EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has recently announced to its employees that it will be ending its remote working policies and implementing a full return to office. In an email sent to employees today, which was viewed by IGN, EA's CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the value of in-person work, stating that 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 outlined that "hybrid work" would now require a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," and that "offsite local roles" would be gradually phased out.

In a subsequent email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, also viewed by IGN, she provided further details on the transition. Miele described the company's move 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 mean working from the local office at least three days per week, aligning with what’s outlined in Andrew’s EA Action. A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be introduced.
• Employees who live 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 the transition period varying from 3 to 24 months, depending on location.
• Any work model exceptions and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Several anonymous sources within EA told IGN that employees were upset and confused by the announcement. Some expressed concerns over the long commutes they would now face, while others worried about childcare or personal medical conditions that had been better managed with remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius expressed concerns about their job security if they were unable or unwilling to relocate closer to an office. Two sources indicated that existing remote workers would see their "exemptions" to return to the office "sunset" within the next 3 to 24 months.

Remote work has been a common practice in the video game industry, especially after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced many AAA companies to adopt it as a long-term solution. Over the years, many companies have hired more remote workers, and some employees have moved to more affordable cities away from offices, under the assumption that remote work would continue indefinitely.

However, other major video game companies, including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, have faced criticism for similar return-to-office mandates, leading to employee frustration and turnover. These policies have continued to spread, with EA being the latest to require an in-office model.

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

IGN has reached out to EA for comment on this matter.