WILL ‘THE GREAT RESIGNATION’ HIT GAMES?
Boss Lady
- Meet the team
NEW RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS FLEXIBLE WORKING IS KEY TO EMPLOYEE RETENTION
The games industry is gradually heading back to the studio or office, but after an extended period working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are now looking for permanent flexibility in working conditions going forward.
That’s the clear conclusion of research conducted by leading European games industry recruitment agency Amiqus, which surveyed over 400 professionals about how lockdown has affected their working lives – and their attitudes to their careers going forward.
The shift to remote working back in March 2020 was, of course, a huge one. But, importantly, 82 per cent of respondents said that their productivity levels have remained the same – or increased – while working from home.
The respondents also highlighted the key benefits they’ve enjoyed while working remotely:-
- Saving money on commuting – 83%
- Enhanced work/life balance – 73%
- Spending more time with the family – 61%
- Taking up new hobbies/pursuits – 40%
- Easing childcare challenges – 26%
- Opportunity to change place of residence – 25%
Some 20 months after the initial pandemic lockdown, 58 per cent of respondents are still working at home all week. Meanwhile, 15 per cent are hybrid working at their own discretion, and 13 per cent are back in the studio/office all week.
Of those who are still working from home, 23 per cent don’t expect to be back in the office/studio this year. Meanwhile, 16 per cent are never going back to the office, with their employers having given them the opportunity to continue working remotely. And a further 9 per cent are never going back to the office because the companies have made their job fully remote.
Lack of flexible working is a deal-breaker for many
Going forward, of those who have stated that they don’t currently have their ideal working conditions, 79 per cent said they are currently considering, or are possibly considering, a career move to achieve those goals.
Significantly, 41 per cent said that they would not consider a job in the future if remote working wasn’t an option. Some 32 per cent said they would “possibly’ consider a job under those circumstances.
“The workplace has been shaken upside down over the past 20 months, since the start of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. But it’s clear to see from our survey that there have been some positives for many respondents and a new way of working has emerged,” said Amiqus’ Business Manager Liz Prince.
“We know that the UK and other parts of Europe have seen a gradual increase in working hours, and long commutes have been a part of life for many professionals. And in games, ‘crunch’ has become a huge problem – and one that is still an issue for many individuals working in the industry.
“The games industry – like many other sectors – adapted very well to lockdown, and the ops and IT teams at studios and other companies are to be applauded for managing the transition.
“For employees, it’s clear that there is a demand from many to continue with the flexibility that the last year or so has afforded them. And from the feedback we see on a daily basis from candidates, benefits such as remote or flexible working are now seen as ‘must haves’, rather than luxuries.
“The removal of the daily commute, the opportunity to spend more time with family, an easing of childcare challenges – and, importantly, an enhanced work/life balance – have meant that many people are now looking to continue with this new progressive way of working.
“There is something to consider here for all studios. It’s one thing to carve out a flexible working option for your current team which hopefully will enable you to retain your existing talent. Those are the lessons we’re learning from the survey.
“However there’s more to think about when it comes to attracting new people to your studio.
“Offering a fully remote option is the only way to maintain the widest possible talent attraction strategy. Any hybrid or flexible working model which means people spending time in the studio on a regular basis will still only generally work for those who are within a commutable distance. If someone is further afield and they’re required to be in the studio with any regularity, then it means time away from home and family, or they relocate. If relocation isn’t an option, and they don’t want to, or can’t, spend time away from home, then they won’t be able to consider your opportunity.”
“We recognise that for some studios and other companies, full remote working for their staff may present some challenges. But, from our experience and the outcomes of the survey, it’s clear that these are challenges that are worth working on to rethink our workplaces and working models from the ground up, to help to retain and attract the best and most diverse team for your studio."
Download your free copy of our report here.
Read more...
