Exploring the reward management system within the gaming industry : a case study

Abstract

This study aims to explore in depth how a company within the gaming industry uses its reward management system to attract and retain talent. Qualitative research will be the primary method used as it allows the researcher to ask questions that cannot easily be put into numbers to understand human experience. The research will examine how this company analyses employee experience and evaluate the effectiveness of its reward management system. This research will focus on an international company, with its largest office in Malta, to gather HR and employees' perspectives. Four males and five females representing diverse demographics and roles within the chosen company were interviewed. Given the sensitive information shared, the company's name will be kept confidential, and the interviewees will be pseudonymised. To achieve the research objective, nine semi-structured interviews were conducted, eight of which were with the employees and one with a senior member of the HR team representing the employer. To analyse the collected data, a thematic analysis approach was utilised (Braun & Clarke, 2013). Several themes have emerged from these interviews covering rewards, primarily rewards, communication and feedback, and the impact on attraction and retention. The findings indicate that the company's reward management system, comprised of financial and non-financial benefits, is highly valued. Both employee and employer perspectives highlighted the significance of company culture throughout the studies. Additionally, flexible work arrangements are highly valued by the employees. Communication plays an essential function in fostering confidence among employees and engagement. The findings from the interviews propose improving performance-based pay communication. In addition, improving workplace flexibility, enhancing wellbeing support, and recognising employee contributions will boost employee satisfaction and retention while attracting the best talent.