You know how some skills, like being a good team player, are trickier to figure out during interviews than things like technical skills? Well, in my five years of helping with hiring, I’ve heard Hiring Managers say things like, “I want someone who’s humble, can work on their own, is good with others, open to feedback, curious, and so on.” But the real question is: How can we know if the person we’re talking to really has these qualities that the Hiring Manager wants?

This is where the cool trick of behavioural interviewing comes in. Let’s break it down: what it is, why it’s cool, and how you can do it well to find the best people.

What’s Behavioural Interviewing All About?

Imagine you’re not just asking the usual questions to candidates. Nope, you’re looking into their past experiences to see how they handled things before. It’s like guessing what they might do in the future by checking out what they did in the past. The main idea is that what someone did before gives hints about what they might do next. Instead of asking something like, “What would you do if you had to deliver a task by tomorrow and had not started yet?”, you’re asking, “Tell me about a time when you faced a special challenge.”

Why Is Behavioural Interviewing Awesome?

Research supports the effectiveness of behavioural interviewing as a robust candidate assessment tool. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), this method aids in gauging specific skills, behaviours, and knowledge possessed by applicants. In contrast to theoretical or hypothetical questions, which are based on imaginary scenarios, behavioural questions dig into candidates’ verifiable past actions.

Both hypothetical and behavioural questions are valid predictors of job performance, as stated in the Journal of Business Research. However, the distinct advantage of behavioural interviewing lies in its ability to reveal consistent behaviour patterns that can significantly impact job success. This technique enables interviewers to assess soft skills — qualities that can be challenging to evaluate — providing a more holistic view of candidates.

It’s like watching a movie trailer before seeing the whole movie. You’re getting the real deal, not just “what if” ideas. And guess what? Lots of people who hire love it! Around 86% of them think it’s pretty great.

The Really Good Parts of Behavioural Interviewing

Recruiters and hiring managers are enthusiastic proponents of behavioural interviewing techniques. A LinkedIn survey revealed that 86% of respondents rated this method as either “somewhat” or “very effective.” The advantages are clear:

1. Realistic Job Perspective: Behavioural interviewing gives candidates a realistic view of what the job entails. By discussing past experiences, candidates can better comprehend the role’s demands and expectations.
2. Concrete Responses: Vague answers are minimised, as candidates are prompted to provide specific examples from their professional history. This clarity helps interviewers assess a candidate’s suitability accurately.
3. Bias Reduction: Behavioural interviewing diminishes the risk of bias in the interview process. Questions are designed to elicit concrete responses, which reduces room for personal interpretation or unconscious biases.
4. Fairness Perception: Candidates perceive behavioural interviews as fair and consistent. Structured questions and a standardised approach create a level playing field for all applicants.

Figuring Out the Right Questions

Preparing effective behavioural interview questions is an art that requires attention to detail and strategy. Let’s consider an example:

Question: “Can you tell me about a time when you had to resolve a challenging conflict within your team?”

This question follows the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the situation where the conflict arose.
• Task: Explain the task or challenge you were faced with.
• Action: Detail the actions you took to address the conflict.
• Result: Conclude with a positive outcome or learning from the experience.

By structuring questions in this manner, you encourage candidates to share real experiences, highlighting their problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.

To Wrap It Up, Superstar!

Behavioural interviewing isn’t just a fancy term; it’s your secret weapon for hiring greatness. You’re peeling back the curtain on a candidate’s past to see their future in action. It’s like a crystal ball that actually works! Past behaviour is the star of the show, and it’s your guide to picking the perfect candidate. So, next time you’re hiring, put on your behavioural interviewing cape and get ready to build the dream team! 🚀🌟

Resources:

Behavioral Interviewing: What It Is and Tips for Getting Started

https://www.ddiworld.com/solutions/behavioral-interviewing#:~:text=What%20Is%20Behavioral%20Interviewing%3F,or%20skills%20on%20the%20job.

https://www.talentlyft.com/en/resources/what-is-behavioral-based-interview

Behavioral Interviewing — A Way To Get To Know Candidates As Much As Possible was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

As a gamer myself, working in the industry, I must admit that there are some pretty controversial games I’ve missed out on, all of the Final Fantasy games, haven’t touched a single Bioshock, and I’m a huge space nerd but never played Mass Effect or Dead Space, and never even looked in Diablo’s direction. 💿

I just never got around to playing them and by the time I wanted to, I felt they were either too outdated or I had to play catch-up on too many titles.

However, with the release of Diablo IV and the persistent recommendation from Nicolina, I decided it was finally time to venture into the dark realm of Diablo. I even picked up the Ultimate edition for the PS5, giving me early access from 2nd June. 👹

My knowledge of Diablo was limited to it being a generic top-down dungeon crawler filled with repetitive monster slaying and treasure looting, bad graphics and boring gameplay (I hadn’t ever looked into Diablo so this was purely speculation). That was it. No other information.

Little did I know, I was so wrong!

Nicolina, an insane Diablo advocate (Seriously, it’s all she talks about), had been relentlessly hyping up the franchise for a while and now with this newest instalment. Intrigued, I spoke with her about it, I watched some trailers and gameplay and found myself curious... it had my attention.

I read a little about the game’s lore, the character classes and builds people spend hours perfecting, and the RPG elements. Unfortunately, I discovered all of this at the worst possible time… Two days after the Open Beta had just ended - Great. 🫠

I continued browsing Reddit and watching YouTube videos and finally preordered the game for the PlayStation 5 with a lot of doubt still — but didn’t think much more about it other than that.

Then, Blizzard ever so kindly announced a Server-Slam between the 12th and 14th of May. I managed to squeeze in a few hours of gameplay during that and instantly fell in love with it. Fuelled by the excitement of Tom, Nic and some close friends who also have never played a Diablo game but were also jumping in too. Alongside Blizzard dropping trailers for each individual class showcasing their skills, I upgraded my pre-order to the Ultimate Edition, giving me a head start before the official release today! 🎉

June 2nd finally arrived, and I wasted no time diving into the world of Diablo, squeezing in some time before work (one of the perks of WFH!). 🏡

I had no idea what class to pick. I’d usually always choose a Sorcerer in these types of games so jumped right in with that class without even looking at the others. If you don’t know, Diablo IV currently offers 5 classes;

🪄 The Sorcerer, controlling the elements, fire, ice and electricity, unleashing devastatingly powerful spells.

💀 The Necromancer. Raise the dead to do your bidding, fight with blood, bone and darkness.

🐺 The Druid, nature’s finest. Fight with wolves or as one. Transforms into a ‘werebear’ or werewolf and controls earth and lightning.

🪓 The Barbarian, big and bold, carrying 4 various weapons ready to slaughter everything in their way,

🗡️ And finally, the Rogue, stealth, bow and arrow, daggers and speed. Jump in, kill, jump out.

I played a few hours on the first day, the gameplay is an amazing blend of familiar mechanics and innovative features. Playing as the sorcerer, I unleashed lightning and flames from my fingertips, overwhelming the hordes with ease. The balancing was perfect, giving a sense of challenge yet showcasing the class’ ability to wreck. Initially, I was a little unsure about how the controller would handle the game as I’d heard Diablo was KBM-heavy. I was happy to find that everything felt smooth and the controls were intuitive and responsive. I easily unleashed the devastating spells on the enemies. pretty cool 👺

After playing up to around level 20, I decided to try out all the other classes one by one. I made one of each and got them all to level 20 and loved it. I was always indecisive about Sorcerer/Necromancer/Druid at first, but then fell in love with Rogue and Barbarian! (I decided on the Rogue in the end because who doesn’t want to be a deadly assassin?) I then deleted all the characters and started fresh as a lovely new Rogue. (OCD amirite?)

To my delight, the controls were a breeze regardless of the class. Each one had their own perks and play style but all were super easy to jump into. I was able to pick up and play easily, delivering masterful swordplay, transforming into a werewolf or unleashing a meteorite depending on each class. ☄️

The game itself is tidy. The comprehensive yet unobtrusive UI displayed all the essential information, such as health, energy, and skill slots, striking a balance between accessibility and depth. I was expecting MMO style UI where there’s more UI than the game but nope! The only thing I would like to add is the ability to scale the UI — that would be amazing as it's quite hefty. Regardless, all menus were spot on, easy to understand and did the job they were supposed to do.

Now, the game’s immersive nature drew me initially, I’d heard a lot about the world of Diablo the past few weeks but didn’t really know what to expect. The beautiful but dark world of Diablo IV transported me to a grey and treacherous realm teeming with demons and dungeons. To my surprise, Diablo IV offered more than just randomised dungeons, which is what I thought the games were. Just boring randomised dungeons and roguelike gameplay. But no, the world was vast and filled with depth and interactions. Caves, strongholds, towns and villages, biomes, NPCs with deep and rich backstories and dialogue. 📖

🌎 The open-world design also added a sense of exploration and discovery, rewarding me with the typically hidden treasures, challenging encounters, and lore tidbits as I ventured off the path. The dynamic events around the world made each play session feel unique and urgent too, giving the world a real sense of life.

Later, I joined a friend for some co-op exploration, I played as my Rogue now, while he opted for the Sorcerer class. At this point, I had dived way deeper than him into all the skill trees for each class, and I was blown away by the countless options each class’s tree gives you. Offering an incredible level of customisation and depth for each class, allowing me to tailor my character’s play style to suit my preferences. But it amazed me how my friend could play the same class I previously played, yet in entirely different ways.

Graphically, Diablo IV is a visual treat, showcasing stunning visuals that bring the dark atmosphere to life. I always assumed the game had poor visuals as the camera was zoomed way out most of the time, but I was impressed by the level of detail on the characters, environments, and enemies, and the fact you can play with the camera zoomed all the way in really highlighting the details. The art style seemed to strike a perfect balance between modern-day graphics and the series’ aesthetic. 🖥️

As someone who had never gotten into the previous Diablo games, I’ve got to admit that I had no idea what had happened in the story before Diablo IV. However, one thing became abundantly clear as I played, I hated Lilith. No spoilers. I just hate her.

The game’s narrative weaves a compelling tale of ancient evils, heroics, and the delicate balance between light and darkness. Engaging cutscenes really surprised me too, hats off to whoever created the cutscenes because each one so far has been brilliant with well-crafted dialogue sequences that immersed me in a world rich with lore and memorable characters. The writing is exceptional too. I honestly didn’t realise the story in Diablo was this deep!

The game offers a wealth of content to keep players engaged for hours. It features a deep progression system, randomised loot, and multiple classes to choose from encouraging players to experiment with various builds and strategies. The world is brimming with side quests, secret areas, and hidden collectables, meaning exploration is not only rewarding but also addictive!

Additionally, Diablo IV introduces a season system, Although season 1 hasn’t started yet it’ll allow players to level up the season and unlock cosmetic-only items bringing you back to play each season and adding more content to the game. 📈

My time with Diablo IV has exceeded all expectations! I’m now a big fan.

What I initially dismissed as a generic dungeon crawler, with boring dungeons, no story, crap graphics and not much more going for it other than lots of loot and a screen full of damage numbers, proved to be a captivating and immersive experience that kept me hooked for hours on end.

The gameplay and the story, combined with the abundant content and re-playability, ensure that Diablo IV will remain a staple in my library for quite some time... years maybe.

The game seems great for quick stints too, I can easily see myself jumping into the game for a quick session while my fast-approaching baby girl wakes me up for her 27th bottle at 4 am. 👶🏻🍼

I’ve now fully settled into my role as a Rogue and I’m currently making my way through the main story and exploring their world.

Hopefully, more fun times lie ahead — Notable mention of the customisation options too, really allowing you to make your characters look as sick as I do below!

All in all, whether you’re a die-hard Diablo fan like Nic or a newcomer baby to the series like me, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Diablo IV.

Prepare to be enthralled by its sinister charm and embrace the eternal battle between light and darkness. Diablo IV is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So, will you heed Sanctuary’s call and play? 🗡️

P.S. 🖕🏼to Lilith.

Diablo IV — will you heed Sanctuary’s call? was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

1) Box Breathing: Box breathing is a powerful relaxation technique that involves deep, controlled breathing to calm the mind and body. It is a simple practice that can be done discreetly at your desk, allowing you to regain a sense of control and reduce anxiety symptoms. Here’s how you can practice box breathing:

• Sit comfortably in your chair and close your eyes (if you want to).
• Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, counting to four.
• Hold your breath for a count of four.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to four.
• Hold your breath again for a count of four.
• Repeat this cycle several times, focusing on your breath and counting.

Box breathing helps regulate your nervous system and promotes relaxation by increasing the flow of oxygen to your brain. Incorporating this practice into your work routine can provide a momentary reprieve from anxiety-inducing situations, allowing you to approach tasks with a clearer mind.

2) Bilateral Music: Another helpful technique to manage anxiety at work is listening to bilateral music. Bilateral music incorporates specific sound frequencies that stimulate both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. This type of music can promote a state of calmness and relaxation, reducing anxiety symptoms. Follow these steps to incorporate bilateral music into your work routine:

• Put on your headphones and find a comfortable volume.
• Search for bilateral music or binaural beats specifically designed for anxiety relief.
• Focus your attention on the sounds, allowing them to wash over you.
• Let the music guide your mind into a more relaxed state.

Listening to bilateral music while working can create a soothing background ambience, enhancing concentration and reducing anxiety levels. It is an easy and accessible tool that can be incorporated seamlessly into your work environment.

3) ABCDE Model: The ABCDE model is a cognitive-behavioural therapy technique that can be particularly effective in managing anxiety-provoking thoughts and situations. This model encourages you to challenge and reframe negative thoughts, allowing you to approach them in a more constructive and positive manner. Here’s how you can use the ABCDE model at work:

• A: Identify the activating event or situation that triggers your anxiety.
• B: Become aware of the negative beliefs or thoughts that arise from that event.
• C: Consider the consequences of these thoughts and beliefs on your emotions and behaviour.
• D: Challenge and dispute these negative thoughts by examining their validity and exploring alternative perspectives.
• E: Energise yourself with more adaptive and realistic thoughts and beliefs.

Examples of questions to ask yourself during the ABCDE process:

• A: What happened that triggered my anxiety?
• B: What negative thoughts or beliefs am I associating with this situation?
• C: How is this belief affecting my emotional and physical state?
• D: What evidence supports or challenges this belief? Are there alternative explanations?
• E: How can I reframe my thoughts in a more positive and realistic way?

By actively engaging with the ABCDE model, you can transform negative thinking patterns and reduce anxiety-related distress. It is a valuable tool that can be utilised discreetly at your desk, allowing you to regain a sense of control and promote a healthier mindset.

It is important to remember that each individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. While box breathing, bilateral music, and the ABCDE model are effective techniques for managing anxiety at work, it is crucial to listen to your body and mind. If any of these techniques make you feel uncomfortable or worsen your anxiety, it is essential to respect your own limits and explore alternative methods that align better with your needs.

Prioritising mental health and well-being is a personal journey, and finding the right tools and strategies requires self-awareness and experimentation. If the techniques mentioned in this article do not resonate with you, consider exploring other methods such as mindfulness exercises, guided meditation, or talking to a therapist to find what works best for you.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a work environment that supports mental health and encourages open conversations about anxiety. By acknowledging and addressing anxiety at work, we can cultivate a culture of understanding, compassion, and resilience. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a continuous process, and it is okay to seek support and make adjustments along the way.

Influential Sources:

• https://worldofwork.io/2019/06/abcde-coaching-model/
• https://mickscotraining.co.uk/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/the-cbt-abcde-model/
• https://counsellingtutor.com/cbt-abcde-model/
• https://www.maimonidesem.org/blog/box-breathing-technique-nbspnbsp
• https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Waterloo-Regional-Municipality/Bilateral-Music-for-Anxiety-Stress-and-Trauma/index.php?m=article&ID=84502

Coping with Anxiety at Work: Three Easy-to-Do Tips. was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

After reading about HeyOrca!’s Social Media Manager Mental Health Survey and in light of Mental Health Awareness Week (15–21 May), I began to think and ultimately write about the everyday mental health struggles I (and countless others) have faced in this role over the years.

Let’s dive into the standout results and what they truly signify:

📧 Social media cowboys: 39% said they were only in the industry for 2–3 years and most worked in the digital wild west i.e. marketing & advertising — not a lot of time in an intense environment; it hardly promotes acclimation.

🕴🏻 The lone rangers: A staggering 45.2% reported functioning as a team of one with no signs of expansion or help on the horizon — holding responsibilities and results alone can be incredibly overwhelming.

🤹‍♀️ Juggling act extraordinaire: Approximately 40.5% disclosed that they managed 5–10 social media accounts entirely by themselves. The weight of juggling multiple accounts with varying content can become a daunting task — leaving little room for rest.

😓 The unwanted guest: A whopping 87% acknowledged experiencing unwanted burnout due to the ceaseless workload that seems to have no end in sight — the sheer volume of tasks and perpetual demands can take a toll on well-being.

These results were derived from the valuable input of over 150+ Social Media Managers (SMMs) who, amidst the chaos, sought coping mechanisms in various forms. Affirmation or meditation apps, utilising AI assistance and even implementing dedicated “Do Not Disturb” (DND) times on their phones — anything to snatch a brief moment of respite.

While every profession carries its own demands, the social media management role carries an additional burden — the misconception that it’s all a cakewalk (fun and simplistic) which couldn’t be further from the truth. This misguided perception often fuels imposter syndrome and self-degradation among these professionals. Truth be told, being a social media manager is an arduous, high-stress occupation that can have adverse effects on one’s mental health.

In the realm of social media management, I’ve been fortunate enough to distance myself from the struggles that once consumed my days but I can’t ignore the fact that many others still wrestle with these challenges.

Some of the everyday mental health struggles that social media managers face include:

🚨 High-pressure environment: Social media managers are often responsible for creating and executing campaigns that are expected to perform well and achieve specific goals. The pressure to develop successful campaigns can cause stress and anxiety, leading to burnout.

📲 Constantly connected: Social media managers are often expected to be connected to their devices and available around the clock to monitor and respond to comments, messages and social media activity. This constant connection can lead to feeling overwhelmed and can interfere with work-life balance.

📉 Dealing with negative feedback: Social media managers are the first point of contact for customer complaints and negative feedback which can be emotionally draining and impact their self-esteem.

😞 Lower job satisfaction: Social media managers are often under-appreciated and undervalued in many organisations, significantly impacting their mental health. The lack of appreciation can stem from a lack of understanding (the complexities and demands) of the role, as well as the perception that social media is just a fun and easy job. A lack of appreciation and recognition leads to lower job satisfaction impacting overall well-being.

🎭 Comparison and imposter syndrome: Social media is a highly competitive industry and managers may feel pressure to compare themselves to their peers and competitors, leading to feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome.

⚠️ Exposure to graphic content: Social media managers may have to deal with graphic or disturbing content related to the algorithms trending topics or their industry which can cause trauma and trigger anxiety or depression.

🚷 Social isolation: Social media managers may spend long hours working alone (even in a crowded room) leading to social isolation and loneliness, affecting their mental health.

There are many other direct implications in this role but these are the leading mental health factors that SMMs face daily — all of which I’ve experienced first-hand.

So, to the lucky souls who have stumbled upon this quirky manifesto, take note. Being a social media manager (navigating a whimsical maze of hashtags and algorithms) is a rollercoaster ride that can leave your mental health spinning. You’re not alone in this social media circus — I am here to affirm your feelings and pass on some wisdom (where needed).

There is so much more I can say or share on this topic, but here is a brief snapshot to take with you:

⚖️ Don’t compare: Don’t compare your work to the work of others. You don’t have the same budgets, constraints, assistance, industries or information at your disposal as others may.

🧘🏻‍♀️ Take time to breathe: I don’t mean full-on meditation but find something in your day that allows your brain to rest. The anxiety, in some cases depression, found in the role can take over so make time in your day to breathe.

👯‍♀️ Find your tribe: Team culture is vital for your role. Without good conversation to carry you or a friend to lean on, your days will feel endless and you will feel defeated.

📍 Find your industry: To be the best and roll with the punches. Talk about and work in areas that drive your passion.

🏅 Quality over quantity: Gone are the days when any content would fly on socials. The new era requires depth and substance, so spend time there — everything else is noise!

🌿 Organic socials are crucial: Most companies overlook their organic foundation and dive into paid socials wondering why year-on-year ROI is dropping. Focus on building a community that you talk to and that talks back.

🗺️ Know your niche; form your audience: Find out your brand personality and what audience you’d like and diversify content from there.

♻️ Forget the 90-day recycle rule: Your content won’t need to be recycled as is because you’re out of fresh ideas. If you find ways of diversifying your messages and routes it’ll be easier to create new content consistently — good content can say the same without the copy-paste method.

📈 Share and absorb: This is an ever-changing environment so there are no ‘experts’ here just people with more time, resources and/or fewer challenges than you. Keep focused where you can and learn from those with more time to dive deep into areas that apply to your pages. You may be on the clock but don’t gate-keep information from others either — share what you know and absorb what’s applicable.

🧠 Mental health is everything: As much as content is everything so is your mental health. If you feel your mind deteriorating, focus on it and prioritise it — once gone, it’s a hard road to recovery.

I used to keep quiet and battle in silence, often making impossible things happen whilst losing myself along the way. Thankfully, I am no longer suffering (thanks to Studiotypes) but I wanted to share how I made it through. I am practising what I preach and I’m learning how to heal the damage done.

That’s all… for now. 👋

7+ Years as a Social Media Manager — Mental Health, Lessons Learned and the Unfiltered Reality. was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the heart of Warsaw, lies a hidden gem for gaming enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers alike — the Warsaw Computer and Video Games Museum. During my recent lunch break, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in this extraordinary museum, where time seemed to stand still and gaming history came alive.

Although I am not a gamer myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the vibe of the museum, which made me feel like I had time-travelled back to the 80s and 90s. The museum reminded me of the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things,” with its vintage computers, retro games, and colourful lights.

Despite only spending an hour at the museum, I know for a fact that it is not enough time to explore all the available exhibits. The museum has so much to offer, and one could easily spend a whole day there without getting bored. It’s a perfect place to visit with friends, especially if you are fans of classic video games.

Some facts about the Warsaw Computer and Video Games Museum: a day in the “museum” will cost you 30 PLN (about 7 euros), and you will find a vast collection of games and computers, including NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Commodore 64, Sega Master System, Atari 2600, Atari 65XE, and many more. There are about 25 games and computers, all available to play.

In addition to visiting the museum, you can also organise parties and events, making it a perfect place to celebrate birthdays or other special occasions. Imagine hosting a Mario Kart tournament with your friends in a setting that feels like it’s straight out of the 90s!

In conclusion, my lunch break spent at the Warsaw Computer and Video Games Museum was a memorable one. Even though I’m not a gamer, the museum’s atmosphere transported me to a different time, and I found myself enjoying every moment of it. If you’re in Warsaw and looking for something fun and unique to do, I highly recommend a visit to this incredible museum.

Exploring the Timeless Wonders at Warsaw Computer and Video Games Museum was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Why the topic of WFH?

During COVID-19 and lockdowns, many companies experienced growth even though employees were working remotely. Many employers decided to stick to this work model that now some love, some hate, and some love-hate. We are all unique, with varied needs, and experience each day differently. There are days when remote work is a blessing and those where you can’t stand cabin fever — hence this article. I aim to share the benefits of remote work and help others make the most of it, using examples of how we at Studiotypes go about this.

Flexibility at Studiotypes (where I work)

Studiotypes have always embraced flexibility and remote-first working. Since its inception in 2016, flexible work schedules have been a guarantee. Our policy allows employees to work remotely from anywhere in the world!

Although we are geographically dispersed (across London, the North East and North West of England, and myself in Poland), we frequently get together (in small groups or as a complete team) once each quarter.

In addition, the team has always had access to a hotdesk hub/workspace in Manchester, free to use at their leisure. If not this hub, then a hotdesk remote workspace of our choosing. If I want to go to a working space locally in Warsaw, I have the option. It’s essentially up to each individual to experience an environment change or stay home.

Finally, if that isn’t flexible enough, another enjoyable benefit at Studiotypes is flexible hours. We work core hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but start and finish times are flexible (based on workload and personal commitments).

How we remain flexible — Flexa

Before I dig deeper into the benefits of a remote schedule and tips on making the most of it, I thought I would share the story of the founder of Flexa. Molly Johnson-Jones has an autoimmune disease and has experienced difficulties in finding a flexible job. After being fired from an investment banking job, she job-hunted to find a company that allowed her to work from home one day per week. However, she still felt that the company did not empower her to work flexibly. Eventually, she founded her company, devoted to flexibility, Flexa (a global directory of verified flexible companies). Her experience highlights the importance of flexible working and that it’s not a perk for some, it saves lives! So we Flexified ourselves through them, ensuring we remain as flexible as possible. Studiotypes offers a list of perks and benefits; read more about it here.

The pros and cons of flexible remote work

Moving on to the actual reason why you are reading this, obviously, the title of the article says The benefits of a flexible remote work schedule but I thought it was more beneficial to show a broader scope, so I decided on both the pros and cons of flexible remote work on mental, physical, and personal health.

Mental Health

Pros:

1. Reduced stress from commuting: Remote work eliminates the need for a daily commute, which can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Commuting can be a significant source of stress for many people, and eliminating this factor can have a positive impact on mental health.
2. More control over the work environment: Working remotely provides more control over the work environment, allowing individuals to create a space that is comfortable and conducive to productivity. This can help reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
3. Increased autonomy and job satisfaction: Remote work often allows for greater autonomy and control over one’s work, which can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress.

Cons:

1. Isolation and loneliness: Remote work can be isolating, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Lack of social interaction can be particularly challenging for individuals who are extroverted or thrive on social contact. Moreover, this can also contribute to physical health problems, as social support is essential for overall well-being.
2. Lack of structure: Remote work may lack the structure and routine of a traditional office environment, which can make it challenging to stay focused and productive. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
3. Technology-related stress: Remote work often relies heavily on technology, which can be a source of stress for individuals who are not comfortable with or adept at using technology. Technical issues can also cause frustration and increase stress levels.

Physical Health

Pros:

1. Flexibility: Remote work allows for greater flexibility in scheduling, which can allow employees to prioritise their physical health. For example, they can take breaks throughout the day to stretch or go for a walk.
2. Better eating habits: Working from home can also allow employees to have greater control over their eating habits. They can prepare healthy meals and snacks, which can improve their overall physical health.
3. Reduced exposure to illness: Remote work reduces exposure to illnesses, particularly during flu and cold seasons, which can help prevent employees from getting sick.

Cons:

1. Sedentary lifestyle: Remote work can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, as employees are no longer moving around as much as they would in an office environment. This can lead to health issues such as weight gain, poor circulation, and even heart disease.
2. Ergonomic issues: Remote work setups may not be as ergonomically designed as office workstations, which can cause physical strain and injury to the neck, shoulders, back, and wrists.
3. Increased stress: Remote work can lead to increased stress levels, particularly if employees are working from home with family members or have limited space for a dedicated workspace. Stress can lead to physical health issues such as high blood pressure, poor sleep, and digestive problems.

Personal Health

Pros:

1. Greater work-life balance: Remote work provides greater flexibility, allowing individuals to manage their work and personal lives more effectively.
2. More time with family: One of the biggest benefits of flexible remote work is that it allows employees to spend more time with their families. This can be especially beneficial for parents who want to be more present for their children.
3. Reduced Childcare Costs: Remote work can reduce childcare costs, as parents can care for their children while working from home.

Cons:

1. Difficulty disconnecting from work: With remote work, it can be challenging to create a clear boundary between work and personal life, which can lead to burnout and increased stress levels.
2. Limited social interaction: Remote work can also limit employees’ social interaction, making it harder to build relationships and network with colleagues.
3. Increased distractions: While remote work can increase productivity, it can also lead to increased distractions from family members, pets, or household chores, which can negatively impact work performance.

How to make the most of your flexibility

As you can notice flexible and remote work has two sides of the same coin, however, our team at Studiotypes is experiencing the pros to the fullest. Here are some of the team members' tips:

Tom

• Have quick breaks between meetings
• Since you don’t have to commute you can use this extra hour for a productive morning

Joe

• Spend more time with family
• No compromise on music choice
• Give yourself more focus time - intentional slots of the day or week where you get to work on Creative or back-end business-related projects

Nic

• Read and write during your breaks
• Cooking according to dietary needs
• Connect with family is in alternate time zones

Liam

• Go running in the morning or during lunch break
• Be a present dad by helping out with baby's routine & spending lunch breaks with your newborn

Victoria

• Spend time with your fluffy fellas — in Victoria’s case those are two lovely cats
• Wear comfy clothes and sit however you feel comfortable or wherever
• Lie down or stretch when you need

Jordon

• Go to the gym during lunch break
• Never miss a parcel
• Save a fortune on lunch spending

Cherie

• Step away and refocus if you’re having a mental block
• Walk your dog

Jess

• Sitting in bed with a cup of tea in the morning while you respond to emails
• Being able to help out friends by looking after their pets while they’re away

Gee

• Being able to make your lunch as and when would like it
• If you have the option to choose to go into the office you can decide each day depending on your needs
• Have a proper rest without the urge to wake up or go to bed earlier than you feel like

Lin

• Have a 5-minute break for meditation or a breathing exercise
• Go spend your lunch break in nature — go for a run, cycling or any other activity you enjoy

Final remark…
These are helpful but not the only form of workplace schedule that can benefit. “Next, we look at the benefits of hybrid working.”

Influential Sources:

• “The Pros and Cons of Working Remotely” by Annie William
• “12 must-know pros and cons of remote working” by Liam Martin

The benefits of a flexible remote work schedule — mental, physical and personal. was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

An insider look at the study by professor Aneta Brzezicka.

With the rise of video games and technology, it’s only natural to wonder about their effects on our minds. I recently listed to a podcast where a psychologist and expert in brain neuroplasticity, Professor Aneta Brzezicka, shared knowledge about the brain-Boosting Benefits of Playing Games based on varied research. She referred to her latest research, where she explored the impact of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games — StarCraft 2, on our cognitive abilities.

You might be surprised to learn that playing video games, especially RTS games, can improve your attention, concentration, and executive functions! These crucial skills help us stay focused, switch between tasks and filter out distractions.

Professor Brzezicka’s study showed that playing RTS games could activate areas in the brain responsible for selective attention and visual-spatial processes, making them stronger in gamers than non-gamers. But the benefits don’t stop there! Professor Brzezicka even related to a study that found that playing video games could make you a better driver.

That’s right, playing games that require you to keep an eye on things happening on the screen periphery can help you develop the skills needed for good driving. So, the next time someone tells you to put down the controller and get outside, you can tell them you’re training your brain.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that not all video games have the same effects on our cognitive abilities. The type of game you play can impact which skills you improve and which you don’t.

So, the next time you sit down to play your favourite game, remember that you’re not just having fun but also giving your brain a workout!

Original Sources:

• Scientific Records
  https://rdcu.be/c5Y3o
• A Polish podcast on the same study https://open.spotify.com/episode/5n7ekczZCC4kkWBW9PhiHL?si=F9fbEb_WRAO0IsSvhh-Mdg

The brain-boosting benefits of playing StarCraft 2 and other video games — an insider look. was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It is estimated that over 2.7 billion people currently play video games worldwide as of 2021. This represents around 35% of the world’s population.

The number of players is expected to continuously increase as technology improves and more people gain access to the internet and gaming devices. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of online gaming, increasing the number of players worldwide.

There is a variety of scientific research that has attempted to understand why people play video games. Some findings include but are not limited to the following.

• Entertainment: The most obvious reason people play video games is for the high entertainment value. Video games provide an engaging and enjoyable experience that can help players relax and escape their daily pressures.
• Socialisation: Multiplayer games provide an opportunity for players to connect with others, form friendships, and engage in cooperative or competitive play
• Challenge and accomplishment: Many video games provide players with a sense of accomplishment and propose challenges by allowing them to progress through levels, complete tasks, and achieve more immediate goals
• Immersion: Video games provide a sense of immersion and presence that can be more engaging and satisfying than other forms of media
• Learning and personal growth: Some games are designed to be educational or therapeutic and can provide players with opportunities for learning and personal growth
• Dopamine: Video games have been found to elicit the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which can contribute to the enjoyment and forms a habit of playing video games

It’s important to note that the reasons people play video games are complex and multifaceted and can vary depending on the individual, the game, and the context in which it is played. In short, the reasons are boundless, but that is why gaming is so fascinating and why the industry has grown exponentially in the past few decades.

So, what are your reasons for playing Video Games?

Why do people play video games? was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

2022 was, for the most part, a good year, I like to think.

Since most countries relaxed the COVID-19 restrictions (although some concerning data is arising about this, so we might not be out of the tunnel yet), people returned to some resemblance of social life with many great games and films coming out, which indicates a thriving in these industries. But that isn’t the whole story.

Many studios have closed down, and many people have lost their jobs (and potentially their livelihoods). So some have had to improvise to avoid financial trouble, diversity goals are still far on the horizon for most companies, and many projects have either been archived or delayed.

It wouldn’t feel right to only talk about the positives. I guess someone has to be a buzzkill every once in a while, especially after the artificial and orchestrated excitement that sometimes culminates with the massive industry ceremonies (Gamescom/GDC/TGAs and so forth), which sometimes seem to paint the industry as a perfect eco-system.

After 5 years in the Games Industry, it is becoming clear that the cracks are there, but one thing is for sure, for me as an individual: 2022 was not too bad.

Here are some of the reasons why:

ELDEN RING (PS4 version, played on PS5 via BackCompat)

Miyazaki and FromSoft have done it again.

The studio is, in my mind, more of a master mixologist than anything else (bear with me):

Elden Ring is nothing new. It’s effectively Dark Souls in an open world, yet it somehow feels new. The ingredients have been mixed, stirred, shaken, and merged, with chemical precision, to achieve a great combination of excitement, surprise, and awe. Just like what a cocktail master does, right?

The gaming world could not speak about anything else for weeks, and neither could I, yet I barely have any idea what happens in the game’s story after close to 200 hours spent on it. I love it.

STRAY (played on PS5)

It’s cute, it’s short, it’s linear, it’s polished, and it’s heartwarming: it’s basically everything most big games nowadays aren’t.

The debut from small Blue12 Studios captured my interest from its first appearance (years ago) under the mysterious name of HK_Project, and I know of people who have been asking for years; when the cat game was coming out?… 2022!

The short-lived adventure of the orange fluff-ball was a great reminder of the power of this medium and its unbeatable story-telling capacity, yet, the game has no actual dialogue, just a bunch of cat noises and robotic sounds.

Think about that.

Meow.

HORIZON: FORBIDDEN WEST (played on PS5)

Some games aim for innovation at all costs, others try to get you emotionally hooked on fantastic stories, and others “only” try to aim for perfect technical execution. Forbidden West (for me) belongs to this most recent category.

It did not blow me away like Zero Dawn did (with its mysterious yet emotional story), and it did not move me like God of War, but its execution is practically flawless, in my opinion.

The world is vast, lush, and gorgeous. The Animation/VFX/Tech Art is outstanding from start to finish, and the combat has had a proper overhaul.

What I’d love from the next chapter is more courage. Be brave to try and move away from the open-world cliches, and you could be onto something revolutionary.

CYBERPUNK 2077 1.5 Patch (played on PS5)

It’s a game from 2020, I know. Its comeback is from 2022, though the numbers speak clearly.

20 million copies and a Netflix TV show later, Night City has seen a rebound in population like never before (maybe only second to 'No Man’s Sky'), and I was one of those.

I gave Cyberpunk another chance this Spring after the famous Patch 1.5 was released, and the game was perfectly adapted to the current gen.

What you’ll find here is a game that has come a long way from its sorrowful day 1, and although I could never love it anywhere near as much as Witcher 3, it’s a better time than ever to revisit V and their story.

If this game still comes up in my 2024 list, I will try not to mention it (maybe).

RETURNAL (played on PS5)

Ah, the real challenge here is to write a small paragraph about Returnal without swearing at least 4 times. I see…

I spoke about bravery and courage before, and Returnal has truckloads of that. It’s an uncompromising and majestically inspired 3rd person rogue-like shooter with sleek traversal and terrifying enemies.

The Finnish Housemarque came out of years of fewer releases with an absolute storm of a title. A game with the word clever written all over it. Other words define this game, but I can’t type them all here.

What I mean to say here (if you haven’t heard of/played the game) is that Returnal is challenging in a way that I personally haven’t experienced much before. I finished all the Souls-Bourne games I could lay my hands on and many other famously hard games, but Returnal knocked me on my a** many times.

I enjoy rogue-like games and admire this one, but unfortunately, I couldn’t finish it. I’m just not good enough. I swore only once while playing, so that’s a win.

CHIVALRY 2 (played on Xbox Series X via GamePass)

How ironic to talk about Chivalry right after talking about Returnal…

If Returnal had the word clever written all over it, Chivalry goes for punch-drunk-demented and hilariously fun.

Chivalry 2, played with friends, is easily one of the most mindless, goliardic (big word!), and electrifying gaming experiences I’ve had in years.

The team over at Torn Banner deserve all the praise they can get for this.

In a matter of minutes, you can find yourself looking at a bunch of players trying to fling themselves over a castle by loading themselves onto a catapult. Then right after that, you can enjoy the spectacle of a grown man throwing frying pans at one another whilst hearing people in the distance scream, “I soiled myself”, followed by, “nobody cares!”.

I swear, all of this happens in Chivalry all the time. It’s also free on Game Pass!

THE CALLISTO PROTOCOL (played on PS5)

Dead Space was a big deal when I was in high school. A couple of years ago, I heard about Striking Distance (led by Glen Schofield, one of the creators of DS) and their plan to bring a slow-paced, linear, single-player horror game to the table. Things got exciting really quickly.

Not long after, EA announced that they were working on a remake of Dead Space too, which was a mysterious coincidence (?!): here we had barely any AAA single-player horror games and all of a sudden, we had 2 major projects on the way!

Callisto was released in December ’22 but didn’t blow away the critics. I found it to have a solid foundation (with an impressive technical compartment), but it also had some impactful shortcomings.

Where it mostly fails for me is in its most important goal: to be scary.
Dead Space masterfully created an atmosphere of dread, which Callisto struggles to achieve.

It doesn’t help that Jacob (the protagonist) has the fighting skill of a young Muhammad Ali, and therefore the game rarely makes you feel like you are in any serious danger.

More of an action game than a survival horror, Callisto seems unsure about its own identity at times. A bit like Jacob after his face gets smashed to an unrecognisable state by an enemy.

GOD OF WAR: RAGNARÖK (played on PS5)

Coming full circle, Ragnarök is the last game of 2022 I played (that I could mention in this otherwise-gigantic list).

Aside from the official GOTY competitions, God of War Ragnarök is my game of the year.

I like to think that SSM sat at a table after GoW2018 and had two options: They either try and create something from scratch, which would take us years, OR, instead, build upon the foundation of our previous title, and expand upon it in every possible way.

The decision was an economic-based one, in my opinion. SSM had a certain amount of time and resources and decided to spend them this way, and I’m glad they did.

It doesn’t look or feel that different when compared the 2018 masterpiece, but its story, world, combat, and characters feel more alive than ever.

Often I found myself struggling to get behind some narratives, which seem to simplify the concepts of heroism to mere execution of deeds and (sometimes) feel even reactionary/warmongering (see CoD). God of War Ragnarök, on the other hand, aims for a more mature and intellegent way of depicting a hero.

Kratos is a God, but his thoughts are becoming human(e) his journey with his son has turned him from a stone-cold soldier into a loving father who can finally see his mistakes and doesn’t want Atreus to repeat them. He still knows how to kill and is incredibly effective at it, but in the sequel, that is not all there is to him anymore.

“I was wrong. Open your heart to it”, says Kratos to his son, picking up a line from the previous game. It’s a powerful message and the first time we see Kratos admitting to his shortcomings, but it can only make sense if you have played GoW2018.

Other characters get an in-depth focus too. Especially Freya, Sindri, Brok, and Atreus himself.

If you haven’t played it (please do). When you do, you’ll find a slick, highly polished, cinematic action-adventure set in a beautiful world. Even if you take the narrative away, you’ll still get a solid game, but that would be a shame.

My 2022, in Games. was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Before I moved into the video games industry, I would not have thought the above statement would be necessary. I have always been a recruiter across various industries — Education, Business Support, Marketing and others. I can’t say I am a passionate marketer or ever felt the need to stand in front of a class full of children and impart knowledge. That never really seemed to matter. In the gaming world, however, it seems I am quite an anomaly. Most people, recruiters included, are drawn to this industry because they want to play a small part in creating the things they love — video games.

Not me, though. I have a different reason for being here, and I think it’s pretty good!

Before I go into more detail about that, I think I need to tell you why I am a recruiter. People often ask me why I do this job. As a Recruiter, you often have to justify your profession and find yourself saying things like “we aren’t all like that” way too often — I think Estate Agents can probably relate to this.

The truth is recruitment is an endlessly rewarding profession. After family and friends, a person's career is typically the second-most-important aspect of their life. As Recruiters, we connect people to companies and jobs that can shape their future.

So, you may ask, “why video games?” — simple!

As I mentioned, I am far from a hardcore gamer. Like many, I look back on happy childhood summers spent indoors (obviously avoiding the British weather) playing Sims and Crash Bandicoot. Arguing with my brother about whose turn it is on the PS1. Since those days, however, my interaction with video games has been pretty thin on the ground.

We are Global

First of all, I love how international we are. I spend my days speaking to people from all over the world, and learn about different cultures and ways of working. People are often very open to moving their lives around the globe, many times over, to work on projects that excite them — I admire this sense of adventure and ambition.

Passion!

Secondly, passion is a massive factor. If you are a Recruiter who cares deeply about people and genuinely wants to help candidates and clients achieve their goals, then I doubt few industries could compare to this one. The passion and creativity of the people who work in gaming studios are, in my opinion, unparalleled.When you are in a position to support someone enough to grow their career or even get their first chance in this industry, the reward is even sweeter.

No Corporate Suits

Recruitment is a ‘no-suit or tie’ profession where people who simply love what they do, regardless of attire. As recruiters, you don’t need to put on a ‘professional’ persona and let your authentic personality shine through. People are super friendly. I know this may not sound like an important reason to highlight, but to me, it’s vital. We spend the majority of our days at work, so if we want to enjoy our lives to the fullest, we need to enjoy and feel happy about our jobs.

Another great thing about being a recruiter in gaming is that I am not required to be a gamer to be successful in my work. My job is to understand how studios develop games; what traits and experiences a person needs to flourish in a particular role or company. I may not want to spend my evenings on my PC or console, but I want to listen to people and understand what motivates them to create new worlds.

What could be more rewarding than helping someone find their dream job in an industry like this? You tell me.

#ThisIsJess, over and out.

I am Jess, a Recruiter in the video games industry — I’m not a gamer. was originally published in Studiotypes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.