The Advantages of Remote Work | GI Sprint

The shift to remote work during the pandemic has become a lasting trend, with many studios opting to remain fully remote. Two UK-based studios, Bossa Studios and FuturLab, have successfully adapted to this new way of working, with employees spread across the globe. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz for GI Sprint, Olifiers and Adam-Smith discussed the advantages of remote work and how to foster a collaborative environment online. Adam-Smith noted that in an office setting, producers and managers could easily notice and address minor issues, such as spotting something on a team member's screen or overhearing a conversation. FuturLab has found that embracing an open online environment is key to replicating this collaborative nature in remote work. Adam-Smith suggested using communication tools like Slack and Gather to enable teams to share thoughts and ideas, just as they would in an office. Trust is crucial in remote work, and Adam-Smith emphasized the importance of empowering employees to take ownership of their work and make decisions that align with the company's vision and goals. However, Olifiers acknowledged that remote work can lead to misalignment among team members, particularly during development. To combat this, Bossa Studios uses various methods, including workshopping ideas and features at the outset of development and breaking teams into groups with diverse skill sets. The studio has also transferred its office-based groups to Slack channels, improving communication and allowing team members to share work, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects. Olifiers noted that this approach reduces the likelihood of misalignment and improves overall efficiency. To maintain efficiency as a remote studio, Olifiers stressed the importance of using the right tools, such as Miro boards, Discord, and project tracking apps like Jira. These tools help streamline workloads and keep teams informed about their projects. Olifiers also highlighted the natural advantages of remote work, such as increased productivity and focus, but emphasized the need for a dedicated home workspace and separation from domestic life. Additionally, he acknowledged that remote work can be beneficial for work-life balance, with the removal of commute time and improved family life, happiness, and job satisfaction. For Olifiers, effective communication is essential for unlocking productivity in remote work. He emphasized the importance of keeping team members informed and involved in decision-making processes. Adam-Smith agreed, adding that collaborative meetings are crucial for maintaining efficiency. However, he noted that working alone can lead to issues with work-life balance and suggested that studios should encourage team members to take breaks and maintain a healthy work schedule. Both studios rely on communication tools like Slack, Discord, and Google Meet to conduct meetings and stay connected. Olifiers recommended keeping meetings short and focused, with clear agendas and relevant attendees. Adam-Smith emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for team members to contribute and share their work, particularly in larger meetings. FuturLab uses surveys to gather feedback and suggestions from team members, and the studio has a dedicated welfare manager to promote social and wellbeing-focused communication. Both Olifiers and Adam-Smith advocate for regular in-person meet-ups, which they believe are essential for strategic discussions, creative direction, and building relationships. However, Adam-Smith cautioned against making meet-ups mandatory, suggesting that studios should consider travel time and cover costs for team members who need to commute. By prioritizing communication, trust, and collaboration, remote studios can unlock the full potential of remote work and maintain a productive, efficient, and happy team.