Game-Based Learning - Training Gamification Ramps Up Employee Engagement

Game-based elearning training gamification

A recent Gallup poll shows that only 29% of employees say they are engaged at work. The flip side of that is that 71% are not. The implications of these numbers are far-reaching. An employee who is not engaged isn’t very likely to be productive. Reduced productivity results in lost revenue for the company, a lack of innovation, and, possibly most importantly, poor attitudes and an overall decrease in morale.

Overcoming the rut that many have fallen into can be difficult. The key to combating this general malaise that seems to have taken over the workplace could be training gamification.

What’s so great about training gamification?

When gamification is properly implemented it can go a long way to motivate employees. They are more likely to work cooperatively with their coworkers and they are energized to tackle their jobs with greater enthusiasm. As time goes on, these actions and attitudes start to happen naturally.

The same impetus that drives a player when playing a video game can also push employees to strive for higher levels of engagement and performance.

Why does it work?

When training gamification is done well, it’s advantageous to a corporation. Here are some of the factors that come into play:

Cooperative learning. The best outcomes are a result of employees working together and frequently collaborating. Challenges can be viewed from different angles and deeper insight is gained when people can bounce ideas off of each other.
Defining clear objectives. In any learning activity, the importance of having specific goals is close to the top of the list. Employees should have a coherent and definite knowledge of what they are supposed to be learning from the activities.
Reading the atmosphere of the office. Knowing the personalities, strengths, and weaknesses of the employees is vital when planning for a training gamification program. Activities can be tailored to their specific needs.

Encouraging advancement. Create a culture of greatness. The goal is for employees to continue advancing in their positions, growing in knowledge, and becoming greater assets to the company.

Elements of successful gamification

There are components that are necessary to facilitate an effective training gamification program in a company.

Tracking the progression. Setting up challenges for learners to complete will keep them engaged and motivated. Having a definite end goal keeps them striving to successfully complete each level as they go.
Assessment and reward. Getting helpful feedback in a timely manner greatly enhances a learning experience and the reward factor can push the learners to complete tasks.
Social media connections. Encouraging connections via Twitter, Facebook, Google +, and other platforms will help build a sense of teamwork and spur employees on to collaborate with coworkers.
Interface and UX. The training experience should be an entertaining and fun one for the employees. The aesthetics should be attractive and draw the learner in.

Training gamification has the power to transform a listless, unengaged workforce into a thriving, engaged team who cares about their work and the good of the company when it is implemented well.

Contact Designing Digitally Inc. to learn how their custom-designed, award winning training gamification programs can have a significant, positive, impact on your workforce.