CEOs are furious about employees texting in meetings

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Top executives, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, are expressing growing frustration over employees texting and using phones during meetings
• Dimon called it “rude,” while companies are adopting stricter measures to curb the habit—from restricting Wi-Fi access to implementing penalties akin to a “swear jar” for digital distractions

🔭 The context: While digital devices have become integral to modern work, leaders argue that excessive multitasking in meetings undermines productivity, focus, and collaboration—especially as hybrid and remote work environments demand greater intentional communication
• Chesky’s internal “fester list” aimed to uncover these subtle, cultural frictions that hinder performance and cohesion
• The issue reflects a broader effort by companies to restore in-person engagement and corporate discipline post-pandemic

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: While this may appear distant from environmental concerns, corporate culture plays a key role in how sustainability strategies are communicated, implemented, and upheld
• Distracted leadership discussions can delay or dilute critical decisions, including those tied to climate action and ESG commitments
• As companies face increasing pressure to deliver measurable sustainability outcomes, internal alignment and focused decision-making are essential

⏭️ What's next: Companies are expected to formalize etiquette norms around device use in meetings, potentially incorporating them into training, performance reviews, or meeting design protocols
• As firms strive to balance flexibility with accountability, leaders may experiment with more immersive and distraction-free collaboration formats
• This cultural recalibration could influence how effectively businesses implement long-term strategic priorities—including sustainability goals

💬 One quote: “If you’re ever in a meeting with me, do not look at your phone. It’s rude,” said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase

📈 One stat: According to a 2025 workplace survey, over 62% of managers say multitasking during meetings has significantly increased since the pandemic, citing it as a top barrier to effective decision-making

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of companies like JPMorgan Chase, Airbnb, and Salesforce

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