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EDITOR’S QUESTION
LIAM BUTLER, AVP AT SUMTOTAL,
A SKILLSOFT COMPANY
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G
amification is not a new idea, but
efforts have often only focused on
traditional, office-based workers.
Enterprise mobility means work is now
something people can do anytime, anywhere.
This is changing the face of the enterprise
– just look at the increasing popularity of
remote working, flexible hours and the gig
economy. But distance can result in a lack
of engagement, particularly with learning
and development platforms. As a result,
companies need ways of making all workers
feel integrated and engaged – even if they
work tens, if not hundreds of miles away.
By harnessing the natural competitive
drive of employees and the power of
perceived progression and reward, it is
possible to increase levels of motivation and
engagement in workers.
It’s a win-win situation
When it comes to enterprise gamification,
opinion has long been divided between
liberal business leaders, driven by motivation
and productivity, and those who believe that
the traditional disciplined environment is
ultimately more productive. But gamification
in the enterprise is no longer a ‘nice to have’,
it’s a must.
Businesses in particular have a lot to gain
from gamification methodology – it ensures
maximum learning efficiency and minimises
the effects of potential diversions or
distractions by motivating the user to remain
engaged in the content.
Examples of successful gamification projects
are being seen across the globe; transforming
business operations and changing the way
organisations engage and motivate today’s
flexible and mobile employees. For HR teams,
workplace gamification should be an integral
part of performance management and
learning strategy.
www.intelligentcio.com
Gamification in practice
Businesses need look no further than
the modern computer game industry –
particularly those designed for mobile. The
mobile games industry has grown at a
phenomenal rate in recent years, breaking
more than £1 billion in revenue for the first
time in 2017.
Mobile game developers are expertly
applying game mechanics and intuitive user
interfaces to keep players coming back for
more. Opportunities to win rewards, hone
skills, progress through difficulty levels, move
up leader boards and interact with other
players keep gamers interested, engaged
and active over time.
In her 2011 book, Reality is Broken, the
American game designer, Jane McGonigal,
highlighted four key elements she believes
underpin the reward process that motivates
an individual gamer:
1. Satisfying work – the opportunity to
improve and progress
2. A perspective of success – feedback
and rewards
3. Socialising – interacting and connecting
with others
4. Significance – recognition
through leaderboards
Businesses that can harness these
gamification methodologies can amplify
individual employee ambitions, enhance
team collaboration skills and motivate
their workforce to perform and engage
with learning that can be immediately
applied to the realities of their
day-to-day work.
INTELLIGENTCIO
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