What if your boss told you to forget about work, grab your controller and spend the day playing video games? For 7,000 Logitech employees, that dream is becoming a reality – and they do not even have to pretend to be sick to enjoy it.
The computer peripheral giant is giving its entire workforce, including interns, a dedicated day off to play video games under a new initiative called 'Logi Game Day'. With Grand Theft Auto VI set to launch on 19 November, the move could be the ultimate solution to the inevitable wave of employees tempted to call in sick rather than miss the blockbuster's arrival.
But Logitech is not just letting workers play for fun. The company is making a much bigger bet: that playing video games could actually make people better at their jobs.
No Need To Call in Sick – Your Boss Wants You Gaming
Every one of the 7,000 employees can join, interns included. Everyone gets a full day to play whatever game they want.
While GTA 6 is likely to be the biggest attraction, workers are not required to spend their holiday exploring Rockstar Games' fictional criminal underworld. Those who are not interested in the franchise can pick another game instead.
Employees can use their Logi Game Day at any point between now and the same time next year, rather than having to take 19 November off.
The timing is particularly interesting given estimates that the game's launch could cost the US economy around $1 billion (£754 million) in lost productivity as gamers abandon their usual routines to get their hands on it.
Rather than fighting the distraction, Logitech appears to have decided that if you cannot beat the gaming fever, you might as well join it.
Logitech Boss Believes Gaming Could Make Workers Better at Their Jobs
There's a bigger idea behind this unusual perk. Logitech wants people to rethink video games and stop treating them as a waste of time.
Chief executive Hanneke Faber explained that the company recognises 'how engagement in one sphere supports performance in the other'.
In other words, the thinking is that giving employees time to enjoy their hobbies could help them return to work feeling refreshed and more engaged.
It is a particularly fitting message from a company that makes gaming mice, keyboards and other PC accessories. After all, a company that sells gaming gear is not about to tell you to go outside and touch grass.
Whether the approach actually delivers a measurable productivity boost remains to be seen. But Logitech is effectively turning a potential workplace headache into an employee benefit, rather than expecting staff to hide their excitement.
GTA 6 Fever Is About To Take Over the Gaming World
The timing is no accident. GTA 6 comes out on 19 November, and it is one of the most anticipated games in years.
The game will initially be exclusive to consoles, with a reported PC release expected in early 2027. Pre-orders are already available, while pre-loading is also under way.
With years of anticipation finally approaching their conclusion, Logitech may have found a rather clever way to handle the inevitable gaming distraction.
After all, if 7,000 employees are already distracted by GTA 6, they may as well enjoy it properly, without having to invent a reason for missing work.
