An Argument for Workplace Gamification

As the old saying goes, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” The question is, how much do you really want a “dull boy” doing all of your business’ important work? This concern isn’t uncommon among businesses nowadays, which helps to explain the rise in gamification that has happened lately. Let’s explore what gamification is, and if it has any benefits that interest you.

First, let’s look at the concept of gamification a little more closely.

What is Workplace Gamification?

In a nutshell, gamification is the concept of taking elements of games (the parts that make them fun) and introducing them into business processes with the intention of boosting engagement and productivity.

For instance, many applications and computer software exist today that appeal to young children with bright colors and animated characters guiding them along a storyline. However, these applications actually encourage them to learn by only allowing progress through their successful completion of activities based upon math or literature. As a result, learning is made “fun” by associating it with an enjoyable activity, which is a natural motivator.

This source of motivation is just as effective among adults, and so it has been employed in more and more business applications.

How Can the Workplace Be Gamified?

Regardless of how long an employee has been at your company, their experience has the potential to be boosted in some way or another, largely thanks to how simple it can be to gamify a business process.

For instance:

• Those in training can be introduced to assorted workplace requirements and procedures via gamified learning portals.
• Established employees can be incentivized by gamified rewards and recognition to accomplish more and abide by proper procedures.
• Ongoing training can be made far more efficient and less time-consuming through a gamified structure.
• Your employees can receive feedback and correction in real time, helping them to identify their mistakes and adjust their actions.

Furthermore, the engagement that gamification can bring can be directed to the benefit of your employees and their overall well-being. Instead of gamifying their tasks during the day, some companies have elected to gamify their employees’ health and well-being. Sedentary jobs are notorious for their adverse effects upon health, so gamified challenges are used in conjunction with fitness trackers to try to promote employees to be active whenever possible. As healthier habits are established, absenteeism drops, as healthier employees are less likely to require sick days.

Finally, and perhaps most obviously, gamification can be used as a team-building tool. A prime example is in the explosion of company-based eSports teams, where coworkers compete in a video game. This has worked both with individual employees pitted against one another or with coworkers playing alongside each other as a group against another group of players. While teamwork and communication are developed, the engagement this can bring to a workforce really shines… even more so when the organization of it is left to the employees, and not management.

While we aren’t known for our involvement in the gaming industry, Walsh IT Group can help make your team’s time more productive in other ways! To learn about our IT solutions, give us a call at (832) 295-1445!