Most of us remember playing computer games as children, and many of us probably have that favourite gaming app we can’t live without. Games have been part of our social consciousness for thousands of years; the oldest board game recorded is from Egypt, 3500 BC.
It might be that gaming is such a strong part of our identity, that it actually can play a part in a successful workplace, an idea previously thought to be the antithesis of productivity. Enter the concept of gamification, an increasingly popular mode of motivation for the workforce the world over.
53% of technology stakeholders said that by 2020, the use of gamification will be widespread.
Gamification is the process of incentivising participation in something (in this case, the workplace and work responsibilities) with game-like factors. Simply put, gamification employs recognisable game design elements into a non-game context, and the result is improved productivity, engagement and user satisfaction. Many industries are beginning to experiment with the concept of gamification in order to achieve a more impressive output in the workplace, as business leaders recognise its ability to inspire and spark employees’ capacity.
“43% of employees are motivated by new technology” – Video Meeting Integrations Infographic
RoadWarrior
SAP introduced a gaming app called RoadWarrior, recognising a need for their sales team to increase their learnings with complex sales meetings. Using the app, which takes real examples and data, the sales team participate in ‘virtual meetings’; answering questions successfully results in badges.
The team were able to compete against each other on a global leaderboard, unlocking more advanced levels as they moved through the game. Not only were the team improving their skills, the app also doubled as a reference sheet in real situations with clients.
Game On – What Does This Mean for Workspace Technology?
So how will workspace technology evolve and is there a future for gamification in workspace? Why not, says John Hilderbrands, Director of Pre-Sales Consultancy at Condeco. He explains how gaming and workplace technology will be able to work together in the very near future.
“It’s play that helps us do serious things better” – Daniel Debow, Salesforce SVP
Condeco can be part of the gamification experience. Using Power Bi and Condeco data, it’s possible for our customers to create gamification apps – in fact, our customers are asking us about this now. Using technology to create gamification in the workplace can help the businesses reform transparency and trust, while letting employees know that their efforts are being noticed, and that they’re making a difference.
“Fully engaged people create greater business impact.” – Paul Carder, Remote Working Whitepaper
How can you implement gamification into your workplace? Gamification tools usually come in the form of an app or online platform, offering a point or badge-based system. It can be as simple as earning points for releasing meetings back into the booking system, releasing your desk when you are on annual leave, being the first person to check into a meeting or turning up to meetings on time.
Those who succeed in meeting these requests then receive rewards. Combining these simple actions together with your own workplace culture can create a situation that benefits everyone – more targets are met, employees feel valued, and the ethos of your business values are reflected in the actions of the workforce.
Play is an essential part of creating a strong workplace culture, especially for millennials. – WORKTECH Academy Director Professor Jeremy Myerson, The business of play: are we infantilising the workforce?
Instead of a points system, businesses can also consider using a certificate/badges functionality. Giving your workforce accreditation, or perhaps depending upon seniority, employees can earn shares in the company, bonuses or pay rises.
Gamification in the workplace can be an extremely powerful tool – using learning and games designed to tap into the human psychology to drive productivity and employee engagement, it’s ultimately a win/win for the business and the employee.
