Activision Blizzard employees will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination in order to work in the office. This comes from a company-wide email sent to employees yesterday, in a move that has been condemned across the industry, and even publicly by current and former Activision Blizzard workers.
In order to see the "benefits of in-person collaboration", the company is also phasing out work from home, bringing staff back into the office. Management says the move is being made to align its practices with other businesses, which are also lifting their vaccine requirements. Activision Blizzard staff are largely speaking out against the decision, and the email announcing the change in policy has been leaked in full.
Lead server engineer at Blizzard Kurtis McCathern was among the first to share the news with the public. In the replies to his tweet, both current and former employees speak out against the decision.
"The ventilation in the pits were terrible BEFORE COVID was a concern. This sucks", writes one worker.
"People used to joke about being too busy to go home with a cold. One person getting sick in a bullpen would ripple through and cost weeks of sick time. COVID is more contagious.", says another.
The full email announcing the end of the company-wide vaccine mandate was later shared by former Blizzard senior test analyst, Jessica Gonzalez.
"Effective immediately, we are lifting our vaccine mandate for all U.S. employees", the email reads. "Over the past several weeks, we've seen businesses and other indoor venues across the U.S. lift vaccine requirements, and we feel it is important to align our site protocols with local guidance.
"Over the past several weeks, we've seen businesses and other indoor venues across the U.S. lift vaccine requirements, and we feel it is important to align our site protocols with local guidance."
Activision Blizzard is yet to comment on the decision and widespread condemnation publicly. Staff are still being asked to disclose their vaccination status despite this recent move, presumably so action can be taken swiftly if the advice around vaccine mandates changes.