Jagex: Fostering a Culture of Mental Wellbeing

Over the past decade, the importance of mental health has become increasingly recognized as a global concern. The gaming industry has had to reflect on its own practices, ensuring that words of support are backed by tangible actions and a culture that genuinely promotes the mental wellbeing of its workforce. At Jagex, fostering a positive and supportive environment has always been a cornerstone of our culture. We were among the first to champion initiatives aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees. However, we acknowledged that dedicated counseling support and programs encouraging transparency around mental health, while crucial, were only the beginning. Our new Chief People Officer, Keeley Vaughan-Davies, is determined to build upon this foundation, ensuring that our initial strides in mental health support are just the starting point. With her extensive background in implementing cultural transformations in various industries, Vaughan-Davies is well-equipped to drive this endeavor. She emphasizes the significance of giving individuals the support they need to thrive, recognizing that personal growth is integral to a healthy and vibrant culture. "Culture and values are the backbone of our business and every action we undertake," Vaughan-Davies explains. "At Jagex, culture is not merely an HR initiative but a movement that our people are passionate about and actively contribute to. This level of engagement and commitment is truly unique and one of the standout aspects of our team." Recently, our studio underwent a thorough process of redefining our culture, engaging in numerous workshops that encouraged collaboration and openness. The passion and dedication displayed by our team members during these sessions were palpable, with everyone working together to piece together the puzzle of our culture. "The level of engagement was invigorating," says Vaughan-Davies. "Seeing so many people with such a high level of commitment to making this vision a reality was a first for me in my career. It's not just about finding people who are keen to join the journey but finding those who are truly invested in bringing it to life." This commitment was evident not just among the team members but also across the executive team, who are dedicated to leading by example and bringing our culture to life. While enthusiasm and dedication are crucial, it was equally important to address challenges and ensure that our culture is genuinely reflective of our values and aspirations. Vaughan-Davies ensured that this feedback was an integral part of the process, creating a safe space for people to share their opinions and challenges without fear. "For something to be truly relevant and not just a set of buzzwords, you need to hear the objections, the challenges, and the aspirations. You have to understand what makes your culture great, what you want to preserve, and where you need to focus on improvement," she emphasizes. Through this collaborative effort, we rebuilt our values, focusing on how we support our people, communicate with them, and ensure they feel valued and included in our journey towards success. "Building culture is a series of conversations, not something that can be imposed from the top down. People need to be part of creating it from the start," Vaughan-Davies continues. "It's about understanding where you are today and focusing on those specific areas for improvement. It takes time, but the result is a culture that resonates with people and creates a genuine movement within the organization." Mental health is at the heart of our vision, with inclusivity, respect, and ensuring everyone has a voice being paramount. We recognize the strength that comes from diverse experiences, thoughts, and ideas, and our culture is designed to embrace and celebrate this diversity. "The strength of our culture lies in its ability to make everyone feel included, valued, and heard. When people feel psychologically safe to be themselves, without fear of judgment, that's when we know we've succeeded," Vaughan-Davies details. This clarity and commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion are enshrined in our values, aiming to create an environment where everyone can thrive. The launch of our Level-Up partnership with Safe In Our World marks a significant step in our journey, demonstrating our commitment to mental health and wellbeing, not just within Jagex but also within the gaming industry as a whole. As we move forward, our success will be measured by how well our people understand and embody our culture, and how it positively impacts every aspect of their work life. We are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can be their best selves, contribute to our mission of making 'forever games,' and feel the culture in every part of their employee journey.