In an interview with Madeline Laurano, an analyst and founder of Aptitude Research, she reviews Ubisoft’s employee retention strategy. Ubisoft is a gaming company with over 20,000 employees and has implemented some effective strategies for retaining young talents in the industry. Employee retention has posed a huge challenge for recruiters across the globe. Moreover, Trading Economics reported a high record of 25% employee turnover in 2021, highlighting the problem.
So, what exactly is talent intelligence, and how is Ubisoft using it to rewrite the rules of employee retention? Talent intelligence involves gathering data about employees’ skills, preferences, and career paths to create personalized strategies that keep them engaged and growing within the company. In employing this approach, Ubisoft actively invests in understanding what motivates its employees and tailors their work experiences accordingly.
Compensation versus Internal Mobility
Unlike many companies where compensation is a primary driver, Ubisoft identified a different trend within their workforce — growth & company culture.
As companies undergo acquisitions, the resulting cultural shifts often create an environment where employees see more opportunities elsewhere.
Compensation is a common reason for employees to seek new horizons.
In an industry where creativity and skill development are paramount, employees seek opportunities to grow within the company rather than simply chasing higher pay elsewhere. Once employees are allowed to grow in an enabling environment with good company culture, they typically become loyal to the organization.
Are hybrid work models better?
In the gaming sector, there are more tech-savvy and introverted individuals, and a fully remote setting didn’t bring the productivity Ubisoft needed. To strike a balance, the company has embraced a hybrid model, allowing flexibility while emphasizing the value of in-person collaboration for brainstorming and innovation.
This new way of working isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s a smart move to encourage creativity. They get that while working from home has its perks; there’s something special about being in the same place, bouncing ideas off each other, and creating a buzz of excitement. The model adapts to the new way of working — making sure their team can be flexible while still getting the most out of those face-to-face moments that spark innovation.
Balancing entry-level roles with AI
With a predominantly young workforce, the gaming sector also faces the challenge of integrating generative AI without compromising entry-level roles. Since more gaming companies are using generative AI in their game design and content levels, there’s a need to strike a balance between new hires and the use of AI.
The gaming business considered deploying AI for a variety of functions, but they did not want to eliminate entry-level jobs.
Instead, Ubisoft found a way to strike a balance between both worlds. While still using generative AI for some of their roles, and use AI in their talent acquisition process for entry-level roles, they are keen on using existing employees for senior roles as they open up.
This way, everyone has an equal opportunity to advance within the organization. It’s a win-win situation in which technology meets old-fashioned teamwork to ensure everyone can thrive.
Using technology for internal mobility
Ubisoft uses talent intelligence and platforms like Eightfold to match employees with internal opportunities, enhancing their career growth within the organization. These technologies function as matchmakers, but not for romance; instead, they connect employees with exciting opportunities to advance within the organization.
The company, like many others, focuses on skill-based assessment to show their employee’s capabilities and allow them to thrive in the role that suits them. So, they employ talent intelligence, which is a super-smart method of determining what each person is good at and what they can become. Doing this encourages employees to try to develop their skills with the aim of accessing new opportunities. It inevitably assists the company’s growth and productivity level.
Meeting employees need VS. investors expectations
What employees want and what investors want might occasionally conflict. Investors typically aim to save money and use technology to expedite processes. Finding the correct balance between what employees require, such as job stability, and what investors desire, such as cost savings, is critical for Ubisoft. It’s like making sure everyone is pleased while the company continues to develop and be high-tech. As a result, Ubisoft’s message is clear: technology is fantastic, but people are the company’s heart. Balancing these ideals is critical to keeping everyone happy, from workers to investors. While technology enhances productivity and job performance, the company emphasizes that it complements human roles rather than replaces them.
This article was inspired by a Chad & Cheese Podcast
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