Skip to main content

Is Gamification the Answer to Employee Motivation?


Source: Freedigitalphotos.net
Many business owners want to motivate employees for better productivity but lack the knowledge how to do it effectively.  This, however, might become easier for managers in future as some businesses now contemplate using gamification to motivate employees while others already successfully implemented this. 

 What is gamification?  Gamification uses game elements such as rewards or badges to reward online users for using a specific service or purchasing a particular product.  In this way users feel appreciated while some might even aspire to gain more rewards.  Game elements also engage users and add a human element to an otherwise impersonal environment.

How can gamification be used in a business environment?  First of all the right software should be obtained and installed on all employees' computers.  Once all employees are registered on the system,  the games can begin.  A good point of departure is for all the other employees to see each others' accolades.  Accolades could be awarded for punctuality, meeting deadlines, solving problems in the business, completing surveys, not taking sick leave or leadership positions, etc. Employees could, for example, earn rewards such as a day off when they reach a specific level or number of points. The possibilities are endless.  By using gaming elements, employees could strive to obtain more accolades than their colleagues or feel proud to be recognised for meeting deadlines or other work-related accomplishments.   Another great advantage of gamification is that employees would  be able to learn more about the business  by engaging in tasks or processes which they otherwise would not have done.  Many young people are used to playing games and would excel in a game-like working environment.

 You might also be interested in my article how gamification can be beneficial for marketing.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

The role of the manager in effective business communication

Happy employees are more productive. Business communication is no longer about how to write a letter, email or use effective writing skills.  It has also extended to other areas in the business, for example, excellent relationships within the business. A manager should not only concentrate on successful communication with its external clients, customers and stakeholders.  The employees of the business actually are   internal clients   and should also be treated with care.  Many scholars refer to this as   internal marketing , a very important feature of good business communication.  Employees’ well-being and work satisfaction play a large role in their productivity and how loyal they will be towards the business.  The role of the manager is to ensure good relationships with and among employees.   A healthy working environment is equally important.  Previous research has indicated that employees also have other career aspirations than only a salary. Unhappy employees as
Read more

Change management process: How to communicate changes

Any change management process requires good communication skills as many employees are naturally resistant to change.  If changes in the business are also not congruent with some employees' self-seeking interests, the challenge for managers is even greater.  Employees also have unique personalities and may react to change differently (also read my post why employees might be resistant to change ). Employees need to prepared for the change in the business and all changes need be reinforced.  What role does communication play in the change management process? Source: Soshable.com Before the changes are implemented, the manager first needs to motivate employees to appreciate the need for the change.   Many employees feel too comfortable in the current status quo and need to see how the changes could benefit them in the long term.   The manager could, for example, communicate current problems in the business and explain how the changes would solve them and also benefit t
Read more

About Ethical Communication and Management's Role

Ethical communication occurs when it is honest, open, fair and mindful of all employees' rights.  It is not surprising that the management of a business could play a pivotal role to set the example to employees.  They should lead by example, reward ethical behaviour as well as create an awareness of ethics in general. The corporate values of the business are imperative in that they guide the ethical behaviour of employees.  It is important for employees to understand the difference between right and wrong behaviour in the workplace. Business' values are usually related but not limited to human rights, employee development, health and safety, discrimination and respect for others as well as working conditions. How can a manager instill ethical communication practices in the business? By, for example: creating an awareness of the values of the business through continuous communication having ethical roundtable discussions with employees blog postings on the business&
Read more