Key Takeaways
1. Ubisoft announced significant restructuring, leading to studio closures and project cancellations, including the Prince of Persia remake.
2. A new return-to-office policy was introduced, which some employees, like David Michaud-Crop, criticized as unnecessary for efficiency.
3. Michaud-Crop faced disciplinary action after publicly expressing his discontent, resulting in a three-day unpaid suspension and eventual termination.
4. Ubisoft stated that employees can voice feedback respectfully, but violations of the company’s Code of Conduct can lead to disciplinary measures.
5. The company emphasized that disciplinary actions depend on the severity and context of the infraction.
Ubisoft made significant announcements last month, which were hard for many employees to digest. As part of a larger restructuring process, the firm closed several studios and shelved multiple projects, including the remake of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. Alongside these changes, Ubisoft introduced a new policy requiring employees to return to physical offices, suggesting that this would enhance overall efficiency.
Criticism from Within
Shortly after the announcement of the return-to-office policy, David Michaud-Crop, a team lead at Ubisoft Montreal, voiced his discontent on his personal LinkedIn page. His post challenged the notion that mandating employees to go back to the office would necessarily improve efficiency, especially since teams had demonstrated their ability to work effectively from home.
Disciplinary Measures
After his post attracted attention, Ubisoft responded with disciplinary measures, issuing Michaud-Crop a three-day unpaid suspension. The situation intensified when Michaud-Crop later announced on LinkedIn that he had been dismissed from Ubisoft. He shared that his termination was immediate and emphasized that this decision was not his doing, though he refrained from revealing specific internal circumstances behind the choice. He also stated that he intends to take some time to reflect before deciding on his future plans.
Company Stance
In light of these events, Wccftech contacted Ubisoft for an official statement. The company responded by affirming that employees have the right to voice their feedback and opinions, provided it is done with respect. They clarified that simply expressing criticism does not result in termination.
Ubisoft also highlighted its internal Code of Conduct, which sets forth the expected standards of professional behavior. Employees are obliged to review and sign this code annually. The company explained that when these guidelines are violated, disciplinary measures may follow, which can escalate based on the severity of the infraction, the frequency of occurrence, and the overall context surrounding the issue.
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