There is a certain buzz around applying gamification to employee-centric initiatives, often in the area of learning and development. Most Learning and development experts are of the opinion that the domain lends itself to constant innovation & discovery of newer approaches to increase the learner engagement score. There are numerous innovations in the L&D framework which lends itself to the "segment of one" principle, involving hyper-customization of both process and outcomes. however, none come as close as gamification does.

The desire to 'win' is a basic human emotion. Given the chance to see how we rank against one another, the vast majority are likely to move to increase performance. Taking into account the implementation, it is essential to be cognizant of the fact that gamification fosters interactivity and fun, not added pressure. Gamification elements need to be utilized to encourage delight and excitement. Taking a closer look at the employees and what makes them tick may provide better insights to the L&D experts on what precisely shall entail a “fun” learning experience.

Besides winning, we all love to be rewarded for our work and recognized for the effort we put in. With the help of gamification, one can implement incentives that encourage competition, while additionally providing tangible awards for performance, resulting in increased employee engagement and fun.

Gamification – in nutshell!

Gamification is the process of adding motivational components, based on sound game theory and mechanics, to the learning and development framework, in order to build user engagement. In elementary terms, gamifying the learning experience incorporates leaderboards, badges, high scores and contests, with regular announcements - almost like a school fete or festival!

Badges, Points and Leaderboards

The implementation of gamification includes the utilization of badges and points. Research indicates that those badges alone were not a sufficient motivator to drive measurable change in performance, hence Leader boards were introduced. Leader boards are a public place for acknowledgement and helps build achievement motivation. One needs to define clear and transparent "rules" that direct where a learner may fall on the Leaderboard.

Collecting Badges and Points

Scoring systems are an incredible method to ignite learner engagement and excitement. It makes it simple to create badges for the programs within the learning ecosystem. A badge is similar to a medal, where the user gains every time upon completion of a particular course/action on the platform. Badges have points that are given to the user, and points can be turned into coins that learners use in the Rewards Marketplace.

Rewarding User Behaviour

A rewarding system can help elevate the bragging rights from a position on the Leader board into real items.

Gamification can be used to make learning really pay off, and not just in terms of career progression and growth. Individuals are often more willing to participate and compete if there are meaningful rewards & recognition to be won.  

Gamification for the Win

As a methodology, gamification within the learning platform experience is likely to encourage learners to invest their time in the opportunities available to them. By knocking at people’s desire to be at the top and be recognized for their achievements, one can increase the engagement in the learning programs. 

Most importantly, L&D professionals want to be able to see if their learning strategies are actually making a difference and enhancing competencies within their organization. Through an efficient mapping strategy, increased engagement can be translated into time saved, key positions filled through lateral movements and promotions and revenue enhanced/protected. How's your game?