinction between small and large gatherings, believing that active participation is required for smaller meetings but not necessary for larger corporate presentations.

He suggests that banning devices outright could be counterproductive at tech companies like IBM, where employees may simply be listening while handling other tasks. In contrast, Dimon has been critical of employees who check emails or notifications during meetings, calling it 'disrespectful' and a waste of time in his annual letter to shareholders.

The disagreement highlights the tension between productivity and distraction in an increasingly connected office. While some argue that technology can help employees stay focused, others see it as a hindrance to engagement. Krishna's approach acknowledges this nuance, but Dimon remains firm in his stance against visible distractions during meetings.