Electronic Arts (EA) has announced to its employees that it will be ending its remote working policies permanently and implementing a full return to office. In an email sent to employees today, viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating that it results in "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players." He outlined that "hybrid work" would now require a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," and that "offsite local roles" would be gradually phased out.
In a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, also viewed by IGN, she provided further details on the company's transition from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model":
- These changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice, regardless of where they live.
- Work model transitions will come with a minimum 12-week notice period before any changes are implemented. The timing will vary by location and will be communicated locally with ample notice.
- Hybrid work will mean working from your local office at least three days per week, aligning with what’s outlined in Andrew’s EA Action. A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be introduced.
- Employees who live within 30 miles/48 km of an EA location will transition to a Hybrid work model. Those living outside this radius will be considered remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
- The Offsite Local work model will be phased out. Depending on the location, this transition may take 3 to 24 months.
- Any work model exception and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.
Several sources within EA, speaking to IGN anonymously, expressed that employees were upset and confused. Some shared concerns about the long commutes they would now face, while others worried about childcare or personal medical conditions that had benefited from remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile range were concerned about the future of their roles if they were unable or unwilling to relocate closer to an office. Two sources mentioned that existing remote workers' "exemptions" to return to office would be "sunset" within the next 3 to 24 months, according to the breakdown sent by Miele.
Remote work has been a staple in the video game industry, especially becoming popular during and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when stay-at-home mandates forced most AAA companies to adopt remote work as a long-term solution. In the years following, many companies hired more remote workers, and near-office workers moved to more affordable cities under the assumption that remote work would be permanent.
However, other major video game companies have recently been calling workers back to the office, leading to frustration and, in some cases, employee turnover as workers faced the choice between relocating or leaving their jobs. Companies such as Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have faced internal and external criticism due to these policies. Despite this, the trend of returning to office mandates continues, with more companies like EA opting to require an in-office model once again.
EA recently laid off around 300 individuals company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare this year and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.
IGN has reached out to EA for comment.
