EA Ends Remote Work, Mandates Office Return

Electronic Arts (EA) has made a significant announcement regarding its work policies, informing employees that it will be permanently ending its remote working arrangements 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 that 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 further defined "hybrid work" as requiring a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," and indicated that "offsite local roles" would be phased out over time.

In a subsequent email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, also seen by IGN, she provided more detailed information about the shift from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her message include:

• These changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice, regardless of their location.
• Transitions to the new work model will come with a minimum 12-week notice period before any changes are implemented, with timing varying by location and communicated locally.
• Hybrid work will require employees to work from their local office at least three days per week, aligning with CEO Andrew Wilson's EA Action plan.
• A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be 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 phased out over a period that may range from 3 to 24 months, depending on location.
• Any exceptions to the new work model and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Several sources within EA, speaking anonymously to IGN, expressed dissatisfaction and confusion among employees. Some highlighted the impracticality of long commutes, while others raised concerns about childcare and personal medical conditions that had been better managed through remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius expressed worries about their job security if unable or unwilling to relocate closer to an office.

Remote work has become increasingly common in the video game industry, particularly since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced many AAA companies to adopt remote work as a long-term solution. The trend continued as more companies hired remote workers, and some employees moved to less expensive areas away from office locations, believing remote work to be permanent.

However, recent moves by other major video game companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard to bring workers back to the office have met with frustration and, in some cases, employee turnover. These return-to-office mandates have sparked criticism both internally and externally, yet the trend continues with EA now joining the list of companies requiring an in-office presence.

This announcement comes in the wake of EA's recent layoffs, which saw around 300 individuals let go company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles the previous year.

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