Creating a Mentally Healthy Work Environment: A Four-Step Approach

The gaming industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with mental health emerging as a major topic of discussion. As the conversation around mental health continues to grow, it is helping to break down stigmas and encouraging organizations to better support their employees. In May, BAFTA and Safe In Our World hosted the inaugural Games Mental Health Summit, marking a turning point in the industry's approach to mental health. The summit signaled a move away from reactive measures, where companies only address mental health issues after they arise, and towards a more proactive approach that seeks to understand the underlying causes of mental health concerns. This article presents the case for the gaming industry to adopt a holistic mindset and provides a four-step plan for game developers to create a mentally healthy work environment. The gaming industry requires a fundamental shift in mindset. While this may seem daunting, it is essential to start by examining our own organizations and assessing how we perceive mental health. In practice, this means moving away from a reactive approach that focuses on supporting individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues. Instead, we should view mental health in the same way as physical health, recognizing that it is an essential aspect of overall wellness. For instance, when discussing physical health, people often talk about getting fit, reducing cholesterol, or increasing their step count in a positive and empowering way. We should approach mental health in the same manner, focusing on promoting healthy habits and proactive self-care. At Ripstone, we have found that reframing our approach to mental health has been enlightening and has encouraged us to take further action. We are now calling on the gaming industry to adopt a positive and proactive perspective on mental health, one that empowers teams and fosters healthier and happier individuals. During the Games Mental Health Summit, Luke Hebblethwaite, BAFTA's head of games, posed a thought-provoking question: "Do we want to create games with sad, stressed, pressured, and burned-out people, or with happy, empowered, creatively fulfilled, and balanced individuals?" While mental health support and first aid will always be necessary, we need to shift our focus towards building resilient environments that promote holistic health from the outset. After all, empowered individuals who lead balanced lives are more likely to create amazing games. To achieve this, it is crucial to involve everyone in the organization from the start. Each company will find its own path, but creating a safe space for open discussion and exploring potential solutions together is essential. Surveys can be an effective tool for anonymizing contributions and encouraging honest feedback. We have found that providing mental health awareness training to all roles within our organization has been highly beneficial, creating a common language that has kept the conversation going long after the training sessions have ended. By engaging the entire team, you will gain valuable insights into the challenges individuals face and discover common threads to address first. Remember, you do not need to have all the answers right away. Humility is key, and acknowledging that you need input from everyone will foster a sense of ownership and collaboration. It is also important to recognize that not everyone will be comfortable sharing their thoughts, and that is okay. You may face some resistance when starting these conversations, but there is plenty of data to support the value of proactive mental health care, both in terms of employee well-being and the bottom line. The 2022 UKIE census found that 38% of respondents suffered from anxiety, depression, or both, up from 31% before the COVID-19 pandemic. Deloitte's "Mental health and employers" report found that, on average, for every £1 invested in mental health support, there is a £5.30 return. The need for better mental health care is evident, and the benefits are clear. It is now up to all of us to take action. Making changes that work for your organization is crucial. A small indie studio will not have the same resources as a large international studio, but they will also have different needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so it is essential to find your own way forward. Explore external resources, such as industry-specific charities like Safe in Our World, to tap into valuable insights and training opportunities. Implement internal programs like training and counseling sessions, flexible working hours, and adopt policies that prevent crunch and work-related stress. Smaller studios may want to consider external certifications, such as the Be There Certificate, which provides free, self-paced mental health awareness training for employees. An Employee Assistance Programme can also provide 24-hour mental health care for your team and often includes counseling sessions and crisis assistance. It is within our power to shape the gaming industry into a space where mental health is prioritized, individuals thrive, and creativity flourishes. By making positive well-being a fundamental pillar of our industry, we can nurture talent and create games that bring excitement, joy, and a sense of achievement to players. Starting small is key. It is not about making fundamental or costly changes, but about where we focus our attention. Any small mental health initiative in your workspace could be the catalyst for positive change. At Ripstone, we have seen the benefits of small changes, such as monthly one-to-one counseling sessions and a lunchtime walking club. These initiatives have had a cascading effect on our culture, setting the stage for sustainable shifts in expectations and attitudes. A long-term goal is to establish a culture where everyone is responsible for caring about each other and championing positive mental wellbeing. Making leaders and managers accountable for their team's mental health is key to building this culture. The BAFTA Games Mental Health Summit demonstrates that there is a real desire to do things differently, and with the right focus, we can make a real impact. As a young industry built on the passion of its people, let us use this as a strength to avoid the pitfalls that other industries have fallen into. Together, we can advocate for an industry that embraces a new proactive approach to mental health. Why not start with a small first step? Try putting something into action, encourage your colleagues and managers to talk more, and show compassion for each other's concerns. You may be surprised at how simple conversations can open up the door to healthier ways of working. Positive prevention will look different for every organization, but it is an integral step towards creating a game development community that truly cares for its people.