Logitech offers its 7,000 employees paid leave to play video games before GTA VI launch: ‘Gaming is not a waste of time’

The benefit applies to everyone, from interns to contractual and permanent employees, who can choose any day until next year to play a game of their choice.

Logitech, a Swiss-American manufacturer of computer peripherals, has extended paid leave to its 7,000-strong global workforce so employees can play video games ahead of next week's highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. The $13 billion tech giant has termed the initiative “Logi Game Day” and said in a statement to Fortune, “It’s time to retire the stereotype that gaming is a waste of time.”

The benefit applies to everyone, from interns to contractual and permanent employees, who can choose any day until next year to play a game of their choice.

Logitech employees get gaming leave for GTA VI launch

Logitech is organising a gaming livestream at its headquarters in San Jose on November 19, coinciding with the official release of GTA VI. The event will bring employees together for gaming activities and friendly competition.

Logitech chief people officer Elaine Laird is also expected to participate in the event. However, unlike employees who may choose to use their gaming leave on the game's launch day, she plans to report to the office.

“I’m ready for some fun and (friendly) competition,” she told Fortune.

Employees who do not wish to use their gaming leave on November 19 can avail themselves of the benefit on another date, including in 2027.

Logitech says gaming helps build workplace skills

Logitech believes gaming can help employees develop skills that are useful in professional environments.

According to the company's Ctrl Tomorrow study, 81% of gamers surveyed believe gaming helps build confidence in real-world situations, reduces anxiety and improves their everyday performance.

“Play is not the opposite of work,” Logitech's chief people officer Elaine Laird said in an official statement.

Fortune also reported that Logitech chief financial officer Matteo Anversa plans to spend his gaming day playing Forza on a racing simulator.

GTA VI launch sparks rise in employee leave requests

Logitech's initiative comes amid expectations that GTA VI's release could lead to an increase in employee absences as gaming enthusiasts make plans to play the highly anticipated title.

Workplace data published by BambooHR shows that leave requests for November 19 are nearly 13% higher than on comparable dates in previous years.

The data further revealed that 18% of salaried employees plan to take the day off for GTA VI's launch. Meanwhile, half of the gamers planning to take leave for an upcoming game release said they would prefer calling in sick rather than formally scheduling time off.

“If employees choose to spend their Gaming Time Off exploring Vice City on launch day, you won’t hear any complaints from us,” a Logitech spokesperson told Fortune.

About the Author

Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.