Gamification at Work
Apparently work needs to be fun now (thank you, Millennials & younger)!
Gamification is the application of game-like elements to non-game contexts. In the work environment, it typically means adding game-style elements to tasks, making the work experience more engaging and interesting.
I can feel Baby Boomers rolling their eyes right now. WHY should work be made to be more fun? Here are some pretty compelling statistics from a
study by Talent LMS:
- 33% would like more game-like features in their training software
- 61% of respondents receive training with gamification
- 83% of those who received gamified training feel motivated
- 61% who received non-gamified training feel bored and unproductive
- 89% believe they'd be more productive if their work was gamified
Who
wouldn't like work to feel like a game?! As it turns out, gamification in training software is not a new concept at all - it just might be a relatively new term. From the 2019 study above, we see that 61% of employees already receive training with game elements. This could look like badges for completing levels or modules, reward points added for completion as part of an overall employee reward & recognition program, leader boards that are posted on intranets or internal communication channels, etc.
What additional training would employees gamify if they had the chance?:
- 30% picked gamification in corporate compliance
- 18% chose training on products and services
- 16% selected technical skills development training
Still not convinced? Gamification is also tied to motivation, employee engagement and productivity. Here's one expert's very amusing
Tedx Talk on Gamification, and lessons learned from video games. (It's also a cautionary tale reinforcing that where there's a game, there is someone trying to game the system. Work with an experienced firm before trying to add game elements to tasks or training on your own.)
How important is gamification?
Statistics from 2018 found that:
- game elements made employees feel more connected and provide a sense of belonging, and
- game elements provided a greater sense of meaning and purpose in the workplace
Studies as well as current business practices confirm that gamification at work is gaining in popularity and is here to stay. How can game elements be added to your company processes to increase employee engagement, motivation and productivity?
