The video games industry has been experiencing hiccups to their workflow processes with the onslaught of COVID-19, but there’s no denying the perks that follow remote work. It’s no surprise, then, that Square Enix is looking to fix work-from-home as a permanent option for their staff, even after the pandemic ends.
Starting 1 December 2020, the company will be operating on two systems: home-based and office-based, in which employees are to work an average of three days minimum from their designated locations. Arrangements for the individual aren’t necessarily cast in stone, with their status subjected to change on a monthly basis depending on the nature of their job scope, the type of projects, and the like, but 80 per cent of its workforce are expected to be home-based in the first month.
“Rather than utilising work from home solely as a means of preventing infections during the current pandemic, the Company will establish it as a permanent and core program among the working styles it accommodates. In so doing, the Company hopes not only to create a flexible and diverse working environment, but also to further bolster productivity and help employees achieve the optimal work-life balance,” explained Square Enix in a press release.
With this permanent work-from-home policy, the industry giant joins Microsoft in embracing the remote work approach – and in the midst of a hectic period, no less. Apart from Final Fantasy XVI and the second part of Final Fantasy VII Remake, their pipeline also includes new releases for the Nier and The World Ends With You titles.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
