Q.
HOW IS THE WORSENING COST OF
LIVING CRISIS MANIFESTING ITSELF IN TERMS OF RECRUITMENT AND IN-WORK SUPPORT?
Kathryn Spetch, Odgers Berndtson: We recently held a closed discussion for chief people officers in the industry and the cost of living crisis is high on the agenda of most UK based organisations and studios, with a number of initiatives taking place, from blanket pay increases to monthly fuel payments. Unfortunately for small indies, such initiatives may be financially crippling and thus, impossible.
Keira McGarvey, FuturLab: In recruitment we are seeing that people are becoming more reluctant to leave a role due to the fear of uncertainty that comes with starting a new role with a new company. Offering mental health support to employees is also something that is increasing, due to the impact the cost of living crisis is having on many people’s mental health.
Stig Strand, Amiqus: I think we will possibly see more people remain in what they feel are ‘safe’ positions, rather than pursue a new role in another studio. These are uncertain times for everyone, so we’ll have to see how things pan out in 2023. Meanwhile, we are seeing some good examples across the industry of studios providing their staff with cost-of-living bonus payments and support. This is great to see.
Emma Smith, Creative Assembly: Understandably, people are being more cautious about moving roles right now, with many seeking security above new opportunity. We are seeing major names in the industry laying people off, which causes widespread anxiety, impacting both experienced developers thinking about changing employer, and those who might be looking to join our industry.
Silja Bernecker, InnoGames: Fortunately, [in Germany] this hasn’t been much of an issue for us so far. We are determined to keep our salaries in the top quarter of the German market. To that end, we review and adjust the salaries on an ongoing basis. As a result,
we remain attractive to candidates while our employees tend to be in a financial situation in which they can compensate for the cost increases. Government subsidies help ease the problem, as does our hybrid work model. In the past, once you had been hired by InnoGames, you had to move to Hamburg – one of the most attractive, but also one of the most expensive places to live in Germany. Now, our employees can choose to move to (or stay in), more affordable locations, including other European countries.
Eduardo Goncalves, Keywords Studios: In August 2022, the annual inflation rate reached 9.9% increasing consumer prices across all sectors, driving the push for pay rises in recruitment. Companies worldwide are encouraged to establish responsible business practices around this phenomenon, such as paying a real living wage to employees and contractors, ensuring employees have a flexible work model, increasing support towards lower-income employees, and promoting volunteering work to help communities in need. At Keywords, our immediate focus continues to be on the wellbeing of our employees and their families.
Ben Harrison, Sharkmob: We’re finding that candidates are more open to considering new opportunities if their current employer isn’t responding to the cost of living crisis; People are also more keen on hybrid working policy to cut costs on commuting and daily expenses if their employer isn’t providing any support. There is also more of a focus from candidates on company stability; for us at Sharkmob we are fully funded by Tencent with long-term investment and project plans so we are in a good position to grow and have ambitious plans over the coming years”
“We are seeing some good examples across the industry of studios providing their staff with cost-of-living bonus payments and support. This is great to see.”
Stig Strand, head of recruitment teams at Amiqus 38 | MCV/DEVELOP December 2022
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