Every company needs to optimize its market performance, ensuring better results for all its stakeholders. To this end, it is necessary to have more committed, motivated, and productive employees — a goal that is entirely possible through the use of gamification in businesses.
By investing in gamification, it is possible to make all tasks more fun and challenging, even the monotonous ones. Knowing this, some of the largest companies in the world already utilize this strategy to maximize their results in the operational environment.
With this in mind, in this text we will explain what gamification is, its benefits, and the main tips on how to use it. Continue reading and stay on top of the subject!
What is gamification
Gamification refers to the use of game elements to motivate target audiences in performing a task or even stimulate “out of the box” thinking to solve complex problems and situations. Its first approach was in 2000, by business consultant Nick Pelling. Since then, gamification has been applied in various sectors.
The fact is that a large part of daily tasks are boring and tiring, so why not make them more interesting? Why not awaken the curiosity of professionals?
With gamification, these needs can be met. Daily tasks become more dynamic, professionals accumulate points as they perform them, have an always-updated leaderboard, and, when they complete the challenge, they are rewarded. This strategy can also be used in training, recruitment, and talent selection. Even with customers, as a relationship marketing action.
In the case of problem-solving or change management, it is common to associate this tool with Design Thinking. Thus, it is possible to awaken the team’s creativity, initiating prototyping and idea experimentation processes.
Tips for putting it into practice
Now that you know what gamification means, it is time to discover how to apply it in day-to-day operations. Since there is no specific step-by-step guide, we will provide some suggestions that deserve attention and can be decisive for the success of your strategy. Check them out:
Create a healthy challenge
Transform current tasks or goals into a challenge for the team, where everyone can accumulate points and win the game. Remember to manage this challenge to prevent it from turning into excessive competition. After all, everyone works toward the same goal.
Define clear rules and objectives
It is necessary to make clear to all participants what needs to be done (the objective), as well as the rules that will balance the game. Do not forget that these objectives must be aligned with the broader vision of the company, serving as an additional step toward growth.
Show team progress
Offer feedback in short cycles, ensuring everyone stays focused. According to GPTW (Great Place to Work), professionals who receive 3 or more feedbacks per year prove to be more confident in carrying out their activities.
Implement playful elements
This makes the process more fun and motivating. See examples: mascots, badges, trophies, and even a leaderboard. At Teclógica, for example, we use mascots in projects as a way to unite the team around a common goal.
Reward efforts
One of the greatest motivations for advancing in the game is the final reward, so be sure to define it. It can vary greatly depending on each company — it is possible to offer financial bonuses or tangible prizes, for example.
Benefits of gamification in companies
There are a series of positive results that this strategy brings to the company, such as professional motivation, increased team spirit, and greater interest in participating in daily tasks.
Many companies already use this technique. A North American car manufacturer, by using gamification to train sales teams, saw a 417% increase in the use of its learning portal, for example.
Now that you are up to speed on the subject, be sure to apply our tips in your company, turning daily tasks into something more dynamic. In the end, everyone will benefit across various levels and areas.
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