Activision Blizzard Removes Company Vaccine Mandate, Work From Home To Stop
Activision Blizzard has not been in everyone’s good books over the past year. The company was hit with a torrent of lawsuits last July. These included allegations of unfair labor practices and sexual harassment, misogyny, and a thriving “frat-boy culture.”
As if there wasn’t enough concern about their work environment, the company has decided to end the requirement for employees who work from offices to be fully vaccinated. This is in the hope of bringing people together again.
Kotaku reported that this information was sent to all employees yesterday by Activision Blizzard’s chief administrative officer Brian Bulatao. Jessica Gonzalez from ABK Worker’s Alliance shared the entire email. It states that Activision Blizzard “feels it important to align our site protocol with local guidance,” and other indoor venues and businesses in the U.S. lift vaccine requirements.
The email states that “While this policy change addresses our current pandemic state, we also know that the situation is constantly changing, and we will continue monitoring the risks for COVID-19 at all locations where we operate.” We recognize that the experience of returning to work can be different for each business unit and within each business unit. We realize that other locations are at various stages of their return. Although this change will not immediately impact remote workers, we want to inform you so that you can prepare.
The email stated that the company “looks forward to” employees returning to the office. However, it added: “We recognize you may have personal situations you’d like for us to discuss with our manager and HRBP.” It is not clear if this means that certain people can continue to work from home.
The email continues, “As we decide what the future looks like at work, I want us to all remember the benefits of in-person collaboration.” We must protect ourselves and others by creating a safe space where colleagues can collaborate and innovate.
