Meet Anna Huang, Jam City’s Operations Director for our San Francisco studios. In our latest Employee Spotlight, Anna reveals what steps she takes to provide a healthy work environment and lists what perks you can expect if you ever find yourself working in Jam City’s San Francisco studios.
What drew you to Jam City?
The people drew me to Jam City. Everyone loved what they were doing and was happy and excited to be at work. The warmth and friendliness I received was contagious and assured me this was the place for me.
Describe your role on the team.
As Operations Director, I oversee the office operations of both of Jam City’s San Francisco studios making sure the workplace runs smoothly and efficiently. Every day, I am fortunate to work and support a variety of people and departments across all Jam City locations. Another part of my role is managing and developing a team in operations—we are small but mighty. My goal is to help them with their career growth and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their job.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
I love helping people and providing them the best quality of work life possible. Whether it be figuring out a solution to a problem, helping find the best resource or blocking time on my calendar for a chat—it’s all about the small things you do for others. I believe a little goes a long way to make others feel appreciated and in turn, it makes my job so much easier.
What steps do you take to build an environment in which employees have room to breathe without burning out?
Part of my job is to understand the energy of the office and what’s to come. Being aware of when events are, when game releases occur, or milestones reached usually prompts good timing for surprise treats and gatherings. These are the moments where people can decompress and celebrate victories big or small.
What are some perks and benefits you bring to the office?
The operations team meet to brainstorm new and exciting things for the San Francisco offices. We switch up the snacks and beverages selections every quarter so there is something new to satisfy and energize employees the moment they step into the office. We bring in bagels every Monday and fresh fruit twice a week—an apple a day keeps the doctors away!
We hold happy hours, movie nights, game nights, team-specific outings and recognize new hires, promotions and work anniversaries. Throughout the year we incorporate theme days such as Fancy Friday (with wine), Plaid Day, Onesie Day and Sports Day, to name a few. Recently we celebrated Pride with a happy hour and cotton candy and the World Cup where TVs were set up around the office—employees came dressed in their favorite team’s attire!
We’re always thinking of ways to give back to the community that’ll bring joy to others. Our most recent event was the backpack drive where employees donated backpacks, pencils, markers and other school supplies. During the Holidays we participate in Adopt A Family, Food Drives, and serve at the local food bank.
Jam City SF organized a Backpack Drive just in time for the back to school season.
What do you think makes Jam City stand out as a trailblazer in the gaming industry?
The people we hire. Jam City has the most amazing culture out of all the places I’ve worked and the atmosphere is friendly and supportive. People are smart, creative and passionate about what they do and it clearly shows in their day to day interactions and deliverables.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned while working at Jam City?
First is having a sense of humor! Things pop up all the time and I’m often being pulled in all directions. I’ve learned that things rarely go as planned so you can’t take it personally. Laughing it off at the end of the day usually saves my sanity. Second, forward thinking. Being aware of what will come next and mitigating risks before it happens. And lastly, be assertive and firm in your delegation, goals and personal limits.
What advice would you give other employees about how to succeed in their role?
Never stop looking for opportunities to help you learn, grow, and become a better version of your current self. Meet up for coffee with others to hear their story and find out their tricks and best practices. There is always room for growth because when you find the cross between what you love to do and what you are good at, everything changes.
