Let’s imagine a scene in an office: employees interact in different spaces while participating in the “Feedback Week”a gamified initiative designed to improve key skills and knowledge in the company. Using their mobile devices, employees answer questions and give each other real-time feedback on topics related to their projects and corporate culture. Each correct answer scores points for their teams, and the winning team receives an additional reward, such as a day off.
Delfina, a data analyst, from her desk, responds quickly: “The answer is ‘predictive analytics’!” When he gets it right, his team bursts into applause and celebration. In the cafeteria, Bautista, from the marketing area, celebrates when he sees his team move up in the ranking. Talent Wall of the platform. Nearby, Valentina, new to the company, smiles shyly as she integrates into the team thanks to this dynamic. Beyond fun, these activities develop a sense of belonging and improve productivity, integrating work and play in a natural and motivating way. This scene is just one example of how gamification transforms the work environment and, in particular, human resources departments.
As CEO of Naaloo, a human resources automation platform focused on SMEs, I have witnessed how gamification boosts engagement, strengthens relationships, and improves the work environment. According to a TalentLMS study, 89% of employees say that gamified tasks increase their productivity and satisfaction. These initiatives have become effective strategies to make internal human resources processes more dynamic, participatory and motivating.
Origin and evolution of gamification
The concept of gamification, which consists of applying game elements in non-gaming contexts, became popular in the last decade, although its origin dates back to the 2000s, when researcher Sebastian Deterding proposed its use in areas such as education and marketing. Their studies demonstrated how game design elements can motivate behaviors in people, which led to the adoption of these techniques in human resources.
Deterding stated that “games capture the attention of millions of people around the world to perform tasks that, in other contexts, might be considered trivial. Without a doubt, this capacity can be used for more productive purposes.” This approach gave rise to the application of gamification in different environments, including human resources, where today it allows us to improve not only the work environment, but also the way in which employees connect with the objectives and values of their organizations.
Gamification in the field of human resources
The benefits of gamification in the work environment are multiple. In the field of human resources, this tool is used in training and learning processes, improving knowledge retention and the integration of new collaborators. A study from the University of Colorado showed that people exposed to gamified learning experiences have 20% higher retention compared to those who did not experience them, increasing long-term productivity.
Gamification platforms allow human resources managers to evaluate and track employee performance more effectively. By using points, levels and rewards, it is possible to monitor employee progress and achievements in real time. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates that companies that use gamification tools for performance evaluation report a 14% improvement in the accuracy of their evaluations. This makes it easier to identify areas for improvement and recognize employee achievements.
At Naaloo, we have observed that gamification applied in processes such as talent development and skills assessment allows for faster and more satisfactory adaptation of employees, translating into a more positive and cooperative work environment. Tools like ours Talent Wall and the Social Feed They make achievements and recognitions visible in real time, creating a collaborative and competitive environment.
Success stories and measurable results
Gamification not only makes work more interesting, but also brings tangible benefits. According to a Gallup report, only 15% of employees worldwide feel truly engaged in their work. However, gamification offers an innovative solution, and companies such as SAP, Salesforce, and Microsoft have successfully implemented these elements to improve the performance and satisfaction of their employees. For example, SAP applied gamification to its sales team through a rewards program and leaderboards, resulting in a significant increase in engagement and business results.
Evaluation and monitoring tools
To evaluate the impact of gamification, various metrics can be used, both quantitative and qualitative. In terms of engagementthe frequency of participation in gamified activities and the time invested in them are measured. As for the productivityNaaloo helps organizations monitor employee progress and achievement through tools that record points, levels achieved, and tasks completed. Furthermore, the Talent Wall Naaloo acts as a real-time metric that allows you to analyze the performance of collaborators based on the badges and recognitions they receive, providing accurate data on their level of participation and contributions.
Democratization of access to technology
In Naaloo’s DNA is the democratization of access to technology for SMEs. Strategies such as gamification, which were previously only available to large corporations, can now be used by smaller companies thanks to our platform. It is significant to see how SMEs, even with only 10 employees, can access these tools and activate them according to their needs, obtaining valuable insights about their collaborators and collecting data that allows them to make informed decisions. This helps them focus their efforts and the limited time they have on key areas, optimizing their performance and strengthening their organizational culture.
A comprehensive strategy
Gamification is not just a trend; It is a strategy that, implemented correctly, maximizes the potential of employees and strengthens organizational culture. By integrating these practices efficiently, internal human resources processes become more dynamic and motivating. This not only improves the work environment, but also provides concrete metrics that optimize organizational performance, benefiting both employees and the company.
Naaloo CEO
Source: Ambito
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