Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a significant shift in its work policy, moving away from remote work and mandating a return to the office. In an email to employees, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating that it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection," which he believes leads to better experiences for players. He outlined a new "hybrid work" model, requiring employees to be in the office at least three days a week, and announced the phasing out of "offsite local roles."
Further details were provided in a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, who described the shift as a move to a "globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her email include:
- Implementation Timeline: Changes will not be immediate. Employees should continue their current work arrangements until further notice, with a minimum 12-week notice period before any changes take effect. The timing will vary by location.
- Hybrid Work Definition: Employees must work from their local office at least three days a week. This aligns with Wilson's EA Action plan.
- Geographical Radius: A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations has been introduced. Employees within this radius will transition to the hybrid model, while those outside may remain remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
- Offsite Local Model: This work model will be phased out over a period ranging from 3 to 24 months, depending on location.
- Exceptions: Any work model exceptions and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.
Anonymous sources within EA expressed frustration and confusion to IGN. Some employees are concerned about long commutes, childcare issues, and personal medical conditions that were better managed with remote work. Remote workers outside the 30-mile radius are worried about their job security if they cannot relocate closer to an office.
The gaming industry has seen a significant rise in remote work, particularly following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with many companies adopting it as a long-term solution. However, recent trends show a reversal, with companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard also mandating returns to office, facing similar criticisms and employee turnover.
This policy change comes on the heels of recent layoffs at EA, which saw approximately 300 employees let go, following earlier cuts at BioWare and the termination of around 670 roles last year.
IGN has reached out to EA for further comment on these developments.
