Gamification: How to Improve Employee Engagement
Gamification has gained ground in recent years as an effective tool for motivating employees and improving the work experience.
Applying game dynamics and elements to the work environment can not only make everyday tasks more entertaining, but it also encourages commitment and innovation within the organization.What is gamification?
Gamification is the application of elements and mechanics typical of games in non-recreational contexts, such as education, health or the work environment. It is based on the use of incentives that generate intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in people to perform certain actions.
Gamification works by taking advantage of the same dynamics that make video games so attractive: achievements, rewards, visible progress, and friendly competition. By transferring these elements to the workplace, companies can transform routine activities into more immersive and meaningful experiences.
Benefits of gamification in the company
Implementing gamification strategies within a company can generate a series of benefits, both for employees and for the organization. Some of the highlights are:
- Increased motivation: Employees tend to feel more motivated when they can visualize their progress and receive rewards for their efforts. This promotes greater dedication to assigned tasks.
- Fostering collaboration: Many gamification systems are designed to encourage collaboration between employees, creating more cohesive and dynamic teams.
- Skill Development: Game dynamics allow employees to develop new skills and knowledge in a more interactive and practical way.
- Improved work well-being: The use of gamification can make the work environment more enjoyable and fun, reducing stress and improving employee well-being.
Spanish companies that use gamification
Mutua Madrileña, one of the largest insurance companies in Spain, has incorporated gamification into its strategy with the objective of improving the training and skill development of its employees. The company launched an internal digital training platform where employees can advance by levels, earn points and earn rewards as they complete training modules.
Banco Santander has pioneered the use of gamification to improve collaboration and promote innovation within the organization. The bank implemented an internal gamification program called “Santander Challenge”, designed to involve its employees in solving business problems through collaboration. In this program, employees are challenged to propose innovative solutions to real company problems, and teams that develop the best ideas receive awards and recognition.
Everis, a multinational consultancy based in Spain, has adopted gamification to reinforce the commitment and productivity of its teams. One of the most successful gamification strategies that Everis has implemented is the use of gamified platforms to improve project management. Using these platforms, work teams can set clear goals, assign tasks, and track their progress through a visual interface similar to that of a video game.
Gamification is becoming a key tool for companies seeking to improve the motivation, productivity and commitment of their employees. The examples of Mutua Madrileña, Santander and Everis demonstrate how organizations can take advantage of gaming principles to transform the way they manage talent, promote collaboration and improve overall performance.
However, as with any business strategy, it is important that gamification is aligned with the company’s objectives and that it be implemented carefully, taking into account the needs and expectations of employees. By doing so, companies can create more dynamic, motivating and efficient work environments.
