EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has informed its employees of a significant shift in its work policies, announcing the permanent end of remote working and a full return to office. In an email to staff, which was obtained by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person collaboration, 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 further explained that the new "hybrid work" model would require employees to be in their local office a minimum of three days a week, and that roles designated as "offsite local" would be gradually phased out.

In a subsequent email from Laura Miele, president of EA Entertainment, also viewed by IGN, she provided more details about the transition. Miele described the move as a shift from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." The key points of the new policy include:

• Changes will not be immediate; employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice.
• Transitions to the new work model will come with at least a 12-week notice period, with timing varying by location and communicated locally.
• Hybrid work requires a minimum of three days per week in the local office, aligning with CEO Andrew Wilson’s outlined policy.
• A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be introduced.
• Employees within this 30-mile/48-km radius will transition to the Hybrid work model.
• Employees outside this radius 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.

According to anonymous sources within EA speaking to IGN, the announcement has caused upset and confusion among employees. Some are concerned about the long commutes they will now face, while others worry about childcare or personal medical conditions that benefited from remote work. Remote workers outside the 30-mile radius expressed concerns about their job security if they cannot or will not relocate closer to an office.

Remote work became increasingly common in the video game industry, especially during and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when stay-at-home orders forced many AAA companies to adopt it as a long-term solution. Over the years, more companies hired remote workers, and many near-office employees moved to less expensive cities, believing remote work to be permanent.

However, recent trends show other major video game companies, including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, mandating returns to office, leading to frustration and employee turnover as workers faced the choice between relocation and their jobs. EA's decision follows a similar pattern, despite recent layoffs of around 300 individuals company-wide, following earlier cuts at BioWare and the termination of around 670 roles the previous year.

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