Logitech offers 7,000 employees paid vacation to play video games ahead of GTA VI launch: 'Gaming is not a waste of time'

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

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

Logitech employees get game time off for GTA VI launch

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

Logitech CEO Elaine Laird is also expected to attend the event. Unlike employees who may choose to take game time off on the game’s launch day, he plans to report to the office.

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

Employees who do not wish to use the game day off on November 19 can use the benefit at another date, including 2027.

Logitech says gaming helps build skills in the workplace

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

According to a study by Ctrl Tomorrow, 81% of gamers surveyed believe that gaming helps build confidence in real-world situations, reduces anxiety and improves their day-to-day performance.

“Playing is not the opposite of work,” Logitech CEO Elaine Laird said in an official statement.

Fortune also reported that Logitech CFO Matteo Anversa plans to spend his gaming day playing Forza on the racing simulator.

The launch of GTA VI increases the number of leave requests from employees

Logitech’s initiative comes amid expectations that the release of GTA VI could lead to increased absenteeism as gaming enthusiasts plan to play the highly anticipated title.

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

The data further revealed that 18% of employees plan to take a day off for the launch of GTA VI. Meanwhile, half of gamers who plan to take time off for the game’s upcoming release said they would rather call in sick than formally schedule time off.

“If employees decide to spend their game time off exploring Vice City on launch day, you won’t hear any complaints from us,” a Logitech spokesperson told Fortune.