Time off to play GTA 6! A special gift for 7,000 employees at this company
It is not just gamers who are eagerly awaiting the release of GTA 6; companies are also keeping a close watch. Many organizations are concerned about how the game’s launch might affect employee attendance and productivity. However, the tech company Logitech has taken a different approach: it is granting its approximately 7,000 employees worldwide a day off specifically to play video games. Notably, employees are free to play any video game of their choice during this time. Hanneke Faber, the company’s CEO, believes that gaming can actually enhance employees’ work capabilities and overall performance.
Logitech has launched this initiative under the banner of “Logi Game Day.” It applies to everyone from full-time staff to interns, all of whom are entitled to a day off for gaming. Employees can choose to take this day off at any point over the next year—it does not have to coincide with the release date of GTA 6. They are free to play any game they prefer.
On November 19, Logitech will also host a gaming and live-streaming event at its headquarters in San Jose, USA, transforming the office into a gaming lounge. This date is particularly significant as it aligns with the expected release of GTA 6. CEO Hanneke Faber will also be in attendance, emphasizing that the outdated perception of gaming as a “waste of time” needs to change.
Logitech believes that gaming can sharpen skills such as strategic planning, complex problem-solving, and the ability to make calm, composed decisions under pressure. In a company-conducted study, 81% of the gamers surveyed reported that gaming boosts their self-confidence, reduces stress, and improves their performance in daily tasks. Elaine Laird, the company’s Chief People Officer, notes that taking some time away from work to engage in preferred activities can help employees return with renewed energy and improved focus.
The issue of employees taking time off around the release of *GTA 6* has already been a subject of discussion. It is estimated that around 1.5 million employees in the United States might take leave during the game’s launch, potentially resulting in a productivity loss of up to $1 billion for the economy. In light of this, rather than simply granting time off, Logitech has integrated gaming itself into a special company initiative.
