Employee Benefits Report: UK

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
Budget constraints are the primary challenge for 67% of UK games studios, forcing a shift toward cost-neutral or strategic benefits to maintain talent competitiveness.See it on page 4
02
Wellbeing is the top priority for 67% of organizations, with 80% providing health insurance and 77% offering mental health support.See it on page 12
03
Communication of benefits remains inefficient, as 77% of firms rely on email rather than dedicated platforms to inform staff of their entitlements.See it on page 11
04
Despite a focus on general wellness, only 26% of studios have established formal neurodiversity policies, and financial wellbeing support remains under-prioritized.See it on page 4
05
While 43% of studios successfully introduced new benefits in the past year, the industry is shifting toward a 'total healthcare' model that integrates physical and mental wellness.See it on page 4
06
Future industry trends indicate a focus on increasing pension contributions and expanding flexible working arrangements to meet evolving employee expectations.See it on page 25

Summary

The 2024 Employee Benefits Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits landscape within the UK games and interactive entertainment industry. Based on survey data from 40 member organizations representing over 3,000 employees, the report examines how studios balance competitive talent retention with significant budgetary constraints. The primary thesis is that while the sector is actively enhancing its benefits packages to support staff wellbeing, studios must navigate economic pressures by prioritizing cost-neutral or strategic initiatives, such as flexible working and enhanced parental leave, to remain competitive.

Key findings indicate that 67% of organizations prioritize enhancing employee wellbeing as their primary rationale for offering benefits, with 80% of studios providing health insurance and 77% offering mental health support. Despite these efforts, the industry shows a notable lag in specific areas: only 26% of studios have a formal neurodiversity policy, and financial wellbeing support remains under-prioritized compared to broader national trends. Furthermore, while 43% of respondents successfully added new benefits in the past year, 67% identified budget constraints as their most significant challenge. Communication remains a hurdle, as 77% of firms rely on email to inform staff of their entitlements, a method often considered less effective than dedicated benefits platforms.

The report concludes that the sector is increasingly moving toward a "total healthcare" approach, integrating physical and mental wellness. Looking ahead, studios are planning further refinements, including increased pension contributions and expanded flexible working arrangements. The findings suggest that by improving communication strategies and addressing gaps in financial and neurodiversity support, games studios can better align their offerings with evolving employee expectations while maintaining fiscal responsibility.