The ABK Workers Alliance penned a statement detailing the impacts of the recent return-to-office mandate that will affect hundreds of Activision quality assurance (QA) workers.
Activision Requires Shifts Away From Hybrid Work
Previously, Activision has been allowing its employees to conduct hybrid work. However, a memo from November 30 stated that QA employees from Minneapolis, Austin and El Segundo will now be required to report to the office five days a week.
According to the statement, affected workers are primarily under the Call of Duty department. The mandate is set to be effective by late January with Activision offering a severance package for people who wish to depart from the company due to the mandate.
"This decision leaves our most vulnerable employees behind, especially disabled and immunocompromised employees, many whom have had their work-from-home accommodations requests denied with inadequate reasoning, even when they provided medical paperwork," ABK wrote.
Activision QA Employees See Mandate as Soft Layoff
In a response to IGN, it was revealed that Activision's decision came after the company found that the Central QA team performed more effectively on on-office workdays compared to remote workdays. Factors such as commercial broadband speed, in-person team management, and better access to hardware in the office were listed.
On the other hand, the ABK Workers Alliance considers the move to be a soft layoff with employees being forced out of the company should they find the mandate difficult to follow.
Many employees were hired during the lockdown and have been living at a significant distance from the offices, making it a difficult transition with the new mandate. Employees would either have to relocate or brace the commute.
Activision is reportedly offering a one-time separation package of a minimum of 12 weeks' pay, a 2023 bonus, 12 months of healthcare, and unused vacation time payout for employees who will voluntarily leave the company due to the mandate.
