A full year after establishing a return to office order for its Montreal team, Ubisoft is now introducing an in-person attendance requirement for all 19,000 of its employees across all of its studios.
For VentureBeatEmployees will be required to work in person three days a week, and divisions will choose when it will take effect “on their own schedule.” The rule would be “flexible,” based on the specific local needs of where developers live.
According to the outlet, Ubisoft teams currently spend half their time in the office, with a third of team members working in person. This new three-day mandate was primarily done to create consistency across all teams and offices.
The developer also stressed that it “enhances creativity and teamwork” while “respecting individual circumstances.”
“Being together in person also helps to solve problems and make decisions more effectively,” wrote Marie-Sophie de Waubert, head of studies and portfolio.[It’s] even more important for newcomers who need to master our tools and understand our way of doing things.”
“Making games is a collective journey,” he concluded, “and we believe this evolution is the best way for us to move forward as one team.”
Returning to the office isn't always easy
As the pandemic seemed to be coming to an end, studios began to move away from remote work and toward a hybrid approachor completely returned to in person Work.
Both led to complications for developers, especially those who felt that remote work was a good fit for them, both financially and physically. And in addition to the lack of in-person communication, some argued that working remotely it didn't really influence the development that much.
When Ubisoft brought back back to the office for its Montreal team last year, some felt the company had backtracked on its stance on remote work. Others saw it as an intentional move, so people would leave without a severance package.
In his letter, de Waubert said that this new rule was developed “in consultation with the entire Executive Committee and all entity, production zone and study leaders.” […] It is essential to build mutual trust within and between teams, cultivate a sense of belonging, and make the most of our culture.”
Ubisoft's full letter to staff regarding his new office mandate can be read Here.