EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced to its employees that it will be permanently ending its remote working policies, mandating a full return to office. In an email sent to employees today, which was viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized that in-person work 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 their local office a minimum of three days per week, and "offsite local roles" will be gradually phased out.

In a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, also viewed by IGN, further details were clarified, describing the company's transition from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model":

• These changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice, regardless of where they live.
• Work model transitions will come with a minimum 12-week notice period before any changes are implemented. The timing will vary by location and will be communicated locally with ample notice.
• Hybrid work will require working from your local office at least three days per week, aligning with what was outlined in Andrew Wilson's EA Action. A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations is being introduced.
• Employees living within 30 miles/48 km of an EA location will transition to a Hybrid work model. Those living outside this radius will be considered remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be phased out, with transitions taking 3 to 24 months depending on location.
• Any work model exceptions and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Several sources within EA, speaking to IGN anonymously, reported that employees were upset and confused by the announcement. Some shared concerns about hours-long commutes they would now be expected to make, while others expressed worries regarding childcare or personal medical conditions that had benefited from remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile range were particularly concerned about what would happen to their roles if they were unwilling or unable to relocate closer to an office.

Remote work has been increasingly prevalent in the video game industry, especially since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which forced most AAA companies to adopt remote work as a long-term solution. Many employees moved to more affordable cities under the impression that remote work would be permanent. However, recent trends have seen other major video game companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard calling workers back to the office, leading to frustration and sometimes employee turnover. EA's decision to mandate an in-office model aligns with this trend.

This announcement comes after EA recently laid off approximately 300 individuals company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare and the termination of around 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to EA for comment.