EA mandates three-day office return, phases out remote work

Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that it will require all employees within a 30-mile radius of company offices to work on-site at least three days per week, effectively ending its flexible remote work policy established during the pandemic.In an email to staff, CEO Andrew Wilson stated that in-person work provides "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players."The gaming giant is transitioning from what EA Entertainment President Laura Miele described as "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." The policy establishes a 30-mile/48-kilometer boundary around EA locations to determine work arrangements.Employees living within this radius must adopt the hybrid model, while those outside will be classified as remote unless their positions require on-site presence. However, EA plans to "sunset the Offsite Local work model" over the next 3-24 months depending on location, creating uncertainty for current remote workers.Future exceptions to the policy or new remote hires will require direct approval from either Wilson or Miele, significantly limiting remote work opportunities at the company moving forward.The transition won't happen immediately. EA has promised a minimum 12-week notice period before implementing changes, with timing varying by location.According to anonymous sources speaking to IGN, the announcement has generated confusion and concern among employees, particularly those with long commutes or childcare responsibilities that benefited from remote arrangements.EA joins other major game companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard in requiring employees to return to offices despite worker resistance. This shift comes despite the widespread adoption of remote work in the gaming industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.The policy change follows recent workforce reductions at EA, including approximately 300-400 layoffs announced this year and the termination of about 670 positions in 2024.EA corporate communications VP Justin Higgs confirmed the new model, stating it would enable "faster decisions, sharper execution, and stronger connection" among teams.Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that it will require all employees within a 30-mile radius of company offices to work on-site at least three days per week, effectively ending its flexible remote work policy established during the pandemic.In an email to staff, CEO Andrew Wilson stated that in-person work provides "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players."The gaming giant is transitioning from what EA Entertainment President Laura Miele described as "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." The policy establishes a 30-mile/48-kilometer boundary around EA locations to determine work arrangements.Employees living within this radius must adopt the hybrid model, while those outside will be classified as remote unless their positions require on-site presence. However, EA plans to "sunset the Offsite Local work model" over the next 3-24 months depending on location, creating uncertainty for current remote workers.Future exceptions to the policy or new remote hires will require direct approval from either Wilson or Miele, significantly limiting remote work opportunities at the company moving forward.The transition won't happen immediately. EA has promised a minimum 12-week notice period before implementing changes, with timing varying by location.According to anonymous sources speaking to IGN, the announcement has generated confusion and concern among employees, particularly those with long commutes or childcare responsibilities that benefited from remote arrangements.EA joins other major game companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard in requiring employees to return to offices despite worker resistance. This shift comes despite the widespread adoption of remote work in the gaming industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.The policy change follows recent workforce reductions at EA, including approximately 300-400 layoffs announced this year and the termination of about 670 positions in 2024.EA corporate communications VP Justin Higgs confirmed the new model, stating it would enable "faster decisions, sharper execution, and stronger connection" among teams.