Creating an inclusive workplace culture
Creating an inclusive workplace culture is essential for ensuring that everyone feels valued and included in the team. It also demonstrates to potential employees, partners and investors what your values are as business.
A positive workplace culture has become increasingly important to those looking for new roles, but also for those already working within a studio who may be considering their future options. As part of your EDI journey, ensuring that your studio’s culture is inclusive and welcoming should be a priority. Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal:
Emphasise diversity and inclusion in your hiring process: It all starts with your hiring process. Make sure you are actively recruiting candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, including under-represented groups in the industry. This can include individuals from different ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds. Create job descriptions that emphasise your commitment to diversity and inclusion, and consider using blind CV screening to reduce any biases. You can read more about Recruitment and Hiring here.
Foster a culture of open communication: Encourage open communication among your team members by creating a safe space where everyone can express themselves freely. Encourage your team to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns without fear of judgement or retaliation. This can be achieved through regular team meetings, anonymous feedback forms, and other channels of communication that allow for open dialogue.
Promote work-life balance: Working in games can be challenging, with long hours and tight deadlines. However, it’s important to prioritise work-life balance to avoid burnout and to create an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. Encourage your team to take regular breaks, offer flexible working hours, and provide opportunities for professional development and growth.
Offer diversity and inclusion training: Provide your team with training on diversity and inclusion to help them understand the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture. This can include training on unconscious bias, cultural awareness, and sensitivity, as well as other topics that promote diversity and inclusion.
Create employee resource groups (ERGs): Also known as ‘affinity groups’, ERGs are great for supporting individuals from under-represented backgrounds in your studio. ERGs can provide a space for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges, creating a supportive community within your workplace. Encourage these groups to organise events and activities that celebrate their culture and promote diversity and inclusion.
Celebrate diversity and inclusion: Make diversity and inclusion a part of your studio’s culture by celebrating and recognising the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This can include celebrating cultural holidays, recognising achievements of individuals from underrepresented groups, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
This is a starting point to help you create an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Remember, creating an inclusive culture is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment. Keep learning, growing, and adapting to ensure that your studio remains an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