Teaser
BlogsContent Type
News
07/05/2024
Summary
Games studios have long been utilising AI, with the technology having revolutionised– positively – areas from NPC behaviour to game analytics. But what do game devs think about how AI may impact
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
24/04/2024
Summary
We’ve just carried out a straw poll of games professionals on LinkedIn, asking them what the most important thing is that they look for when considering a new job role. Over 400 to
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
05/03/2024
Summary
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
Blog
23/01/2024
Summary
If you’ve been reading some of the commentary about the games industry of late, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that we’re in a downwards spiral of doom and gloom.It’s true: times are tougher
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
22/11/2023
Summary
Today (November 22nd) is the day when, because of the gender pay gap, women overall in the UK stop being paid compared to men. This means:At the current rate of change, the gender pay gap won'
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
21/11/2023
Summary
The whole team at Amiqus is absolutely delighted and honoured to have received another award, this time the accolade of Best Recruitment Agency at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023.Awards li
Teaser
BlogsContent Type
News
17/10/2023
Summary
The Value of Working with a Games Recruitment Agency There has been a lot of sad news recently about redundancies and restructuring within the industry, and our thoughts go out to
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
BlogsContent Type
News
05/09/2023
Summary
Facing redundancy can be daunting. I'll cut to the chase with my top tips to help you navigate this situation: Take Your Time to Reflect and Regroup: In the midst of a career trans
by
Alan Dixon
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
19/07/2023
Summary
The Amiqus team has just about recovered from a super busy and exciting few days in Brighton for the Develop Conference and Awards. The icing on the cake for us was picking up the
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
BlogsContent Type
News
12/06/2023
Summary
We’re often asked by candidates about how they can stand out during the job application process. With over 20 years of experience as a specialist games recruiter, we’ve got an arsenal of killer
by
Liz Prince
Related Jobs
Salary
£45,000 - £55,000 + Bonus & Benefits
Location:
Remote UK
Specialisms
Art
Location
UK
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£20 - 30,000
£30 - 40,000
£40 - 50,000
Description
Technical Artist Unity C# Fully Remote within the UK
Reference
9047
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Alan DixonAuthor
Alan DixonSalary
Six Figure Package, Share Options - Please call or email
Location:
Remote - London office
Specialisms
COO
Location
Remote working
England
Job type
Permanent
Salary
Executive
Description
Brand new COO role exclusive to Amiqus
Reference
9117
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Stig StrandAuthor
Stig StrandSalary
Up to £26k Annual Salary
Location:
Remote UK
Specialisms
QA Tester
Location
UK
Job type
Fixed Term
Salary
£20 - 30,000
Description
An exciting opportunity for a mobile games QA Tester to join a UK-based games development studio on a FTC with the potential to go permanent.
Reference
9118
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Chris MollesonAuthor
Chris MollesonSalary
£55,000 - £78,000
Location:
Midlands or Remote
Specialisms
Graphics Programmer
Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
Remote working
Midlands
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
£70 - 80,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a team who have an industry leading title
Reference
9111
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£55,000 - £78,000
Location:
Midlands or Remote
Specialisms
Engine Programmer
Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
Remote working
Midlands
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£30 - 40,000
£40 - 50,000
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work on an amazing game with a high number of players (11 million a month!)
Reference
9027
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£30,000 - £48,000
Location:
Liverpool or Remote
Specialisms
Gameplay Programmer
Programmer
UI Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
Remote working
North West
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£20 - 30,000
£30 - 40,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a studio who are making amazing games
Reference
9072
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£55,000 - £70,000
Location:
Hertfordshire (Hybrid)
Specialisms
Gameplay Programmer
Lead Programmer
Programmer
UI Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
South East
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£40 - 50,000
£50 - 60,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a studio who are developing a range of new games
Reference
9088
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£70,000 - £79,000
Location:
North East or Remote
Specialisms
Technical Director
Development Director
Gameplay Programmer
Lead Programmer
Programmer
UI Programmer
Location
Remote working
North East
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£60 - 70,000
£70 - 80,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a studio who are creating a range of amazing new titles
Reference
9098
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£60,000 - £70,000
Location:
North East or Remote
Specialisms
Creative Director
Designer
Level Designer
Technical Designer
Design Director
Location
Remote working
North East
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a studio who are working on an amazing range of new titles
Reference
9107
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
Salary up to £60k DoE
Location:
UK, Northeast
Specialisms
Programmer
Test Programmer
Location
North East
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£30 - 40,000
£40 - 50,000
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
Description
Fantastic opportunity with one of the UK’s top indie developers working on AAA Console and PC projects
Reference
9116
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lee BurnsAuthor
Lee BurnsLooking to grow your
career in recruitment?
Perhaps you’re already successful in your recruitment career but thinking about a new challenge.
Or maybe you've had some experience of recruitment but are looking for a more supportive, quality-driven environment.
Whatever the case, now’s your chance to take the next step. Come and work for us!