DreamWorks Animation Cultivates a Culture of Creativity

How DreamWorks Animation created a work world that captures the imagination of its employees through perks designed to reduce stress.

Presentation by: Muhammad Jazib Soofi

Introduction
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by FORTUNE Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. The Company has theatrically released a total of 25 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Puss in Boots.

DreamWorks makes its culture as bright and animated as its films

One of the fantastic things about being part of the HR department at this company is having a CEO who sees the value in each employee. The roughly 2,000 artists, animators, storytellers, filmmakers and technologists from more than 30 countries who work for DreamWorks Animation are treated to a weekly Monday night screening of new movies, including those from competitors such as Pixar. Sometimes everyone is given a vacation day to celebrate the company's more successful films.

Satterthwaite-HRM Head
"We have a very easy-going, relaxed environment and often make fun of ourselves. - Satterthwaite said Satterthwaite said his challenge is to create a culture fit environment and each artist has great supervision and leadership as well as inspiration and foster a safe haven for storytellers and artists to do their best work If people dont have the right to fail, there is no way for them to succeed. An environment where its OK to fail gives creative work its best chance Every employee has countless opportunities to pitch innovative ideas, whether they be for movie plots or new technology. Each employee is encouraged to be their own CEO, he explained.

DreamWorks Animation Draws on Experience of Mentors to Integrate New Hires

After an orientation, employees spend four to eight weeks training on the company's proprietary software Their strategy: foster spontaneous discussions, encourage risktaking, openly discuss mistakes, share successes which result in 97% retention rate Here are some of DreamWorks' best practices: Make them talk: Casual conversations may lead to breakthrough ideas Steady now: Provide a sense of job securityeven when mistakes happen

Commitment Not to Cut

At an all-staff meeting, executives told the workforce that the company would avoid layoffs at all costs Satterthwaite says that job insecurity would effect the ideas and creativity amongst the employees.

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http://www.cxo.eu.com/article/How-the-dream-works/