The Role of Gamification in Workplace Training
Employee training is indispensable for organizational growth. While traditional methods sometimes miss the mark in engagement, the buzz around gamification promises to revolutionize employee training. Both Harvard Business Review and Business News Daily have recently highlighted the profound impact of gamified training, especially in a remote setting.
Understanding Gamification
Gamification, as defined by both sources, is the application of game-like mechanics in non-gaming scenarios. When applied to the workplace, gamification can foster engagement, loyalty, and retention, especially crucial for remote workforces. As Paul Gordon from Rymax Marketing Services put it, gamification incorporates training into an environment that's fun, progressive, and resonates with modern employees.
Gamification in Harassment and Bystander Intervention Training
One area where gamification shows promise is in workplace harassment and bystander intervention training. Traditional training mechanisms in these sensitive areas often struggle with engagement, and participants may feel detached or overwhelmed. Gamification, however, offers an interactive way to learn, practice, and understand complex scenarios in a controlled environment.
By creating realistic virtual scenarios, employees can navigate difficult situations, make decisions, and see real-time consequences without the fear of making mistakes in a real-world setting. This fosters a deeper understanding of harassment issues and equips employees with the confidence to intervene effectively as bystanders.
Moreover, gamified modules can provide immediate feedback on choices made, enabling employees to reflect and learn from their actions. This interactive, engaging, and safe environment could be a game-changer in addressing workplace harassment, making training not only informative but also empowering.
The Power of Play in Learning
Gamified training, with its intrinsic elements of play, leads to higher engagement and concrete business outcomes. Business News Daily emphasizes that gamification taps into our innate desire for play, making learning both enjoyable and engaging. Some of the key benefits include:
Increased Engagement: Games naturally captivate, making training more immersive.
Sense of Progression: Gamification sets clear goals, motivating progress.
Immediate Feedback: Games offer quick responses for real-time adjustments.
Competition and Collaboration: Fostering camaraderie and motivation.
Appealing to Younger Generations: Gamified onboarding resonates with digitally native employees.
Practical Applications of Gamification in Training
Gamified modules, such as KPMG's Globerunner, have been shown to deepen company knowledge and amplify business outcomes. Business News Daily suggests identifying activities with low engagement, like professional development programs or workplace harassment training, and gamifying them to enhance participation.
Real-World Examples
Several companies have successfully integrated gamification into their training programs. Here are a few examples:
KPMG Globerunner: Engaging and leading to business outcomes.
Deloitte's Leadership Academy: Uses gamification for leadership.
IBM's Innov8: Gamified simulation for business processes.
Duolingo for Business: Initially for language, now broadened.
Overcoming Challenges
While gamification holds promise, challenges are inevitable:
Balancing Fun and Learning: Prioritize effective learning.
Ensuring Inclusivity: Avoid demotivation from excessive competition.
Monitoring and Assessment: Ensure genuine learning.
Technology Requirements: Access to required tools.
Charlene Li from PA Consulting highlights the need for meaningful gamification, emphasizing the necessity of buy-in from employees. It's crucial to regularly refresh and evaluate gamification strategies to maintain engagement.
Conclusion
Gamification, endorsed by both HBR and Business News Daily, stands as a potent tool for employee training, especially in areas like workplace harassment and bystander intervention. With careful implementation, it promises engagement and tangible business results. As organizations prioritize employee development, gamification will undeniably shape the future of workplace learning.
Contact Wagner Legal PC for more information about our customized workplace training services, including virtual reality workplace training. And don’t forget to subscribe to receive the Legal Cut, a newsletter built to keep you informed with the latest legal insights of the entertainment industry!
Sources: "Does Gamified Training Get Results?" - Harvard Business Review, 2023; Business News Daily.
