Ubisoft Montreal's mandatory return-to-office order reportedly leaves staff in "turmoil"
Ubisoft Montreal — the studio behind the likes of Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 5 — has been accused of leaving staff in «turmoil» after it reportedly reneged on promises that «100% remote work would be possible», forcing all 4,000 of its workers back to the office for a «minimum» of two days a week, as of 11th September.
Back in June 2021, Ubisoft announced it would be adopting a «hybrid and tailored approach to work arrangements» where staff would be able «to balance in-office work with work from home». However, according to a new report by IGN, Ubisoft Montreal staff were repeatedly told they could remain 100% remote long-term, leading many to make significant life decision or accept jobs at the company based around these assurances.
«100% remote work will be possible depending on various criteria,» reads an internal Ubisoft document seen by IGN and detailed in its report, «such as productivity and impact on the team, as well as the nature of the work being done.»
That all changed in August, however, when (according to a separate account by a former Ubisoft employee on social media) Ubisoft Montreal leadership met with team managers, insisting all employees must return to the office for a minimum of two days a week as of 11th September, «no exceptions». The only leeway would be an eight-week allowance for any employee that could «prove» they needed time to adjust.
In messages posted to Ubisoft's intranet, as seen by IGN, the response to the announcement was «almost all» negative, with some employees angry at the policy U-turn after buying a house or making other commitments based on the belief full-time home working would be possible, while others raised health concerns, and even issues surrounding the
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