Hi-Rez Studios, best known for its online multiplayer games such as Smite and Paladins, has implemented a new policy that will allow its employees to "work wherever they feel most productive," according to a press release.
The Covid-19 pandemic began a new trend of working from home, which started as a requirement due to shelter-in-place procedures worldwide, but now, many companies have chosen to permanently adopt similar policies, such as fully remote or hybrid work environments, as employees continue to be productive even while at home. While some statistics show that being remote has been detrimental, such as with learning environments, others show that allowing this option increases productivity and employee happiness.
Rogue Company studio Hi-Rez is one such company to implement this policy permanently. For 80% of the employees, Hi-Rez now supports a work-from-home policy to further its creative environment. Additionally, the company is working to expand the program, known as Creativity Unchained, across Europe, it says.
Stewart Chisam, CEO of Hi-Rez, states that the pandemic has "taught us new ways to work." In light of the required work-from-home policies in 2020, Hi-Rez now believes working remotely to be superior to working in an office space. "We want to meet the best talent where they are as we build a culture of freedom and responsibility for our creative staff," Chisam says.
For employees who prefer to work in an office, Hi-Rez Studios will continue to maintain two offices which will both support the Creativity Unchained initiative, meaning allowing for more flexibility. But for those working remotely, Hi-Rez will accommodate in-person programs and social events.
Additionally, Hi-Rez is hiring for more than 50 positions, including roles in marketing, finance, art, engineering, and design.