EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a significant shift in its work policies, moving away from remote work and mandating a full return to office. In an email sent to employees and viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players." He defined "hybrid work" as requiring a minimum of three days per week in the local office and announced the gradual phasing out of "offsite local roles."

Further details were provided in a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, who described the transition from a decentralized approach to a "globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her email include:

• Changes will not take effect immediately; employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice.
• A minimum 12-week notice period will be provided before any work model transitions are implemented, with timing varying by location.
• Hybrid work will require employees to work from their 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 will be considered remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be sunset over a period of 3 to 24 months.
• Any work model exceptions and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Anonymous sources within EA expressed to IGN that employees were upset and confused by these changes. Concerns included long commutes, childcare issues, and personal medical conditions that had benefited from remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius worried about their job security if they were unable or unwilling to relocate closer to an office.

Remote work became prevalent in the video game industry, particularly after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many AAA companies to adopt remote work as a long-term solution. Many employees moved to more affordable areas under the assumption that remote work would remain permanent. However, recent trends show other major companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard also mandating returns to office, leading to employee frustration and turnover.

This policy shift comes on the heels of EA's recent layoffs, which affected around 300 individuals company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to EA for comment on these developments.