WHAT MAKES A GREAT PLACE TO WORK?

The Gamesindustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards took place this week, highlighting the studios and associated games companies who are demonstrating a commitment to creating outstanding workplace cultures. So, as well as celebrating those brilliant companies, I thought this week I’d look at what the experts in the wider world think makes a great place to work…

US News asks exactly that question – and offers five qualities that make a company great. They are: Promotes a Culture of Psychologic Safety; Supports Your Career Growth; Provides Feedback; Strives For a Talent-Task Match; and Values Employees. The article also provides guidance on how to assess a company’s culture and highlights the red flags to look out for. The article is written from the perspective of a potential employee – but what better way to review which qualities talent is looking for in a new employer…? Read more here - https://shorturl.at/Aw6Sl

Human Resources Director also asks what makes great places to work for, and asserts that they all have ‘at least one thing in common: trust’. But it adds that ‘there are other characteristics common to appealing workplaces’, highlighting 10 of those characteristics, namely: Competitive compensation; Company culture; Trust; Fairness; Communication; Innovation; Professional development; Engagement; Transparency; and Diversity. For a deep dive on each, head here - https://shorturl.at/72VSd

Fun, great management and culture are what make a firm a great place to work, according to this piece by Workplace Insight. The ‘fun’ point may make you roll your eyes a little, but the article explains: ‘Fun is more than fluff: Employees are warning organisations not to underestimate the power of fun and its impact on their job satisfaction, advocacy, loyalty and retention. Best Workplaces don’t just hire a good culture fit and hope for the best – they actively work to advance social connections and a solid sense of fellowship amongst colleagues across all teams and levels of seniority.’ Find out more here - https://shorturl.at/5dTYo

So, where to start when looking to make your company a ‘best place to work’? Bay Area Executive has the answer – in fact, it has 11 strategies for you to consider. Sticking with the ‘fun’ theme, they range from ‘creating excitement in the workplace’, through ‘open and transparent communication’ and ‘perks and benefits’ to ‘banish micromanaging’. The full rundown is here - https://shorturl.at/oh6Nt

And so the studios and other games companies who are truly best places to work! The Gamesindutry.biz Best Places To Work Awards took place this week in London, where a number of small, medium and large studios and related games companies received certificates. A number of special accolades were also awarded, including the G Into Gaming award, which is sponsored by Amiqus and was presented by our Business Manager to the hugely deserving Harinder Sangha of Maverick Games. Discover all the award winners here - https://shorturl.at/RC8Dv

What do you think makes a great place to work? I’d love to hear from you!

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash