Creating a successful HR strategy isn’t just about providing your employees with a tickbox of resources. Instead, it’s about creating a culture where staff feel valued and one that they actively want to be a part of.
How do you do that? Well, the answer isn’t so simple, but Booming Games’ Director of Human Resources Ramona Petrina believes that she has a “secret sauce” that has proved to be very effective.
For Petrina, this employee-driven human resource strategy has been the driving force behind the company’s growth over the last two years. She tells us about the process behind implementing new goals for employees and how this has positively impacted product creation.
CasinoBeats: Can you please introduce yourself and let us know your role at Booming Games?
RP: I started my journey at Booming Games in November last year and so far I can say that it has been a great experience! As a member of the directorial team, I play a pivotal role in driving our company’s expansion, with my focus on ensuring our success through effective HR strategies. This involves crafting and executing short and mid-term plans, all while shaping a long-term vision that perfectly aligns with our company’s goals, values and mission.
I take pride in my ability to balance high-level strategic planning with the day-to-day operational intricacies that keep things running smoothly. I also ensure that our employees feel great within the organisation and that all their efforts are appreciated.
CasinoBeats: As we understand, Booming Games has doubled the size of its workforce over the last two years. What’s been the secret behind this growth?
RP: The secret ‘sauce’ behind this is a mix of a few things, really. It’s all about our passion for creating top-notch games – that energy is contagious! We’ve got an amazing work environment that people want to be a part of and we’ve got some of the brightest minds in the industry.
It is their dedication and hard work that have been the driving force behind our growth. That growth would not be possible, without a great performing product, and a high demand for our games.
CasinoBeats: Can you tell us about some of the self-development and self-growth resources that you have available at Booming Games?
RP: At Booming Games, we’re big believers in personal growth and development. We offer a wide range of resources to empower our team members in their journey of self-improvement.
We also encourage cross-team collaboration, which serves as a fantastic learning opportunity. Regular knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, brainstorming meetings and mentorship programs provide avenues for continuous learning.
We also actively support attendance at industry conferences, seminars, and workshops. These events not only enhance expertise but also facilitate networking and exposure to the latest trends. We really would like to keep talents in-house. Therefore, we are very much focusing on internal promotions. During this year’s performance reviews, we have promoted 20 extraordinary individuals as a result of their fantastic work.
CasinoBeats: How important are resources such as this when it comes to employee retention?
RP: I think they are absolutely vital when it comes to employee retention. The financial compensation, while very important, covers retention only to a certain extent. People look for more than just a pay-check at the end of the month. They want to be involved, to feel that they are invested in and that the company cherishes their ideas.
These tools allow us to keep everyone more motivated and fuel their creativity. When employees have access to such opportunities for development, it not only enriches their skills but also fulfils their aspirations.
At the end of the day, this is a huge part of what creates the best games in the industry. And this is what we aim for. We want people to be happy and proud that they work at Booming Games.
CasinoBeats: You have more than 40 different nationalities working at Booming Games, which is fantastic! How does this wide array of backgrounds help bring new perspectives to the company? Does this influence the way the company operates at all?
RP: Having a diverse team with this many nationalities at Booming Games is truly fantastic – and we are very proud of it! Other than some small logistics that we have to consider, I can’t say that there’s any operational downside to this.
But with team members from such various regions and backgrounds, we’re constantly exposed to different ways of thinking. And I think that precisely this diversity of thought is what enhances our creativity and broadens our horizons. .
Ultimately, actually having such different viewpoints is what encourages a good collaboration, and by considering a wide range of ideas, we get better outcomes in the end. We will keep on growing and expanding in different locations of the world.
CasinoBeats: Working practices have changed a lot since the pandemic, as we’ve seen many more workforces adopt a remote/hybrid working setup. How do you navigate these changes in work practices whilst also maintaining a strong company culture?
RP: Adapting to the changes is indeed a significant aspect. At Booming Games, we’ve embraced this shift by offering a fully-remote work setup. And even though we’re spread out, we’re still tightly connected.
We’ve woven a virtual thread that keeps us together through our online activities. We kick off new joiners with engaging games, share monthly updates, and organise interactive events that bridge the distance. But it doesn’t stop there.
We’ve got physical offices in Malta and Germany, where we nurture our company culture with in-person seasonal events and the cherished Pizza Fridays. This year is taking our bond to a whole new level. Come September, we’re hosting a get-together in Greece, inviting all our global colleagues to spend five amazing days together. It’s not just an event – it’s a chance to create lasting friendships and strengthen our team spirit.
We’re incredibly excited about this initiative, as it’s a testament to our commitment to fostering meaningful connections, even in a world of remote work. Seeing our colleagues in person is going to be an absolute blast, and we can’t wait for it to happen!
CasinoBeats: What exciting plans do you have in the pipeline for promoting employee wellbeing in 2023?
RP: Employee well-being remains one of the top priorities for us. We’re dedicated to enhancing our efforts in this area through expanding our benefits package. We’re meticulously considering options that cater to various aspects of our team members’ lives, ensuring their overall wellness is addressed.
Furthermore, we’re in the process of evaluating the feasibility of introducing end-of-year bonuses. This potential addition reflects our appreciation for the hard work and dedication our team consistently demonstrates. We are very excited about the great things to follow!
