5 Ways Passion‑Driven Companies Can Boost Employee Productivity

In the global gaming industry, where creativity, innovation, and rapid iteration are daily requirements, companies are constantly seeking new ways to support productive and motivated teams. Finnish game studio Fingersoft, known for the hit Hill Climb Racing franchise, has become a standout example of how a passion-industry company can help employees do their best work while feeling their best, too.

Daniel Fischer, Producer of Fingersoft’s latest game, Hill Climb Racing 3, explains five practical ways the company elevates productivity in a uniquely human-centred, creativity-driven way.

Explore Shorter Working Days for Better Work–Life Balance

Perhaps one of Fingersoft’s boldest productivity strategies is its 6-hour working day initiative. Instead of measuring success by hours spent behind a desk, the company focuses on actual results. In addition, they offer hybrid work possibilities. Shorter days encourage better work-life balance, fewer distractions, more focused work periods, reduced burnout and improved satisfaction and retention. Fingersoft introduced 6-hour working days in 2021, and the number of employees using this option has remained stable since then. If an employee opts to work 80% of the hours (6 hours per day), Fingersoft compensates them with 90% of their salary.

Bring Wellness into the Workplace with an Office Sauna

As a proud Finnish company, Fingersoft embraces one of Finland’s most beloved cultural traditions – the sauna – right inside the office. The sauna isn’t just a perk; it’s a space for relaxation, recovery, and informal connection. It usually takes too long to heat the sauna during the day, but it is a nice way to relax at the end of the working week. Stepping into the warm, calming environment helps employees unwind both physically and mentally, reducing stress and boosting overall well-being. It also creates a natural setting for casual, low-pressure conversations that often lead to stronger team relationships and fresh ideas. To make it inclusive for all, Fingersoft has slightly deviated from the ‘official traditions’ and opted for a swimsuit sauna.

Create an Attractive Office Environment that People Want to Use

Fingersoft understands that a great office is more than just a workspace – it’s a place where ideas collide, teams collaborate, and energy flows. Rather than mandating in-person work, the company focuses on making the office environment so appealing that employees naturally choose to spend time there. There’s even a “proto lounge” where people can test in-development games in a relaxed atmosphere and give feedback, all while having coffee and chatting with colleagues.

Encourage Break Activities to Boost Creativity

In creative roles, stepping away from a challenging task can often unlock new ideas. Fingersoft embraces this with a wide culture of break-friendly activities available during the workday. For example, employees can work out in the company gym, play pool or ping-pong, play with musical instruments on-site, relax with coffee and fruits, and take advantage of a monthly massage during working hours. By giving employees the freedom to recharge, Fingersoft helps them return to their tasks sharper, more energized, and more creative.

Support Free-Time Activities to Strengthen Team Bonds

Fingersoft goes beyond work hours by investing in its employees’ hobbies and social lives. The company offers office spaces for personal use after hours and even financially supports hobby groups. Some employee-led groups include band jam sessions, playing floorball, board games, DnD sessions, miniature painting, and more. The company also encourages regular team outings to spend more time together in a relaxed and fun way.

Fingersoft’s approach shows that productivity in the passion industries isn’t about pressure – it’s about people. By fostering an inspiring workplace, encouraging meaningful breaks, supporting free-time hobbies, offering genuine flexibility, and experimenting with shorter workdays, Fingersoft proves that employee well-being and high performance are not opposing goals.

About Fingersoft

Fingersoft is a Finnish game studio that creates fun-filled content for mobile devices. The company is famous for its worldwide smash hits, Hill Climb Racing and Hill Climb Racing 2, with the upcoming Hill Climb Racing 3 now in soft launch in select countries. Combined, Fingersoft’s games have accumulated over 2.5 billion downloads across platforms and generated over €220 million in net revenue. Founded in 2012, Fingersoft employs over 100 people and is headquartered in Oulu, Finland, with another office in Helsinki. For more information, please visit fingersoft.com