Benefits of gamification in the workplace
What is gamification?
Gamification is the application of game elements in a non-game context, like the workplace. At work, gamification can be used to enhance employee engagement, and examples of game elements are implemented in employee training and e-learning.
Gamification engages employees in a variety of ways. It has mechanisms for recognition (stimulating progress), feedback, fun and collaboration. These mechanisms are closely related to human drivers, like purpose, autonomy, mastery and relatedness.
Today, gamification is frequently used to attract and retain job candidates’ attention and increase interest in job openings. The traditional recruitment procedure is being replaced with a digitally supported alternative that speeds up the process while also assisting in evaluating the applicant’s future work performance.
Gamification statistics
More and more successful businesses are incorporating gaming elements into their corporate wellness strategies and employee training to improve productivity and engagement on the job. According to research on gamification statistics (source below):
90% of employees say gamification makes them more productive at work,
60% engagement increase with a gamified work experience and 72% of people say gamification motivates them to do tasks and work harder on the job,
67% of students agree that gamified learning is both more engaging and motivating than traditional classes,
Companies that use gamification are seven times more profitable than those that do not use gamified elements at work — whether with employees or consumers.
What are the benefits of gamification in the workplace?
Gamification positively affects engagement. Recent studies show that employees experience a 60% engagement increase with gamification. A survey of 500 business workers found that 30% of respondents said that gamification also leads to an increased desire to be engaged in the workplace.
Gamification is associated with information retention. Incorporating gamification into everyday work and training helps make mundane tasks fun, which, as a result, increases employee skill retention by approximately 40%, according to Gabe Zichermann, author of Gamification by Design.
Gamified environments increase productivity. According to experts, most business owners, teachers, and managers like gamification because it improves knowledge retention, incorporates practical problem-solving into learning environments, presents opportunities to refine skills with little to no risk, and allows instant and automatic feedback. People generally complete tasks faster and are less distracted when actively engaged in the activity.
Gamification makes essential workplace activities and tasks less monotonous and dull. The gamified reward system makes it seem less unpleasant to perform.
Gamification boosts intrinsic motivation and creativity. The dimensions of gamification encourage employees’ freedom of self-expression at work and support their internal motivation. job performance and motivation are creativity – new, potentially fruitful ideas.
Practical notes:
The gamification process that includes a social element is seen as more attractive and enjoyable than the single-player game.
Cooperative gamification is more effective than competitive gamification.
Gamified systems should meet the existing tasks and goals of the organization, including elements that expand employees’ knowledge, skills and abilities. Avoid complex, extra learning requiring instructions as it could cause demotivation.
It is important to have game strategies that meet the organization’s long-term goals.
Gaming systems should include regular feedback and verification mechanisms for employees.
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