EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced to its employees that it will be ending its remote working policies permanently, 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 leading to breakthroughs that enhance player experiences. He outlined that "hybrid work" will now require a minimum of three days a week in the local office, and "offsite local roles" will be phased out gradually.

In a follow-up email, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele provided further details, stating that the company is transitioning from a decentralized approach to a "globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." She clarified the following points:

• These changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice, regardless of their location.
• 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 mean working from the local office at least three days per week, aligning with what’s outlined in Andrew Wilson's EA Action.
• EA is introducing a new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations. Employees within this radius will transition to a Hybrid work model, while those outside will be considered remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be phased out, with the transition taking 3 to 24 months depending on the location.
• Any work model exceptions and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Several sources within EA, speaking anonymously to IGN, reported that employees were upset and confused. Some expressed concerns about the long commutes they would now have to make, while others worried about childcare or personal medical conditions that had benefited from remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius expressed concern over their job security if they were unwilling or unable to relocate closer to an office.

Remote work has been a significant trend in the video game industry, especially since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when stay-at-home mandates forced many AAA companies to adopt remote work as a long-term solution. In recent years, more companies have hired remote workers, and some employees have moved to more affordable cities under the belief that remote work would be permanent.

However, other major video game companies, including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, have recently mandated returns to the office, leading to frustration and sometimes employee turnover. Despite the criticism, more companies like EA are moving towards requiring an in-office presence once again.

EA recently laid off around 300 employees company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare this year and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to EA for comment.