EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a significant shift in its work policies, moving away from remote work to a full return to office model. In an email to employees, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection," which he believes leads to better experiences for players. He redefined "hybrid work" to require a minimum of three days a week in the local office and announced the gradual phasing out of "offsite local roles."

Laura Miele, EA Entertainment president, provided further details in a follow-up email, explaining the transition to a "globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points include:

• Changes will not be immediate; employees should continue their current work arrangements until further notice.
• A minimum 12-week notice period will be given before any work model changes are implemented, with the timing varying by location.
• Hybrid work will require at least three days a week in the local office, with a new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations.
• Employees within this radius will transition to a hybrid model, while those outside will remain remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be phased out over 3 to 24 months.
• Any exceptions to the work model and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Anonymous sources within EA expressed to IGN their upset and confusion over the new policy. Some highlighted the impracticality of long commutes, while others raised concerns about childcare and 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 relocate.

Remote work has been a staple in the video game industry, especially after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to remote operations. Many companies continued to hire remote workers, and some employees moved to more affordable areas under the assumption that remote work would be permanent.

However, EA's decision aligns with a broader trend among major video game companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, who have also mandated returns to office, sparking criticism and employee turnover. This shift comes amidst recent layoffs at EA, including around 300 individuals company-wide, following earlier cuts at BioWare and the termination of about 670 roles the previous year.

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