EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a significant shift in its work policy, ending its remote working arrangements and mandating a return to office for its employees. In an email sent to staff, viewed by IGN, EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating that it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection," leading to breakthroughs and enhanced experiences for players. Wilson 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."

Further details were provided in a follow-up email from Laura Miele, president of EA Entertainment. Miele outlined the transition to a "globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her email include:

• Employees should continue their current work arrangements until further notice, regardless of their location.
• A minimum 12-week notice period will be given before implementing any changes, with the timing varying by location.
• Hybrid work will require at least three days per week in the local office, within a 30-mile/48-km radius of an EA location.
• Employees within this radius will transition to the hybrid model, while those outside will remain remote unless their roles are designated as on-site or hybrid.
• The offsite local work model will be phased out over the next 3 to 24 months, depending on location.
• Any exceptions to the new work model and future remote hires will need approval from a CEO Direct.

Anonymous sources within EA told IGN that the announcement has left employees upset and confused. Some are facing long commutes, while others are concerned about childcare 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 increasingly common in the video game industry during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with many AAA companies adopting it as a long-term solution. As remote work policies seemed permanent, many employees moved to more affordable areas away from office locations. However, recent trends show other major video game companies, including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, also mandating returns to the office, often leading to employee dissatisfaction and turnover.

EA's decision comes in the context of recent layoffs, including around 300 company-wide, following earlier cuts at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to EA for further comment on this policy change.