Electronic Arts (EA) has recently announced a significant shift in its work policy, moving away from remote work to a mandatory return to office environment. In an email to employees, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the importance of in-person work for fostering creativity, innovation, and stronger team connections, stating that it often leads to "unexpected breakthroughs" beneficial for player experiences. Wilson described the new "hybrid work" model as requiring employees to work a minimum of three days a week in their local office, while also announcing the gradual phasing out of "offsite local roles."
Further details were provided in a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president, Laura Miele. She outlined the transition from a "decentralized approach" to a "globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from Miele's email include:
- Changes will not take effect immediately. Employees are to continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice.
- Transitions to the new work model will come with a minimum 12-week notice period, with the timing varying by location and communicated locally.
- The hybrid work model requires working from the local office at least three days per week.
- A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations has been introduced. Employees within this radius will transition to a hybrid work model, while those outside may remain remote unless designated as On Site or Hybrid.
- The "Offsite Local" work model will be phased out over a period of 3 to 24 months.
- Any exceptions to the work model and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.
According to anonymous sources within EA speaking to IGN, the announcement has caused upset and confusion among employees. Many are concerned about the feasibility of long commutes, childcare responsibilities, and personal medical conditions that had been better managed with remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius are particularly worried about the future of their roles if they cannot or will not relocate closer to an office.
Remote work has been a staple in the video game industry, especially since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to remote operations. Many workers have since moved to more affordable areas under the assumption that remote work would continue indefinitely. However, recent trends show a reversal, with companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard also mandating returns to office, leading to employee dissatisfaction and turnover.
This policy change at EA comes on the heels of recent layoffs, including around 300 individuals company-wide, following earlier cuts at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.
IGN has reached out to EA for further comment on these developments.
