Gamification is among the current trends in how employees learn, and it refers to adding elements of games to courses. This interactive learning method is designed to make it easier to go through the steps of an instructional process. Whether we are talking about new professional skills or leadership skills, the accumulation of new knowledge can be achieved more efficiently by gamification of the employee training procedure. In the case of companies, we are talking about the addition of points, badges, or various game-specific rewards when a module is completed or when a certain result is obtained in an ongoing test. There is indeed the best gamification platform, but before that let us be very clear about the subject.
If we refer to the origin of the word “gamification”, it appeared for the first time in the year 2002, when it was invented by the game developer Nick Pelling. Originally, gamification meant “accelerating electronic tools using graphical interfaces in the gaming area”. Over time, the meaning of the term has changed and now refers to the presence or addition of game features in activities that are not commonly considered “games”. It is primarily about computer games and achievements in the online environment, which can be applied in various fields of activity.
Utility in the professional environment
Gamification emerged as a response to the need to adapt to new generations of employees, being a useful digital tool to streamline learning and make people more involved in the training process. Gamification increases employee participation and is an attractive option in their training and career development. Training firms are increasingly responsive and innovative in the methods used to develop customized training programs.
Therefore, the focus is on the learning process and not necessarily on the results obtained. Gamification can prove to be very useful in capturing the attention of employees and making them more motivated to acquire new skills. In the following, we will refer to some benefits of using this learning method among companies.
It accelerates the learning process
When people are rewarded for their efforts, they tend to learn faster and are more willing to do so. Gamification can help you speed up learning, and people can retain information much better than they would through a traditional training method. A LinkedIn study shows that employees who learn intensively are more confident, more successful and also happier at work, which is why you can encourage more learning among them. Gamification can play an essential role in this process, so you can consider it for training programs.
It encourages social interactions
In courses where gamification is present, many elements are included that involve competition between learners, and at the same time offer the chance to relate while learning essential aspects of their trade. Gamification is a method by which people feel part of a team, the sense of belonging is important in professional development and motivation.
Connecting to the organizational culture
When employees benefit from methods that stimulate their engagement, they feel that they are part of a collective. They are more likely to learn and grow with a company that makes them feel connected to a culture that promotes growth and development. Today’s employees want engagement and a culture of development from their company, and gamification in learning is an opportune way to provide these things.
