EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has informed its employees of a significant shift in its work policy, announcing the end of remote working and a full return to office environments. In an email obtained by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, 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 defined the new "hybrid work" model 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.

Further details were provided in a subsequent email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, who described the company's transition from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." She outlined the following key points:

• Changes will not take effect immediately; employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice.
• Work model transitions will come with a minimum 12-week notice period, with timing varying by location and communicated locally.
• Hybrid work will require working from the local office at least three days per week.
• A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be introduced.
• Employees within this radius will transition to the Hybrid work model, while those outside will be considered remote unless designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be phased out over 3 to 24 months.
• Any work model exceptions and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Anonymous sources within EA, speaking to IGN, expressed widespread upset and confusion among employees. Some highlighted the impracticality of hours-long commutes, while others raised concerns about childcare and personal medical conditions that had been better managed with remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius are particularly anxious about their future roles if they cannot or will not relocate closer to an office.

Remote work has been a staple in the video game industry, especially after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote solutions. Many companies adapted to this model long-term, leading to an increase in remote hires and some employees relocating to more affordable areas under the assumption that remote work was permanent.

However, recent trends show other major video game companies, including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, also calling employees back to the office, often facing criticism and employee turnover. Despite this backlash, the return to office mandates continue to gain momentum, with EA joining the ranks of companies opting for an in-office model.

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

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