Andy Whitworth, CEO of White Hat Studios, writes for iGaming Expert around the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the modern workplace, highlighting how a motivated workforce can drive commercial success.
Employee expectations have changed drastically in the previous decade. A positive work-life balance has become a priority for those considering their next role in the industry. No longer can businesses continue to succeed with outdated policies, closed communication channels, and the assumption that work must consume one’s life. The world is markedly different now, employee expectations have shifted, and the work environment must adapt in order for businesses to continue delivering results and avoid the loss of talent.
Investing in a shared mission
Promoting a culture of transparency should be a key goal for any company looking to flourish. An important aspect of this is the adoption of an unrestrictive, open-door policy that encourages all employees, regardless of positional seniority, to approach the leadership team with any feedback and concerns, no matter how insignificant they consider those to be.
This proactive approach removes any traditional barriers to communication, allows the management team to alleviate individual concerns, and provides direct observations about how the work environment can be improved.
Transparency is not just crucial with regard to encouraging the communication of employee feedback and concerns, it is equally important in ensuring teams are fully invested and aligned with a shared mission. Hosting weekly forums can ascertain the general sense of employee satisfaction within the workplace, but also provides management with the opportunity to inform staff about the progression of company-wide objectives and projects, as well as deliver financial updates.
Revealing financial information will not necessarily appeal to all companies, but from personal experience, I have found that it inspires open and honest conversation, invigorates employees, and reminds all staff that we are pursuing a common goal.
Mentorship is another integral part of fostering a thriving work environment. Leadership teams must realise that employees value individual progression as much as the company’s overall success. If an individual feels valued in their role, sees a clear progression pathway, and believes in the company’s mission, their motivation and output will remain steadfast.
Regular meetings to discuss training programs and coaching opportunities, both with individuals and specific teams, will ensure employees are continually bettering themselves and furthering their own careers, in turn, resulting in greater overall efficiency and performance for the wider business.
Emphasising employee trust
A desirable work-life balance is no longer optional. Career decisions are increasingly being made according to which company affords the most agile working conditions. Adaptation is crucial for those looking to source and retain the best talent, and by cultivating an environment that promotes flexibility and trust, businesses can assemble a motivated workforce and nurture a family culture that stimulates performance.
Rigid working hours are a thing of the past. Giving employees control over their schedules facilitates a healthy home life, allows sufficient time to recharge, and enables greater rest and recovery, which inevitably results in a productivity boost. Staff should be encouraged to take time off regularly and we are very flexible with holiday allowances. This is key in limiting stress, alleviating health concerns, and ensuring the hours spent working are utilized as productively as possible. The significant improvement in employee satisfaction and team morale is evidence of the benefit’s effectiveness, leading to a notable reduction in disciplinary issues.
Every individual should also be made to feel like their voice is heard. Voting on company beliefs, centered around issues such as teamwork, equality, and inclusion, can be key in emphasizing each employee’s value, ensuring they do not just feel like another cog in a machine. This can be accentuated through peer recognition and the celebration of individual and team achievements.
Highlighting success, no matter its significance in the wider commercial landscape, strengthens team spirit and validates those that have gone above and beyond. We strongly believe that this affirmation of effort has contributed to our workforce growth of over 250% and a 0% staff turnover rate, which is incredibly unusual for the iGaming industry.
A motivated workforce drives commercial success
Prioritising employee satisfaction, instilling a culture of trust, and encouraging career development will ultimately lead to expansion and commercial success. In a highly saturated industry, where companies are constantly jousting to acquire expertise, emphasising a thriving work environment can give you an advantage over competitors. Over 70% of the original day-one staff at White Hat Studios have been promoted to senior management positions, and this is largely due to workplace culture.
Retaining our most valuable assets, which are of course, the people that power the business, has accelerated White Hat Studios’ growth. Despite our team members being located across the globe, we have prioritised refining our processes to establish an open line of communication from top to bottom, an environment of mutual trust, and a collaborative strategy focused on a shared objective. This unified approach has resulted in White Hat Studios becoming a leading provider in the US iGaming sector in a relatively short period, competing alongside industry juggernauts such as Evolution, IGT and Light & Wonder.
Value each individual and success will follow. They are people first, employees second.
