After the COVID 19 pandemic emerged; numerous businesses shifted to work setups to sustain their activities. As the pandemic eases off; many firms persist in adopting remote work models. Working from a distance comes with benefits, like flexibility and saving money for both businesses and workers nevertheless¸ it can pose difficulties in keeping employees motivated and fostering collaboration, among team members situated in different time zones.
When companies decide to introduce training and development programs for their employees in a work setting they face the challenge of creating innovative and effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of remote workers.
Gamification is an approach to training programs that can enhance engagement and learning retention for employees. According to a report by TalentLMS which revealed that 87 percent of workers appreciate its effectiveness in boosting motivation and participation levels, in work environments.
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Exploring the Gamification System
Gamification is a system that adds game-like features to non-game activities to make them more engaging and enjoyable. Gamification in corporate training integrates game design elements like points, badges, leaderboards, challenges, and rewards to boost engagement, motivation, and learning retention.
This approach turns traditional training into an interactive and competitive experience, using reward-based learning principles to enhance participation and make skill acquisition more engaging.
Benefits of Gamification in Remote Training
As previously discussed, gamification holds significant potential to make remote learning systems more enjoyable. It has demonstrated tangible results in improving employee performance.
A case study by Deloitte revealed that companies implementing gamified training programs experienced a 50% increase in employee engagement and a 48% rise in productivity.
Gamification in remote training enhances employee performance in various ways. Employees become more motivated to actively participate thanks to elements like leaderboards and badges that foster a competitive spirit. Interactive learning experiences help them retain information longer, as challenges and rewards in games can trigger emotional responses that enhance memory.
Furthermore, gamification boosts productivity because employees feel more engaged and motivated, leading to faster task completion and better quality work. Gamification also encourages collaboration through team challenges, helping to build camaraderie even when working remotely.
How to Implement Gamification in Remote Employee Learning Systems
Implementing gamification in remote employee learning systems doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With simple communication tools like WhatsApp groups, companies can develop an effective gamification system.
To track the material that has been learned and completed, companies can utilize various online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, and FreeCodeCamp, which offer courses tailored to the employees’ learning needs.
Additionally, HR should set rewards and incentives, such as shopping vouchers, vacation tickets, or extra leave, to motivate employees to complete learning stages. Implement a leveling and experience system to measure employee understanding, where each module completion or milestone achievement grants experience points that help them level up.
Add competitive elements by creating challenges or competitions among employees or teams, such as who can finish a course the fastest or earn the most points in a month, to boost engagement and team spirit. Also, ensure employees receive continuous feedback and support so they can understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as what they need to improve.
Avoid this Common Mistake!
Leaderboard Blues
Relying on long-term, company-wide leaderboards can initially spark interest but often leads to disengagement as the same names dominate the top spots. This can be demotivating for those who struggle to catch up.
To maintain enthusiasm, consider implementing short, focused competitions with rotating leaderboards. This approach provides everyone with fresh opportunities to shine and keeps the training experience dynamic and engaging.
Unclear Goals and Rewards
Without clearly defined goals and enticing rewards, learners may quickly lose motivation. It’s crucial to establish what learners are working towards from the beginning. Align rewards with these goals to maintain interest and motivation.
For example, awarding badges for completing modules and offering bonuses for high scores can encourage learners to stay on track and strive for mastery.
Disconnect from Learning Objectives
Gamification should enhance, not replace, the learning experience. If the game elements feel disconnected from the training objectives, learners may lose interest and opt for more conventional methods.
Ensure that the game mechanics are directly tied to the learning goals. Keep the design relevant and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complexity that could distract from the core learning objectives.
Success Example from Top Companies Implementing Gamification in Corporate Training
Many organizations have effectively integrated gamification into their corporate learning and development strategies, achieving remarkable outcomes.
In the study “Learning or Playing? The Effect of Gamified Training on Employee Performance,” Assistant Professor Wei Cai and co-authors Ryan W. Buell and Tatiana Sandino explored the impact of gamified training using data from KPMG. KPMG implemented a gamified system called Globerunner to enhance employees’ understanding of its services, aiming to boost revenue.
The previous training methods were unengaging and costly. Globerunner, introduced in 2016, involved a game where employees earned points by answering questions about the company, with features like a global leaderboard to encourage competition.
The study found that gamified training significantly improved employee performance, resulting in a 16% increase in the number of clients, better client retention, and over a 25% rise in fees at KPMG offices using the program.
Afterwords
Gamification offers an intriguing solution to boost the motivation of remote employees in training and development programs. By transforming training programs into engaging experiences through gamification, companies can enhance employee performance and foster team cohesion.
Moving forward, adopting gamification will be key to building a motivated and skilled workforce ready to thrive in various situations, provided it is implemented effectively and correctly.
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