THE FUTURE OF WORK

I have received word that my employer will have some news on what our workplaces will look like in a post-pandemic world. There will be some official announcement later this month apparently. In January, employees will have individual discussions with their manager about their preferences and how that might match up with business needs.

All of this stems from the fact that we now know it’s quite possible to make video games from home. Some people have really embraced working from home and want to continue doing this, even when it is safe to return to our studios. Others prefer to go back to the old days and want to go in every day. While some want a hybrid of both. It’s a complex situation for any company, who have to weigh the desires of thousands of individuals, how those decisions can work together in a team context, and how all that affects the ability to make a good game. For example, what if someone wants to work full-time in a different tax jurisdiction than before?

My personal view at this point is that I don’t want to have to go commute to the office five days a week again. Even before the pandemic arrived, I thought working at home was a valuable and productive process. The odd time I was able to work from home felt great. Looking ahead, I would like to work at home for a minimum of two days a week. It’s quite possible I’d push for three days a week actually. I’d stay at home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Of course, it’s not entirely up to me if I can do that. There’s a team dynamic to consider. Maybe there’s a certain day of the week that everyone on the team needs to be at the studio. Who knows. What I do know is that the workplace, at least for my employer, has changed forever. Remote work has been legitimized. People won’t be able to go back to the old ways.

A lot about 2021 will be different and I’m looking forward to seeing that.

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