Gamification has become a popular buzzword in the world of human resources (HR). Gamification involves the use of game design principles and mechanisms in non-game contexts with the goal of improving engagement, motivation and productivity. HR departments use gamification techniques to achieve a variety of objectives, from recruitment and onboarding to employee training and performance management

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Application gamification in HR

One way HR departments use gamification is by adding game-like elements to the hiring process. For example, companies can create a virtual scavenger hunt or quiz that candidates must complete as part of the interview process. Not only do these interactive activities make the process more engaging, but they also allow employers to evaluate how candidates handle different aspects of the job

Please also read more about the meaning of E-HRM

Onboarding with gamification

Another area where gamification is used in HR is in onboarding. New employees are often faced with an overwhelming amount of information, which can lead to disorientation and disinterest. By applying gamification to onboarding, companies can break down the information into bite-sized pieces and present it in an interactive, playful way. This can improve new employee engagement and retention

Gamification for better performance

Gamification can also be used to improve employee performance. For example, companies can use gamification to encourage employees to reach certain goals, such as meeting sales targets or completing training sessions. By awarding points, rewards or badges to employees who achieve certain goals, employers can improve performance and increase engagement at work

Benefits and disadvantages

Applying gamification in HR can have many advantages, but there are also some disadvantages to consider

Advantages:

• • Increased engagement: it can increase employee engagement by making work more fun and challenging.

• • Increased motivation: using game elements, such as scores, badges and rewards, can motivate employees to perform better.

• • Increased retention: it can improve information retention because employees learn and remember information in a playful way.

• • More data on performance: it allows employers to collect data on employee performance, which can be used to improve future performance.

• • Improved recruitment: using gamification in the recruitment process can increase candidate engagement and help attract better candidates.

Disadvantages:

• • Cost: It can be expensive to implement, especially if custom gamification software is required. The pricing of parties like ENBOQ are very competitive in this regard.

• • Potential negative reactions: some contributors may view gamification as childish and others may view it as manipulative.

• • Possible focus on short-term goals: it may cause employees to focus more on short-term goals, rather than the company’s long-term strategy.

• • Possibility of cheating: if the reward system is not properly designed, employees may try to manipulate gamification to get rewards without delivering the performance required to do so.

• • Possible distraction from core activities: too much gamification can distract from core work activities, reducing employee productivity and efficiency.

Companies should carefully consider whether gamification is appropriate for their specific organization and goals and get a clear picture of the investment needed

Gamification and the new generation employees

Gamification can be an effective way to engage and motivate the new generation of employees, millennial and Generation Z. This generation has grown up in an environment where gaming and technology play a major role

Millennials and Generation Z employees are looking for a job that gives them satisfaction and in which they can grow and develop. Gamification can help with this by making work more fun and challenging, which can lead to increased engagement and motivation. By using game elements, such as scores, badges, rewards and instant feedback, employees can track their progress and earn rewards, making them feel more engaged in their work and more motivated to perform better

In addition, millennials and Generation Z employees have grown up with technology and are often well versed in using digital tools. Gamification is therefore an attractive way to use and develop their digital skills while improving their job performance

Gamification and ENBOQ

ENBOQ has the knowledge and experience to effectively use gamification for reboarding, preboarding and onboarding in combination with onboarding programs to make onboarding new employees more efficient and fun

Please also check out the onboarding masterclass by one of our founders, Dexter Versluis