Canada studio bids for ‘no crunch’ certificate

Quebec-based indie group Frima wants to be the first game studio to work under new ‘Work-Family Standard’ rules across the region.

This week the developer invited Yolande James, the Quebec Minister of Family, to the studio in a bid to promote its work-life practices.

James announced at the studio a new Work-Family Standard for local businesses – a list of guidelines aimed to improve general wellbeing of workers in the area.

The wider aim is to attract and retain top talent, Frima said.

Similar to business environmental standards established years ago, local firms would soon be able to apply for a Work-Family certification.

The qualification will only be given to businesses that operate under fair work-life policies, Frima said.

The move comes while numerous games studios around the globe burden staff with unhealthy workloads.

"We truly believe in work and family balance as an investment for our company, rather than an expense,” said Frima CEO Steve Couture.

“We care about our employees’ lives outside of the workplace and we plan to be the first in line to apply for the new standard certification.”