JPMorgan starts program to monitor junior banker hours

JPMorgan has started a monitoring program to guard against overwork by its junior investment bankers.

In a pilot plan, the bank will seek to match up hours claimed by the bankers with digital activity, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The tool won't be used for evaluation purposes, but is designed to provide a better estimate of employee workloads, the person said, asking not to be identified discussing private information. 

"Much like the weekly screen time summaries on a smartphone, this tool is about awareness — not enforcement," a representative for JPMorgan said in a statement. "It's designed to support transparency, well-being, and encourage open conversations about workload."

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The program will monitor the weekly digital footprint, including video calls, desktop keystrokes, and scheduled meetings, the Financial Times reported earlier, adding JPMorgan plans to roll out the effort more widely across its investment bank. 

Banks on Wall Street are known for heavy working hours, but can in return offer salaries of as much as $200,000 for entry-level analyst and associate roles.