People are playful and competitive. So why not bring that into the workplace too? Motivate your employees with gamification, which fuels enthusiasm for company challenges and tasks.
Employee motivation is not just about financial bonuses or the latest company phone. True engagement arises when people feel challenged, have clear goals, and receive instant feedback. And that’s exactly where gamification comes in. It can also improve teamwork, satisfaction, and overall employee engagement.
So, what exactly is gamification?
Gamification is a major trend. It’s about actively using game elements to increase employee engagement and motivation. This can include rewards, competitions, levels, or challenges. A project must contain a clear goal, a reward, and quick feedback. Ideally, it should be simple so that everyone fully understands what it’s about and how to proceed.
And why does it work so well?
Playing is natural. People enjoy games, and they’re also an effective way of learning that we mainly used in childhood and at school. It worked well back then, so why not apply some of these elements at work too? Games also give employees the chance to experience success and recognition – something there can never be too much of. It all works on the principle of dopamine, the feel-good hormone released by the brain when we receive a reward (a badge, a point, a spot on the leaderboard, or praise).
The simplest way to introduce gamification in your company is Verso
Gamification can be applied across various HR processes – for example in recruitment, training, or motivation. But the simplest way is to integrate gamification into employee benefits Take, for instance, the Carpooling feature from the Verso Eco Solutions package. With Carpooling, employees can share rides to and from work. This not only saves the planet but also cuts their costs. A meaningful and eco-friendly activity that strengthens the team spirit while also serving as a form of gamification. Both drivers and passengers earn badges for using Carpooling, showing everyone that they too are helping to protect the environment. Employees can even compete with each other to see who collects the most badges.
What should you watch out for?
For example, not everyone will find gamification appealing – and that needs to be respected. Don’t force employees to take part in competitions and challenges if they don’t want to. Rewards in gamification should also be more symbolic than financial; employees shouldn’t be collecting points just for the sake of bonuses.
A well-designed game at work is not only fun but also the most natural way to keep employees satisfied, motivated, and productive. What are your experiences with gamification?
