EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has informed its workforce of a permanent shift away from remote work, mandating a return to office policy. In an internal email seen by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized that in-person collaboration fosters creativity, innovation, and spontaneous breakthroughs, ultimately enhancing player experiences. He outlined that hybrid work will now require a minimum of three office days weekly, with offsite local roles transitioning over time.

Following Wilson’s announcement, EA Entertainment President Laura Miele provided additional details in a subsequent email. She described the move toward a unified global work structure, distinct from the previous decentralized model. Key points include:

• Immediate changes are not scheduled; employees must continue current arrangements until further notice.
• A minimum 12-week notice period will precede any implementation, with regional variations announced locally.
• Hybrid work will involve at least three office days weekly, aligned with Wilson’s directive. A 30-mile/48-kilometer radius around EA offices will determine eligibility.

Implications:

• Employees within the radius will adopt hybrid work.
• Those outside will remain remote unless their role is designated as On-Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be discontinued.
• Exceptions or future remote hires will require CEO-level approval.

Reactions among staff have been mixed. Some employees voiced dissatisfaction, citing lengthy commutes now required or challenges related to childcare and health conditions previously alleviated by remote work. Remote workers beyond the 30-mile radius expressed uncertainty about their roles if they cannot relocate long-term. According to IGN, exemptions allowing remote work will phase out over the next 3 to 24 months.

Remote work surged across the gaming sector during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic but has since reversed as companies reintroduce office mandates. Other firms like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have faced similar backlash. EA recently conducted layoffs totaling approximately 300 employees, adding to earlier cuts at BioWare and last year’s workforce reductions. IGN has contacted EA for further comment.