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Gamification is not just changing the
way we live and interact with our nearby
surroundings, but for organisations is
becoming a key driver for engaging people
in the workplace. Innovative organisations
are already reaping the rewards and its
evident that the future of the workplace will
be influenced by gamification.
Traditionally, the workplace is the last place
you should play games (yes, we’re looking
at you solitaire players). However, forward-
thinking organisations have introduced
table tennis or foosball for employees to
relax, get away from work and socialise with
colleagues. But imagine if you had to play
games to get work done? The term “work
hard, play harder” would gain a whole new
meaning.
Gamification is the application of game-like
elements such as points, leaderboards and
badges to engage and motivate people to
reach a specific goal. The concept is not
new – think frequent flyer programs and
loyalty cards. However, gamification in the
workplace is a fairly recent concept. As
such, organisations are only just getting the
ball rolling. The advancements of mobile,
social and location based tech services have
been key drivers in the rise of Gamification,
yet Gartner also highlights research that
shows 43% believe this is just a trend.
Last summer the unexpected happened, no one saw it coming, least of all her. Handbag in one
hand, iPhone clutched in the other, trying to navigate the uneven cobbled streets of London in
heels. She was on a mission. Yes, she was catching Pokémon. All summer long. As a kid she had
little interest in Pikachu and his friends, but startlingly as an adult Pokémon Go! had gripped her.
Nonetheless she was not ashamed. The game increased her daily step count, helped her to get to
know the local neighbourhood and more pertinently, allowed her to connect with other players at
the office. For the first time in her life, she had become a “gamer” and the thrill was real.
WHAT IS GAMIFICATION?
Gamification in
the Workplace -
It’s a Win-Win