Can’t get focused? Introduce gamification to increase productivity and concentration on any project, at meetings, or in team building events.
The American Library Association has identified gamification as a trend expected to transform libraries, education, businesses, and beyond in 2017. Additionally, Forbes contributor Daniel Newman, principal analyst of Futurum Research and CEO of Boardsuite Media Group, believes that “digital transformation reshapes every aspect of a business” and predicts that this year “gamification will go from a footnote to a core business strategy.”
What is gamification? According to Ben Brown, author of The Psychology of Gamification in 2016: Why It Works, “gamification is the process of using game-like elements in business and marketing strategies. In fact, it’s a very clever use of psychology.”
Why it works:
- Gamification taps into intrinsic motivators
- Gamification connects the dots between employee motivation and company success
- Gamification is data-driven
- Gamification is sustainable
- Gamification enhances loyalty and drives revenue
Furthermore, Gartner found that lack of engagement contributes to the failing of 70% of business transformation efforts. What motivates employees at work? Recognition, rewards and a sense of competition are all strong motivators. People like to work in energizing, fun environments where they feel like they make a difference.
Engaged employees are essential for business success. Motivating workers today is more difficult, but more necessary than ever as large shifts are expected in many industries facing numerous disruptors.
A great example of a workplace tool that puts the principles of gamification into practice is the FISH! Philosophy. This technique uses a system of training cues and rewards, combined with various incentives, to enhance employee performance as well as customer participation and satisfaction.
Another way to incorporate gamification and engage employees at work has been to add puzzles, and even toys to meeting and office spaces. For example, fidget spinners were identified as one of the hottest toys of 2017 and research suggests they improve concentration and focus in adults as well as children.
Are you playing at work?