Is Remote Working The Future?

Is Remote Working The Future? #

The video games industry has been through a lot of turmoil over the last couple of years - studio closures, headcount reductions, financial issues, hiring problems and more. The landscape has certainly changed post-COVID. Studios need to adapt to current trends, to the desires of workers and to the state of the market if they are to survice - let alone to thrive.

In this blog post, I explain why I strongly believe that studios embracing remote working opportunities, paired with changes to how performance of individuals and the studio as a whole are monitored, can be extremely beneficial - and can easily be the difference between success and failure within the industry.

The Myth: Office-Working Is More Efficient #

Many companies worry that remote working can reduce productivity. However, when performance metrics and experience levels are clearly defined, the physical location of an employee becomes much less relevant.

I fully agree that some employees work less efficiently at home than at the office. BUT, if that employee desperately wishes to work from home, it could still be allowed. If performance is less than it would be from the office, that person's performance evaluation should reflect that and their salary level could be a notch below where it might otherwise be. Both sides can see and understand this - and make the choice together as to whether it "works". It's often better to have an employee working at 90% of potential than to not have that employee at all.

That said, I also believe that most employees' performance won't be worse at home - in many cases, performance improves. It really depends on self-discipline and whether or not home offers a supportive working environment.

Consistent Performance Measuring #

It's absolutely crucial to have a robust performance measuring and management system in place with regular assessments, clear goals and mechanisms for delivering performance feedback. When employees are aware that their performance is being monitored - whether that be picking up on problems or commending for work done well - they will be more likely to ensure that their work standards are to a high standard, whether or not they're working in an office or from home.

If pay scales and experience levels are transparent and well-defined, this also helps immeasurably with the clarity helping to set expectations while providing clear goals and benchmarks for evaluations. Employees can see and understand what they need to do to jump to the next pay grade, for example, and can understand that that is attainable both from an office and from home.

* An excellent employee at home is better than an average employee at the office *

Financial Benefits #

There are many financial benefits to remote work - some of the important examples being:-

For the Company #

• Reduced Overheads: Office space, utilities, and other related expenses can be cut drastically or eliminated.

• Wider Talent Pool: A global pool of talent becomes available - meaning greater opportunity to hire the right people for the work required.

For the Employee #

• Travel Costs Wiped Out or Reduced: Employees save substancial time and money by not commuting. This not only reduces travel expenses but also contributes to a better work-life balance, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

• Flexibility: Remote working offers flexibility, allowing employees to manage their work schedules around personal commitments. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and, ultimately, better productivity.

• Easier "Emergency" Management: If something goes drastically wrong with a build, there's no need to ask employees to dash into the office to fix things. Often, remote employees will be more willing to help out fixing broken builds when they're only a 30 second walk from their computer (nb. it's important to allow employees to switch off out of regular working hours - I'm really only meaning for very, very occasional EMERGENCY situations here).

Wellbeing, Health, and Family Considerations #

Employee wellbeing can be significantly improved with remote working. The flexibility to manage personal and professional lives can significantly reduce the risk of stress and burnout. Employees can spend more time with their families and loved ones, leading to improved mental health and job satisfaction.

• Stress: The daily commute, and the distance from immediate family, can add a significant source of stress for an employee. Particularly if they're newly married, have small children or family members who require assistance from time to time.

• The Work-Life Balance: Employees will be able to manage time spent on personal and professional matters more efficiently.

• Spending Time With Family: Remote working allows employees to spend more time with their families. This increased family time can lead to better relationships and a more supportive home environment, which can translate into better work performance. Not always the case, I agree, this can also go the other way if the family are disruptive and don't offer quiet space for an employee - but this is hopefully rare.

• Childcare: Parents can manage their work schedules around their children's needs, spending quality time when needed, dropping off and picking up from school/Kindergarten, attending school events, etc - if this flexibility aligns with the needs of the company, of course.

The Financial Struggles of the Video Game Industry #

The video game industry is currently facing a variety of serious financial issues.

• Difficult access to finance
• Increasing development costs
• Consumers being careful with their spending due to financial worries
• Shifting preferences of those same consumers

All of these can contribute to uncertain financial expectations. Studios need to find ways to mitigate risk and to manage their budgets more effectively.

Remote Work and Financial Stability #

Remote work, particularly when outsourcing, can help studios reduce financial risks. By allowing studios to "downsize" between projects, remote work can offer a flexible and scalable solution. Studios can hire additional resources during peak development periods and to reduce headcount during quieter times - without the complexities and costs often associated with such.

Cost-Effective Resources #

Remote working opens up opportunities for studios to look further afield for cost-effective resources. South East Asia, for example, has a growing pool of talented artists and developers who offer competitive rates. By tapping into these markets, studios can significantly reduce their development costs while maintaining high-quality output.

Outsourcing to South East Asia (SEA) #

• Cost Savings: Salaries and costs in South East Asia are generally much lower than in Western countries. Outsourcing to these regions can lead to substantial savings without compromising on quality.

• Skilled Workforce: Countries such as Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam have developed robust tech sectors, producing some highly skilled professionals in various aspects of game development.

• Scalability: Outsourcing can allow studios to scale their operations up or down quickly in response to project needs, providing flexibility that is harder to achieve with a permanent in-house team.

Pros and Cons of Remote Working #

Pros #

• Increased Flexibility: Employees can work from anywhere, allowing for a better work-life balance.

• Cost Savings: Both employers and employees save on commuting and office-related expenses.

• Access to Global Talent: Companies can hire the best talent from around the world, not just their local area.

• Higher Job Satisfaction: Employees enjoy greater autonomy and flexibility, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.

• Environmental Benefits: Reduced commuting leads to lower carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Cons #

• Isolation: Remote working can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can affect mental health.

• Communication Challenges: Remote teams may face difficulties in communication and collaboration, especially if not managed well.

• Distractions: Working from home can introduce distractions that might not be present in a traditional office setting.

• Technology Dependence: Reliable technology and internet access are crucial for effective remote working. Technical issues can hinder productivity.

The Hybrid Model Debate #

While hybrid models aim to combine the best of both worlds, they can often introduce more disruption than benefit. Requiring employees to come into the office one or two days a week, or a week per month, can disrupt the routine and negate some of the advantages of remote working.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Arrangements #

• Inconsistency: Switching between home and office work can significantly impact an employee's productivity.

• Commuting: Hybrid models still require commuting, which can negate the time and cost savings associated with remote work.

• Logistics: Coordinating schedules and managing equioment and office space can be complex.

• Unequal Experiences: Hybrid models can create a disparity between employees who are more present in the office and those who aren't, potentially leading to feelings of favoritism or inequality.

Conclusion #

Remote working offers numerous advantages for video game development studios, from financial savings and increased access to global talent to improved employee well-being and job satisfaction. By establishing robust performance metrics and clearly defined experience levels, studios can ensure that productivity remains high, regardless of where employees are based.

The key is to embrace this modern approach fully and move away from outdated notions that productivity can only be achieved within an office environment. The future of work is flexible, remote, and highly beneficial for both companies and employees. By adapting to this new reality, video game development studios can thrive and continue to innovate in an increasingly competitive industry.

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