EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a significant change 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 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 outlined that "hybrid work" will now require employees to be in the office a minimum of three days per week, and "offsite local roles" will be phased out.

Further details were provided in a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, who described the shift as moving 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 their current work arrangements until further notice.
• Work model transitions will come with at least a 12-week notice period, with timing varying by location.
• Hybrid work will require at least three days per week in the local office, aligning with 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 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, depending on location.
• Any exceptions to the work model and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Several anonymous sources within EA expressed to IGN that employees are upset and confused by these changes. Some are concerned about long commutes, childcare issues, and personal medical conditions that had been better managed with remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius are worried about their job security if they cannot relocate closer to an office.

Remote work became widespread in the video game industry, particularly after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when many AAA companies adopted it as a long-term solution. 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 at EA comes on the heels of recent layoffs, with around 300 individuals let go 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.