Rockstar Games UK employees are unhappy with the company’s plan to require a full-time return to the office starting April 2024. Some employees are concerned about their work-life balance and have started a petition to keep the current flexible working policy that allows them to choose where they work.
The petition, signed by 170 individuals, focuses on the positive impact of remote work during the pandemic. Supporters believe that it has led to higher productivity and greater employee satisfaction. They express concern that a mandatory return to the office could reverse these benefits and result in negative outcomes.
Ultimately, the decision is up to Rockstar, as they employ the workers. There’s also the idea that leaks happen thanks to remote workers, and many employees do less work when not overseen. I’ve heard the arguments and have been a remote worker for many places, including TikTok. I have seen many employees break the rules, but I would argue they’re not so bad if you’re quick to punish those who go overboard.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has sided with the employees in criticizing the decision. The union says that Rockstar is not keeping its earlier promises about flexible work options and wants the company to talk openly and work together with employees to find a solution they all agree on.
Rockstar’s management has mentioned security and productivity as reasons for the return-to-office policy. They have also mentioned that exceptions to the new rules will be infrequent. The petition has been given to the management at Rockstar UK studio. Although the petition is not accepting more signatures, the IWGB is still working to gather support and speak up for the employees’ concerns to be addressed by senior management.
There’s no set correct answer for this. I’ve managed employees who excelled at remote work and those who were taking advantage of the company. The issue is where it lies in the individual, and it’s hard to say which way this should go. If anything, having set tasks to be done daily would help, but it would make missing deadlines more severe. We’ll have to see how Rockstar reacts to all of this.
Comments