Activision Blizzard is facing opposition from its QA workers over a new return-to-office mandate. The ABK Workers Alliance, formed in response to employee concerns, has criticized the company's decision to require QA workers in Minneapolis, Austin, and El Segundo to return to full-time office work. Starting in late January, this mandate affects employees working on titles like Call of Duty. Activision is offering severance packages to those leaving due to this change.
On November 30th, Activision QA employees in Minneapolis, Austin, and El Segundo received an email announcing that hybrid work will be ended in January for QA employees.
— ABetterABK 💙 ABK Workers Alliance (@ABetterABK) December 18, 2023
Below is our statement regarding this decision. pic.twitter.com/UKyRH2BggH
IGN reported the details of an email sent to affected employees, highlighting Activision's reasoning for this decision, which includes enhanced broadband speeds and team coordination benefits observed during in-office workdays. The company offers a separation package, including a minimum of 12 weeks' pay and a year of healthcare coverage, for those opting out due to the mandate.
However, the ABK Workers Alliance claims that many QA employees, hired during the lockdown and residing far from offices, have been attempting to secure permanent work-from-home accommodations, mostly in vain. The Alliance contends that this mandate could result in further layoffs and has expressed concern over the impact on vulnerable employees and work-life balance.
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Activision responded, emphasizing its commitment to supporting team members with various needs, focusing on individualized solutions for those facing barriers to performing their job functions.
This dispute reflects broader industry trends where return-to-office mandates have triggered unrest among workers accustomed to or requiring remote work arrangements. Companies like Blizzard and Ubisoft Montreal have faced similar employee pushbacks, highlighting the ongoing debate over workplace flexibility in the post-pandemic era.
Source: IGN